Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979 Original Broadway Cast)
|
List Price: Our Price: $22.99 You Save: $1.99 (8%) Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Buy Used: from $14.98 (click here) Category: Music CD See more new music releases 
|
|---|
Buy this Music CD at online store in your country
Canadian Music Store
Canadian Music Store
Free Music Notes for Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979 Original Broadway Cast)
Free Music Review: If you're going to hear a musical...
Hit: 5 Stars
...make it this one!
Sondheim's 'Sweeney Todd' has been described as quasi-operatic, so unending is the musical flow in this masterpiece. The plot is twisted and insidious, but something that many can take a sort of perverse pleasure in watching unfold. Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett is the jewel of this recording. Heartbreaking in 'The Worst Pies in London,' Lansbury also manages to sound obsequious and nasty ('God, that's good!') and even slightly insane (the final scene). Len Cariou as Sweeney Todd may feel a bit underpowered at times, but it all goes to underscore the differences between the Todd character's outward appearances and inward struggle.
The supporting cast rises to the challenge, with an especially wide-eyed Toby and a very fruity Pirelli. The chorus is powerful and borders on the edge of manic insanity in such gripping moments as 'City on Fire.' My personal favorite from this set is the crazed, joyous counterpoint of three soloists and the chorus all singing atop each other in 'God, that's good!'
This is a beautiful recording and a triumph of the 'musical' genre. Don't miss it!
Free Music Review: Good but....
Hit: 2 Stars
Sondheim is regarded as being a "musical genius" but I would strongly disagree. While his music is certainly complex (bordering on chaotic), he has yet to evoke any emotion or passion in his music. His melodies are pretty, witty, complex or intellectual. Never gorgeous.
With that said, Sweeny Todd is definitely his best work. There are a few good numbers in here. "Joanna" is a pretty tune and so is "Not While I'm Around" but, again, not gorgeous. My personal favorite has always been "Kiss Me", a lyrically witty love declaration between the two young lovers.
Everyone always criticizes Andrew Lloyd Webber's music, which, in my opinion, is often luscious, sweeping and dramatic. It evokes the days of Puccini and even Rogers & Hammerstein. I'll admit Andrew Lloyd Webber is far from brilliant and he is famous for using the most insipid lyricists in the history of musical theatre, but Sondheim's music is incapable of approaching the gorgeousness of Webber's work. Now I will say that if you attend a Sondheim musical, you're in for an intellectually stimulating experience.
Just because music is intellectual does not mean it's wonderful. Sometimes intellectual is just that. When I go to the theatre, I want to be moved, not quizzed. Sondheim needs to learn how to compose melodies that, at least, follow some form or structure and don't simply drift off into A-tonal murkiness. An audience can't be expected to cry or experience emotions if the music isn't lifting them or taking them anywhere.
On last thought...
Phantom of the Opera is the longest running show on Broadway...and there's a reason! It's moving. You'd have to have a heart of stone not to be moves by the sweeping melodies. You can point out all of the show's shortcomings but you cannot deny that most of Webber's score is gorgeous. No matter who you are, if you go see Phantom of the Opera you will be moved. You could also see Sweeny Todd on Broadway and find it interesting and amusing. To say the least, you'll walk out of the theatre thinking, "Wow I was just intellectually stimulated! ALL RIGHT!"...and that's about it.
Webber's music IS musical theatre, Sondheim's music is like a sea of watercolors that bleeds into a murky mess.
Free Music Review: Sondheim's magnificent grand guignol masterpiece...
Hit: 5 Stars
It's difficult to know where to begin when talking about a musical such as this one. Considered by many (admittedly, myself included) to be Stephen Sondheim's greatest masterpiece, the complexity and incredible depth, both musical and lyrical, of SWEENEY TODD is remarkable.
This 1979 Original Broadway Cast Recording stars the incredible Angela Lansbury (cf. MAME) as Mrs. Nellie Lovett, an off-kilter, darkly humorous, and downright goofy (at times) peddler of meat pies in her own shop in London. For those unfamiliar with Lansbury's singing voice, do yourself a favor and get acquainted with it here. Mrs. Lovett's character calls for a certain quirkiness (she bakes people into meat pies, for goodness sake!), and Lansbury's vocals are a perfect match for the role.
Len Cariou stars as Sweeney Todd (aka Benjamin Barker), a man pushed and pulled in every way by a life that has been anything but fair to him. A puppet to the whimsy of those around him, Todd's mental instability rears its ugly head in the form of murder when he elects to dispose of those who take a seat in his chair for a shave and haircut. Mr. Todd and Mrs. Lovett soon team up, both having a somewhat obvious yet sad need for affection. A strong supporting cast rounds off this marvelous milestone recording.
In the end, SWEENEY TODD is nothing short of a musical theater gem. The vocals, particularly from Cariou and Lansbury, are top-notch and the lyrics and music from Sondheim are, in my opinion, some of the best ever written and composed. After all, creating a musical thriller that is creepy, quirkily humorous, suspenseful, and moving -- all at the same time -- is no easy task.
The only problem I find myself having is that I wish that George Hearn, who replaced Cariou in the role of Sweeney, had also recorded a copy of the cast album. Cariou's vocals, while strong, are still comparably weaker than Hearn's. Cariou's voice thins in his upper register, while it seems to me that Hearn's only becomes stronger at the extremes of his range. Hearn's voice positively oozes with emotion, as well (cf. "My Friends"), making his performance as Sweeney nothing short of brilliant. Thankfully, though, Hearn's performance as Sweeney has also been released by Warner Bros. on DVD, recorded in 1982, co-starring Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett.
If you like what you hear from available samples, then I would suggest getting acquainted with SWEENEY, then move on to some of Sondheim's other outstanding musicals, such as ANYONE CAN WHISTLE (also featuring Angela Lansbury), INTO THE WOODS, PASSION, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE, and many others. Prepare yourself though: SWEENEY is arguably Sondheim's masterwork, with unparalleled performances from some of the best voices Broadway has ever heard.
This complete 2-CD recording, including libretto, is very hard to find but is really the only way to go for true SWEENEY fans. Very highly recommended.
Free Music Review: Bold, Dark, and Daring
Hit: 5 Stars
The genius of musical theatre, Stephen Sondheim, gives us the brilliant "Sweeney Todd". The score features the dark "Ballad of Sweeny Todd" numbers, but that's only the beginning. The dark humor and wit of "The Worst Pies in London" and "A Little Priest", as well as the moving ballads "Johanna" and "Not While I'm Around" make for fantastic contrasts. Angela Lansbury's Mrs. Lovett is simply to die for, and her "Poor Thing" is an absolute marvel. The star number is probably "Johanna" on disk two, which is a wonderful montage of Sweeney thinking of his daughter and Anthony being in love with her. A truly dynamic recording!Free Music Review: Opened my eyes for Sondheim!
Hit: 5 Stars
My first experiences with the music of Stephen Sondheim were the movie version of "A funny thing happened on the way to the Forum" and a cast recording of "A Little Night Music". These were both very loveable (and they still are!), but it was with this very recording of the amazing "Sweeney Todd" that really woke my interests for Sondheim.
A lot (and perhaps enough) has been said in the previous reviews here at amazon.com, but I can only stick to the good ones.
Today, Stephen Sondheim is one of my great musical idols, and my collection is growing. But this is my favorite so far.
So, familiar with Stephen Sondheim, or just curious - this CD is highly recommended!