SF Symphony Recording of WSS with Cheyenne Jackson...thoughts?

[Joviedamian]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 3:34am

It's on ITUNES now!

Feels generic and kind of lifeless. But the score is still amazing!

https://www.broadwayworld.com/article/Cheyenne-Jackson-Alexandra-Silber-and-More-Star-in-San-Francisco-Symphonys-New-Live-Recording-of-WEST-SIDE-STORY-Set-for-Digital-Release-Today-20140519

Updated On: 5/20/14 at 03:34 AM

[choitoy]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 3:43am

Listening to the clips on iTunes, the tempos feel a little slowish (though maybe it's just me from years of listening to the sped up tempos of most other recordings)

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 3:46am

In a word? Pointless.

[JBroadway]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 10:47am

I haven't heard the recording, but I actually saw the concert live from the front row in San Francisco. They didn't do anything especially bold with the score, or much of anything to make it a distinct production, but Cheyenne and Alexandra were really amazing to watch and hear singing those roles. I'd definitely think the recording would be worth it for them, but maybe you lose something when you just hear their voices.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 11:23am

I haven't heard it yet but I'm surprised to hear it's lifeless. Michael Tilson Thomas has always been one of the best conductors of Bernstein's work.

[ljay889]

Posted: 5/20/14 at 1:43pm

If it's anything like this recording, I'll stay far away.

http://www.amazon.com/West-Side-Story-Anniversary-Recording/dp/B000UNMUCS/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1400607765&sr=8-5&keywords=west+side+story+studio+recording

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 12:22pm

Someone I trust just called this the "most gorgeous recording" of WSS he ever heard.

[tazber]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 12:25pm

I sampled all the songs a week or so ago and I was not impressed enough to buy it.

First, I must have a dozen recordings of the score from the OBC to that heinous version ljay posted. So, I wasn't really planning to purchase this unless it was really something different and special.

And then after I heard it I decided to pass because it did seem to lack energy.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 6/20/14 at 12:27pm

I find Silber's voice one of the most glorious ever. I was going to buy for her alone. Now Im rethinking that.

[jsg03jd]

Posted: 6/23/14 at 3:11am

This is actually a pretty damned good recording of the score. For one thing, it's superior to the most recent Broadway revival cast recording and the SFSO does a bang up job per usual.

Alexandra Silber sings a lovely Maria. Cheyenne Jackson was good but I've heard him sing better. The brightness of his voice seemed diminished and for someone who tends to go for the "money notes," I was surprised he didn't take the high B in "Maria."

Plus, if I understand correctly, this is the most comprehensive recording of the score since Leonard Bernstein conducted Kiri Te Kanawa and Jose Carreras in 1985. I don't think this was a "pointless" endeavor at all.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 6/23/14 at 6:44am

Dammit! I was hoping Cheyenne sang the high B in Maria That part always gives me goose bumps. Sad to hear he didn't go for it.

[tazber]

Posted: 6/23/14 at 7:50am

I know. Especially since he knew it was being recorded. Surprising.

The BWW reviewer loved it also jsg03jd.