#1
Posted: 5/25/05 at 12:55pm
Sitting here enjoying my 10th listen to this stunning recording. From the moment I heard the first notes of the orchestra in my seat at the Vivan Beaumont Theater, I knew I was in for an incredible evening of theater. While still in previews, the book was obviously suffering from some problems that dragged the story. But Guettel's stunning score led this not-so-musical musical and not-so-opera opera into a league of its own. I read somewhere that Guettel shouldn't change for Broadway, Broadway should change for him. Hallelujah. Guettel's talent floats beyond words and it shines so much in this score than the other two we are blessed to have from Nonesuch records: MYTH AND HYMNS and FLOYD COLLINS.
Highlights: Kelli O'Hara's stunning version of the title song brings me to tears with each listen as does Victoria Clark's absolutely gorgeous and heartbreaking rendition of 'Dividing Day'. However, Morrison's voice soars above any other male performances on this recording with his lush Italian and broken english melodies. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of work he has put into this role and overcoming the difficulty of learning one language to block out another to create the image of speaking broken english. Many kudos and much applause to him for this effort.
The real treat on the recording is Clark's closing to the show: "Fable". Seeing this live, I left the theater with goosebumps, totally haunted by her rendition of this song and a few tears starting to well up in my eyes. Hearing someone say that love is 'just a children's fairty tale' is so incredibly heartbreaking. But she tells her daughter, look! LOOK! Find it. An incredible message from Guettel performed perfectly by Clark. (Someone give this woman her much-deserved Tony!)
The recording offers some wonderful group numbers - specifically one octet and an entire argument in Italian - that soar. These numbers are obviously filled with difficulty for those performing them - similar to Sondheim's famous hell-for-actors: "A Weekend in the Country". Bravo to the cast for overcoming this and performing it with such assurance and such absolute beauty.
Nonesuch Records provides absolutely gorgeous cover-art (we've already discussed it here on the boards, so I won't rambel about it) and an absolutely wonderful booklet. Wonderful production photos and a gorgeous introduction on Guettel and Lucas' new work as well as a synopsis with full lyrics to the show.
Guettel is a name I hope we will continue to see much of. Perhaps he'll put his hands into opera for a bit? Perhaps we'll be blessed with full, lush scores from his hands? Who knows?
Virgin is selling this recording for $14.99 - a cheap price for such a stunning recording. Don't wait. Pick it up now! You won't regret it!
Highlights: Kelli O'Hara's stunning version of the title song brings me to tears with each listen as does Victoria Clark's absolutely gorgeous and heartbreaking rendition of 'Dividing Day'. However, Morrison's voice soars above any other male performances on this recording with his lush Italian and broken english melodies. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of work he has put into this role and overcoming the difficulty of learning one language to block out another to create the image of speaking broken english. Many kudos and much applause to him for this effort.
The real treat on the recording is Clark's closing to the show: "Fable". Seeing this live, I left the theater with goosebumps, totally haunted by her rendition of this song and a few tears starting to well up in my eyes. Hearing someone say that love is 'just a children's fairty tale' is so incredibly heartbreaking. But she tells her daughter, look! LOOK! Find it. An incredible message from Guettel performed perfectly by Clark. (Someone give this woman her much-deserved Tony!)
The recording offers some wonderful group numbers - specifically one octet and an entire argument in Italian - that soar. These numbers are obviously filled with difficulty for those performing them - similar to Sondheim's famous hell-for-actors: "A Weekend in the Country". Bravo to the cast for overcoming this and performing it with such assurance and such absolute beauty.
Nonesuch Records provides absolutely gorgeous cover-art (we've already discussed it here on the boards, so I won't rambel about it) and an absolutely wonderful booklet. Wonderful production photos and a gorgeous introduction on Guettel and Lucas' new work as well as a synopsis with full lyrics to the show.
Guettel is a name I hope we will continue to see much of. Perhaps he'll put his hands into opera for a bit? Perhaps we'll be blessed with full, lush scores from his hands? Who knows?
Virgin is selling this recording for $14.99 - a cheap price for such a stunning recording. Don't wait. Pick it up now! You won't regret it!
"I know now that theatre saved my life." - Susan Stroman
