Gypsy 2008 Broadway Cast Recording- Page 3

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 5:29pm

Smaxie, Thanks for clearing that up!

I think it sounds SO MUCH better with those figures. When the hell did they start anyway? At least I can hear them in the Theater. I think they add such an electricity to the opening.
Updated On: 8/21/08 at 05:29 PM

[CarolynaGirl]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 5:43pm

I'm so excited to get the B&N version!
I LOVE this show! Only seen it 9 times! =)

[Someday]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 6:17pm

Hey COOOOLkid, what's an "amateur LJ group"? Sorry to be behind the times, but I'm curious what that means.

[Smaxie]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 7:40pm

They have only been heard previously on the Bernadette recording. I gather it was a figure that was written originally, cut, but never struck out from the scores. Tunick, a protege of original orchestator Ginzler, asked for it be removed for the recording, saying it was never meant to be played or heard.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 7:56pm

Intersting.


It sounds like the Boston Pops used the figures here. I don't know when this was.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrcQdT8uf8k

[Smaxie]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 8:01pm

Reviewing the Bernadette Peters recording in 2003, Steven Suskin wrote about this very subject:

"The overture, which is played so very well — better than in any recordings I've heard other than Milton Rosenstock's original — has an odd touch at the beginning. Specifically, the trumpets are joined in the second and fourth measures of the opening fanfare by everybody else, playing background chords in support. It almost sounds as if they want us to think we're in a movie theatre, watching the M-G-M lion roar before the credits start to roll. A little research tells me that this is not some modernistic tampering; these notes come from Ramin's original orchestral score. Back at the first orchestra reading, somebody — presumably Styne or Robbins — said "don't play that," so they didn't. Here they play it. Which sounds better?, you decide."
Steven Suskin on 2003 Gypsy Overture

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 8:04pm

Thank you so much for that, Smaxie!

I think it's such a great touch to an already amazing Overture. Though Tunick doesn't approve of them, I am glad the 08 revival uses them in the theatre.

That being said, The Overture and Orchestra are leagues better on the 08 recording than the 03 recording. Updated On: 8/21/08 at 08:04 PM

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 8:12pm

PS. Smaxie I am guessing all of the orchestrations for the 08 revival are faithful to the original?

Suskin noted on some orchestrations that were cut or altered. And I am guessing Bruce Coughlin was responsible for that.

In 03 he was credited for "Additional orchestrations by Bruce Coughlin." Not for the 08 revival.

The only change I can hear for the 08 revival is the way Patti and the Orchestra start TOGETHER. Updated On: 8/21/08 at 08:12 PM

[Smaxie]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 8:24pm

I think the 2003 revival has some new dance music in "Dainty June" and in "The Strip". Otherwise, it was largely faithful to the original orchestrations. And yes, I think the only difference in the 2008 revival is the beginning of "Together," which no longer begins with that familiar vamp.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 8:32pm

That's what I figured. I actually really like the new beginning of "Together." I must say the 08 orchestra kicks the 03 orchestra's ass. I'm sure that is partially due to the 03 revival having reduced players.
Updated On: 8/21/08 at 08:32 PM

[Smaxie]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 8:43pm

The 2003 revival was not so reduced. It had 23 players to the current revival's 25 (with the show itself having originally been scored for 29). Both revivals added musicians for the recording... though the LuPone recording added more players.

I think the differences you are hearing are due to musical direction and mixing of the new recording. There are details to the orchestrations that I never heard before, prior to listening to the new cast recording.

[ljay889]

Posted: 8/21/08 at 8:50pm

Well Suskin also said in that article that the 03 revival cut some instrument parts in the orchestrations here and there, missing flutes, etc. He said a few songs were weakened Orchestration wise ("Little Lamb," You'll Never Get Away From Me," etc). Updated On: 8/21/08 at 08:50 PM

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 8/22/08 at 3:33pm

I have some stupid questions about the cast recording signing, and I didn't want to make a new thread, so...

I've never been to one of these, so I don't know if it'd be better to...buy the CD there or in advance and bring it or...if they just have a stack that they sign and then you grab one and run. so...yeah. what's the deal usually? and is it tacky/frowned upon to have more than one signed CD? like if I wanted to get one for a friend.

thanks!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/22/08 at 3:47pm

It's best to buy it there. They often won't let you on the signing line unless you have a receipt that proves you purchased the CD there.

[MadameRoseRules]

Posted: 8/22/08 at 9:55pm

I can't wait for the CD to arrive in my mail, either. I pre-ordered it at the theater a few months ago. But waiting for this CD is like waiting for Obama to announce his running mate: both are great events, but the wait times are just way too long!

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/22/08 at 10:08pm

If Obama was wise, he's choose LuPone as his running mate.

Patti LuPone is the sun, the moon and the stars!

[choitoy]

Posted: 8/27/08 at 4:10am

I was wondering why I kinda felt something was missing from the beginning of "Together". It wasn't until everyone mentioned that the vamp was gone, I was like "Oh, DUH!!!". I kinda liked the vamp. Still an excellent recording.

But one weird thing that I noticed was during "You'll Never Get Away From Me". During Boyd's verse, I hear a little distortion during his singing (during the "I warn you/That I'm no boy scout", and a little bit at the end where he sings "Pick up and pack out") . I don't hear it on any of Patti's verses (she would be the one to create distortion if anyone). I don't really hear it when they are singing together. At first I thought it was just my speakers (Bose companion speakers connected to my computer while lisening on iTunes), but I don't really hear it anywhere else.

Does anyone else hear this, or am I just going a little insane?

[husk_charmer]

Posted: 8/27/08 at 9:32am

Ok, so now that it's officially out, I'll weigh in.

After 3 listens, this IS the definitive recording. Not only is it absolutely stellar performance wise, it's brilliantly mixed, the booklet is gorgeous (Hell, I'd pay full price just for the booklet), and the bonus tracks make it even better.

And for you dialogue freaks, there is some before "Torreadorables" that WASN'T on Bernie's. So complain if you will that there isn't any before "Everything's Comin' up Roses" and "Rose's Turn," but at least this go around we get different dialogue.

Other than for kicks and giggles, I doubt I'll listen to any other version again.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 8/27/08 at 8:03pm

When I bring friends to see PATTI LUPONE GYPSY, they are strictly warned not to initiate any conversation with me at the end of either act because I need time to "come down" from the brilliance of Patti's performance. The CD arrived today and after my first listen, I felt the same way. In fact, I resented the inclusion of the cut-out songs after "Rose's Turn". I was savoring what I'd just heard and was annoyed that the two girls were suddently singing "Mother's Day". Maybe my feeling will change with repeated hearings.

Patti LuPone is the sun, the moon and the stars!

(Carol Channing is the universe!)

[dottedquarterrest]

Posted: 8/28/08 at 9:45am

Bought my copy the other day from the Virgin Megastore.

Is anyone else hearing static/volume peaks on their CD? I thought it was my speakers, but it's the same on headphones and my bf's computer (with his own CD).

Listen to the last 10 seconds of May We Entertain You, it sounds like it hits peak volume in the actual mix on the CD(a few other places, too). Am I crazy?

[C4b2a3b]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 3:20am

How much did people pay for their recordings at the Barnes and Noble store? The website just delayed my ship date to next Friday, and I'm thinking about canceling the order and paying a few extra dollars to get it sooner.

[FlyingMonkey1223]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 4:24am

God, Patti sounds horrid on this recording. I think it's time for her to call it quits and just go show her boobies in more movies.

[Raviolisun]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 4:47am

When I bring friends to see PATTI LUPONE GYPSY, they are strictly warned not to initiate any conversation with me at the end of either act because I need time to "come down" from the brilliance of Patti's performance.

When I saw it, I went to Sardi's afterwards with my sister. She asked me what I thought of it. I just stared at her blankly, because I literally couldn't get words out of my mouth.

With that said, I'm loving this recording! I kind of hate "Smile, Girls" but I love "Momma's Talkin' Soft." The way they described how it was originally staged in the liner notes seems genius.

[Tkt2Ride]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 5:14am

I'm happy they recorded this! I won't be able to see Patti in this show but at least we can have the CD. I like to listen to some of the music before I buy something. I think it is good promoting to release some of the album ahead of time. I like reading what others like about it. I may not agree but most of the time I do.

I think many great Actress, Actor's have played these roles before. I just want to make sure I have this version too. I only wish we could buy a recording of the show. I'd love to go to New York and see it live but that isn't possible right now, unfortunately. I'll see if our Barnes and Noble can get this now or just order it. Will it be sold at Best Buy too anytime soon?

Thanks too for the background information. I love music and eventually I'm sure I would have wanted to know why the score was different. I was afraid it wouldn't get recorded because it was a revival but now I'm very excited that it was. Especially since Patti wanted to play this role so much and it sounds like it was meant to be.

I'm sorry, I've been busy but are they recording this for PBS?

[fflagg]

Posted: 8/30/08 at 10:24am

Viva Ethel! The new GYPSY is a major disappointment. The only good thing about it is the packaging. Otherwise Patti comes across as steely and vulgar, Laura is dull in "Little Lamb" [who told her to overpronounce all her consonants?], Herbie is dull, and the rhythms of the classic "Overture" were f**ked with.

Patti only sounds remotely interesting in "You'll Never Get Away from Me." The rest of the time she sounds like she is gargling before punching someone in the face.

There is more to Rose than belting, guys; yet since standards have fallen so much over the years Patti is now supposedly giving a legendary performance. The only so-called legendary performance by a lead female this decade is Christine Ebersole in the much-missed "Grey Gardens."