Anyone know what the actual cadenza at the end of "think of me" is?

[operadiva1979]

Posted: 1/5/05 at 6:13pm

I know it's not the version in the sheet music (on the OLCR), and it's not what Emmy Rossum sings in the movie. Anyone know what the actual cadenza is? Is it on another cast recording (e.g. canadian cast)?? thanks!

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/5/05 at 6:15pm

I used to work at the theatre when it first opened and it was different for every Christine I had ever seen play the role. I know this doesn't answer your question, but I believe it's open for interpretation.

[Joshua488]

Posted: 1/5/05 at 6:18pm

Okay, hold on. I'm a bit confused! There's another cadenza? There is the one Sarah Brightman sings on the OLCR, which is written in the original PHANTOM songbook that I have. Then there is the alternate one that Emmy Rossum sings in the film. But there is a THIRD version??

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/5/05 at 6:22pm

There might be more than three. Patti Cohenauer (sp?), the original Christine alternate, sang a cadenza which was different than the one Sarah Brightman sang. I believe Rebecca Luker's cadenza was also different.

[Joshua488]

Posted: 1/5/05 at 6:45pm

Interesting...! I never knew there were different versions. I just thought that Sarah Brightman's version was the way it was meant to be, and I assumed Emmy Rossum must have found it too difficult or something, so she had an alternate. I learn something new every day! LOL

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/5/05 at 6:47pm

Forgot to add this one. The Christine (Rebecca Caine) on the Canadian cast album sings a different cadenza as well.

And this is the last time I post something on this topic!! I promise. LOL

Updated On: 1/5/05 at 06:47 PM

[cturtle]

Posted: 1/5/05 at 7:12pm

i thought what EMMY sang in the movie sounded "made up"!

[jsg03jd]

Posted: 1/5/05 at 8:59pm

Cadenzas are sometimes written out by the composer but more often than not are improvised by the performer. In addition to the singers mentioned in the previous posts, Claire Moore, Sarah Brightman's alternate in the original London production of PHANTOM (who, incidentally, was also the original Ellen in the West End production of MISS SAIGON) sings yet another version of THINK OF ME's cadenza in a recording that came out a few years ago. Moore's is a very well-sung Christine, which I actually prefer over Brightman's OLC vocals.

[Joshua488]

Posted: 1/5/05 at 9:06pm

Wow. This is fascinating to me.

I would love to hear Moore's vocals; I am in love with Brightman's vocals on the OLC recording, so if you say she compares, I would like to hear! It just blows me away how Brightman sounds like she's BELTING those high Cs at the end of the title song. And then, of course, the big high E at the very end. I have yet to hear a version in which someone hits it with as much power as Brightman. Updated On: 1/5/05 at 09:06 PM

[operadiva1979]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 12:58pm

thanks so much for all the info...I sort of figured it would probably be open to interpretation. Thanks a lot everyone!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 1:06pm

jsg is right. Cadenza's are often improvised or tailored to suit a spacific voice. If a singer wants to show off her incredible range and it is not written in the score, the cadenza is the place to do so. They are meant to be different, sort of like a jazz riff in the middle of a precise and structured aria.

[operadiva1979]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 1:09pm

hey, I know what cadenzas are!!!! (not meant to sound b*tchy), ...I was just wondering if there was a precedent or standard cadenza they were using now, or if they put limitations on it, etc.
Thanks all again!

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 1:13pm

Well, not meaning to sound bitchy, either, but you original post implys that you think there is an "official" cadenza, which to me would mean that you DON'T know what a cadenza is.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 1:16pm

Sueleen, I appreciated your answer. You explained it very clearly.

[SueleenGay]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 1:26pm

Thank you.

[InTheMoney]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 5:52pm

The original cadenza isn't exactly what is in the sheet music. If you listen to the last couple of notes (from the top Bb), you'll hear Sarah Brightman hits a couple more notes coming down (I think it possibly goes Bb-G-Eb instead of just Bb-Eb, which is what is written).

Cadenzas started out as purely improvised passages, but some composers notate them, having less faith in the singer's ability to improvise or creativity than perhaps they should.

A brilliant one was Stephanie Lawrence's version of THINK OF ME. It lasted a fair bit longer than the original and, I think, went even higher. It really was incredible! Unfortunately, my cd with that version on got destroyed *scowls at removal men* & as it was a magazine offer, I've not been able to replace that cd or find another with that version on.

[operadiva1979]

Posted: 1/6/05 at 5:56pm

I will look for that version on ebay maybe...I'm just curious as to what other singers were doing. AndI know a cadenza varies singer to singer, however in some broadway shows, producers use ONE cadenza. It appears the character in the show is improvising, but the actress is limited to something set. that's all I was saying :)