#1
Posted: 5/25/12 at 7:52am
I think the John Williams recording is infinetly better as a recording than the 1965. The orchestrations seem to have more depth, much more epic as well.
1971 Fiddler Recording Better Than 1965
#2
Posted: 5/25/12 at 8:02am
John Williams worked magic on the Sheldon Harnick/Jerry Bock score. It earned him an Academy Award for Best Music, Scoring Adaptation and Original Song Score. An award that was richly deserved.
In all fairness though the comparison is basically unfair. On Broadway not as many musicians are employed to create the epic sound a Hollywood studio orchestra is able to produce.
The orchestrations, therefore are not as expansive as their movie counterparts.
In many cases the sparseness and simplicity of a theatrical orchestration versus a motion picture orchestration can be more satisfying but in the case of FIDDLER I would have to agree that although there is nothing wrong with the original orchestrations used for the original 1965 production, Williams' film adaptations are beautifully done.
Easily one of my favorite motion picture soundtracks.
In all fairness though the comparison is basically unfair. On Broadway not as many musicians are employed to create the epic sound a Hollywood studio orchestra is able to produce.
The orchestrations, therefore are not as expansive as their movie counterparts.
In many cases the sparseness and simplicity of a theatrical orchestration versus a motion picture orchestration can be more satisfying but in the case of FIDDLER I would have to agree that although there is nothing wrong with the original orchestrations used for the original 1965 production, Williams' film adaptations are beautifully done.
Easily one of my favorite motion picture soundtracks.
#3
Posted: 5/25/12 at 8:09am
And that overture with soloist Isaac Stern will never be beat.
But I agree, you really can't compare them. Different requirements and different limitations.
It's funny, even with this early John Williams adaptation, I can hear shades of E.T. and other Williams scores, particularly in his work on "Wonder of Wonder, Miracle of Miracles." The intro could easily be Elliot flying across the moon.
But I agree, you really can't compare them. Different requirements and different limitations.
It's funny, even with this early John Williams adaptation, I can hear shades of E.T. and other Williams scores, particularly in his work on "Wonder of Wonder, Miracle of Miracles." The intro could easily be Elliot flying across the moon.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
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#4
Posted: 5/25/12 at 8:55am
The orchestrations may be more enhanced but I'd rather listen to Zero Mostel and Maria Karnilova over Topol and Norma Crane anyday
The problem with the movie Fiddler is Topol. I can't listen to that recording.
The problem with the movie Fiddler is Topol. I can't listen to that recording.
#5
Posted: 5/25/12 at 9:08am
I think Topol's Oscar-nominated performance in the movie is brilliant. Mostel's performance is great for the stage and for this musical when it was originally conceived with its Chagal-like sets, etc. Theatrical, impressionistic.
Topol was chosen for the film because it had a realistic setting, and even though he had played the role on the London stage (and was way too young for the part), his approach was more realistic. He sounded authentic, too. Mostel would have seemed like a cartoon playing Tevye in that setting.
Topol was chosen for the film because it had a realistic setting, and even though he had played the role on the London stage (and was way too young for the part), his approach was more realistic. He sounded authentic, too. Mostel would have seemed like a cartoon playing Tevye in that setting.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
Updated On: 5/25/12 at 09:08 AM
#6
Posted: 5/25/12 at 9:17am
Was the obc of Fiddler miked? If not, that should also be factored in to any judgment on the orchestrations.
#7
Posted: 5/25/12 at 9:29am
They would have had amplification of some kind (general floor mics, most likely), but there's no way they could have orchestrated as heavily as they do in today's shows.
But keep in mind, back then many cast albums hired extra musicians for their recordings and sometimes modified the orchestrations as well.
But keep in mind, back then many cast albums hired extra musicians for their recordings and sometimes modified the orchestrations as well.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
#8
Posted: 5/25/12 at 10:12am
I like the movie orchestrations, but still...Zero or Topol? C'mon!
#9
Posted: 5/25/12 at 10:15am
^ It's the American Idol "game show/reality show" contest mentality.
You have to pit people or things against each other and vote for one while trashing the other.
You have to pit people or things against each other and vote for one while trashing the other.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
#10
Posted: 5/25/12 at 3:03pm
Setting aside Tevye's, I actually prefer Norma Crane's Golde over any other. I really enjoy the much lower key she sings in (I'm sure somebody with a bit more musical knowledge could clarify, but to me it sounds like she simply sings everything down an octave). The other Goldes all sound too harsh to me in that higher key that is used on stage.
#11
Posted: 5/25/12 at 5:04pm
I loved Norma Crane in this as well. Beautiful performance. Too bad she was battling breast cancer while filming and died soon after.
#12
Posted: 5/25/12 at 5:13pm
Exactly, Carlos. I was so sorry to hear she had passed so soon after this film.
She is a brilliant Golde. My personal favorite. Such passion and such heart.
She is a brilliant Golde. My personal favorite. Such passion and such heart.
"Jaws is the Citizen Kane of movies."
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
blocked: logan2, Diamonds3, Hamilton22
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