The Phantom of the Opera (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
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Free Music Notes for The Phantom of the Opera (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
Free Music Review: Can't Get Enough of It!
Hit: 5 Stars
I cannot get enough of this soundtrack. I listen to this almost daily and when I am not listening to it, I am humming or whistling or down right belting out the tunes of this most beloved musical of all time!
I was in highschool when the musical debuted with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman in 1986. I have been familiar with Weber's music and the voices tied to the characters that became an overnight phenomenon world wide.
However, I did not have an opportunity to see the stage show (until just this year) so was delighted when they had made a movie of it. Thank you, Joel Schumacker! The movie tied the music and the story line together and I have been hooked since. So it was for obvious reasons why I purchased the movie soundtrack.
I am amazed and a little dismayed over the reaction Gerard Butler received as the movie Phantom. I knew nothing of this actor prior to this film. After seeing the movie, I was in love with this man and had to learn who he was and anything else about him. Off to the internet I went in search of this actor who made such an impression on me. I learned that Gerry (as he likes to be called) was not a stage-trained vocalist before he took on this role. Now, some people say that was obvious as they did not like his vocals. Many fans are true to the original London cast. And that's OK. But does that mean you cannot be open minded and realistic enough to know that Michael Crawford is not and will not be the only man to ever portray our beloved Phantom?
It would have been disastrous to have Mr. Crawford portray the Phantom for the movie. It would have been even more disastrous if Sarah Brightman played Christine. The point is these 2 beloved people are past the age where they can realistically play these young roles. It was much more realistic to have younger fresh actors take the roles. Christine was only 16 years old in the original novel. The Phantom was in his very early forties. The actors chosen were spot on age wise. Emmy Rossum was 16 when she signed on. She also trained at the Metropolitan Opera at the age of 7. Gerard Butler was 34. A tad younger, but it didn't really matter yet it was more acceptable that a 34 year old recluse would be sexually attracted to a 16 year old budding diva and vice versa.
I am a trained singer. I have sung in the finest concert halls of Europe. I have heard many, many trained vocalists. BUT NONE OF THEM DO TO ME WHAT GERARD BUTLER'S VOICE DOES TO ME. It doesn't bother me at all that he is not a classically trained vocalist. In fact, after finding out that he wasn't trained when he took on this challenge, made me admire him even more. While I was listening to POTO for the first time, you couldn't tell me that he wasn't trained. I knew his vocals were much different than Michael Crawford's, but I felt his voice fit the role for the film. Gerard has a deeper, richer, fuller voice that is sexy as heck and a voice that I now prefer over Mr. Crawford's tinnier, higher tenor.
Gerard's raw passionate performance knocked me off my feet. I fell in love with Gerry after watching Phantom because of the way he moved me so. His voice is so seductive and rich and sexy and captivating. His "Music of the Night" leaves me breathless. His "Point of No Return" seduces the heck out of me (and the entire female population). His sad, pleading "All I Ask of You" before Christine rips his mask off during "Don Juan Triumphant" is heartbreaking. Heartwrenching, growling "Down Once More" has me crying for his pain. He grips me in the core of my womanhood and won't let go. In this way I feel like I am Christine....drawn to the hypnotic power of his voice and the raw sensuality that draws me to him. I can't explain it, I can only FEEL it. And I can't get enough of him.
Emmy Rossum's Christine was a standout, breakout performance. This young lady CAN SING! Her voice is so clear and vibrant and sexy and she possess an incredible range. This gal has a future in music. I would keep an eye on this one!
I also feel Patrick Wilson's voice is just angelic and beautiful, but he lacks the passion that Gerard seems to have in spades.
Although Minnie Driver did not sing her own vocals, her performance was without a doubt brilliant as La Carlotta. She sings the ending title song "Learn to Be Lonely". She does a beautiful job.
The orchestrations are slightly different than the musical but all in all, it is the same music we all fell in love with back in 1986. The orchestrations are fuller with 110 piece orchestra, 90 voice choir and an added guitar that gives this familiar music a fresh rock n roll edge, but not enough to take away from the classic orchestrations we all love.
I truly admire and LOVE ALL the performances of the movie. Gerard, while not a trained singer, put his entire heart and soul into this role and rose to the challenge and did the best job anybody could have hoped to do. That to me, no matter what the critics say, impresses and amazes me the most and Gerard deserves the credit of a job exceptionally well done.
If you are a fan of Weber's musical - you need to have this soundtrack!
Free Music Review: A New Interpretation, and a Great One at That
Hit: 5 Stars
Ever since I saw a preview for the movie release of "Phantom of the Opera," I have been in a state of constant elation waiting for it. I got the soundtrack for Christams, and that is what sealed the deal in my mind; I knew the movie was going to be excellent.
Unfortunetely, I hadn't listened to the original recording very much, and the movie soundtrack was the first Phantom recording I owned and listened. I fell in love with the lush, dark undertones of the instrumentals and the expressiveness of the voices. After listening to the movie soundtrack though, I went and got a original cast recording with Micheal Crawford, and I fell in love again.
I've read a lot of reviews about the movie, and I never fail to see a comment about how bad Gerard Butler was as the Phantom. He couldn't sing. All he could do was yell. Michael Crawford was much better than Butler. What I have to say about that is you can't compare the two very well. Yes, both actors played the Phantom, but the reason you can't compare them well is because they each interpreted the role differently.
Crawford was definetely a more sensitive, loving Phantom, and I love the way he sang certain songs. He was moving and pitiful in his own way, and I loved it. He brought a softer, not quite as harsh interpretation to the role, and it works extremely well. I love Crawford as the Phantom.
Butler, on the other hand, brought a whole new light to the role of the Phantom. He was a more seductive, expressive Phantom. Crawford fans, don't get me wrong, Crawford was expressive, but I believe Butler was even more so. At certain moments when Butler would sing, like in the reprise of "All I Ask of You," "The Point of No Return," and "Down Once More," the emotion and feeling he would put into his singing, in my mind, made up for his lack of training. I'm not denying that Butler doesn't have a lot of training and his voice may not the best there is, but I think his expression and, for lack of better term, gravel sounding voice makes the Phantom's voice all the more powerful and alluring.
Butler brought a darker sound to the role, and I actually prefer it over Crawford. This darker sound brought a whole new meaning to "Music of the Night," and I think the lyrics should inspire a more seductive sound. The Phantom is trying to lure Christine into loving him, and Butler communicates this well. I love the different timbre that Butler brings, and everyone, including die hard Phantom fans, should listen to the music with the idea that while maybe certain singers had more training, they also need to look at which way the actor portrays the character and how they interpret the character because the interpretation will invariably affect the singing style.
After reading the original novel too, I believe that Butler brings more of the maliciousness the Phantom possesses in the novel to the character. In the novel, you are not nearly so quick to pity the Phantom as he performs even more malicious acts to try and possess Christian. The Phantom is not suppose to be very nice; he's a man outcasted by society, and even though he's talented and gifted in many different areas, he is forced to live underground. Considering all the trials the Phantom went through, he wouldn't be very sensitive. The fact that the Phantom has been driven to such evil, murderous ways makes him all the more pitiful and you can't help but feel for him.
Well, now that I've ranted about the Phantom, due credit needs to be given to the other singers. I adored Emmy Rossum as Christine and believe she was much better than Sarah Brightman. I personally can hardly tolerate Brightman, and Rossum brings a lighter yet powerful voice to the role. Once again, I believe Rossum was also more expressive than Brightman, and I think the movie soundtack is worth buying on Rossums voice alone. I still get chills when I listen to her on the soundtrack, and believe me, I've listen to it quite a few times. Patrick Wilson also excelled as Raoul, and Rossum and Wilson in "All I Ask of You" are so moving and loving that you can't help but listen to it over and over again.
The movie soundtrack is very good, especially if you take into consideration the different interpretation of the story and characters. The soundtack is even more moving after you see the movie itself. All I ask is that you keep an open mind and instead of just comparing it to the old, try and appreciate it for its own uniqueness. This movie and soundtrack are a great opportunity for people to go and by the orignal cast recording, like I did, and to learn to love another entirely different interpretation of one of the, if not the greatest musicals of all time.
Free Music Review: Better Than Ever
Hit: 5 Stars
This is a great album/soundtrack to the 2004/5 film and serves as a cast album as well. Many "Phans" continue to adore the original cast album of the 1986 stage musical and that's fine. But the truth is even Andrew Lloyd Webber himself is satisfied with this version, having worked with director Joel Schumacher and composing new music. This album IS NOT to be compared to the original cast (Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford). It's strictly a movie soundtrack with an entirely new approach, especially in characters ACTING a little more than usual than in a musical. The recitatives or sing-song lines between songs are cut and there are new music changes. They include a rock beat to the "Phantom Of The Opera " duet in Act I when the Phantom lures Christine to his lair. If you listen closely, there is even an electric guitar solo. Nevertheless, it does not ruin the music or the duet at all. There is a symphonic treatment to the song Minnie Driver song "Learn To Be Lonely" which plays as the credits close. Some of the songs are cut shorter and some changes were made to the lines some of the characters speak. The sound is better, bigger and the film only made the musical better. It heightened the romantic tragedy and made it more emotional and powerful.
Gerard Butler as the Phantom is a lot better for me to hear than Michael Crawford. Crawford was older and sounded every bit his older age. This made me feel uncomfortable because he was clearly in love with Christine and had sexual feelings for her. Older man younger girl is creepy. Crawford's voice is good for Broadway and he has his moments- especially striking for me was his shouting of "Go!" at the end of Act 1 as the chandelier falls. But for the most part, Crawford sounds creepy, whimsical, diabolical, full of dark humor and less and less the romantic and tragic figure he ought to be. In the novel by Gaston Leroux and in Webber's concept, the Phantom should be a tragic hero. Deformed, outcast, tormented, unlucky in love, he should come off as a man who is to be feared as well as pitied. He's powerful and frightening as he is vulnerable and sensitive. Only Gerard Butler does justice to that interpretation. I love Butler singing "Music of the Night" and he is especially moving as he sings the lines "I gave you my music..." at the end of Act 1. We feel how his heart has been broken.
Christine is played by singer-actress Emmy Rossum, sure to win an Oscar in the future. Her Christine is fresh, young, romantic and endearing. She sings with a lighter voice than Sarah Brightman, and lacks the experience for Broadway but she is a force to be reckoned with. I own both Phantom albums- the original 1986 Broadway cast and this one. I found that Emmy Rossum's was the superior Christine. There were a lot of moments in which Sarah Brightman, who at that time had not made a name for herself (that would come later when she went solo and experimented with pop and opera and exotic combos) sounded...well she sounded like she was singing only to sound pretty and decorative. She reminded me of Belle in Beauty and the Beast. There was very little drama in her portrayal. Emmy Rossum, however, is every bit the actress as she is a singer. Christine does call for some dramatic lines- "My tears turn to tears of HATE!!" she cries towards the end as the Phantom has tied up Raol and forced her to choose his fate. Also..in the duet with Meg Giry "Angel of Music" "Your..face..Christine its' white" "I'm FRIGHTENED". Emmy Rossum says the word convincing us that she is indeed frightened. Her voice is light and beautiful in both the high octaves and the lower ones. She is however, more romantic, classy and sexy in the lower voice, which she employs when singing the "Phantom" duet with Gerard Butler and when she sings "Point of No Return", her voice impassioned in the lines "When will the flamse of love at last CONSUME US !."
The musical has never sounded better. This special extended package is a real treat and the cover with the frame is a nice and classy touch. The cast is brilliant, among them Minnie Driver's portrayal of the bitchy, bossy and tantrum-throwing diva La Carlotta. Minnie Driver however did not sing the part. She was dubbed by another singer who is doing a terrific job. She uses her voice with a shaky, weird, Maria Callas ancient diva style to great effect. She sings high F's in the Mozartian style Il Muto "Poor Fool He Makes Me Laugh" aria. The characters of Andre and Fermin, the theatre managers are a delightful pair, following a traditional Broadway style. This is a great album and everyone must own it, even if you already own the original 1986 Crawford/Brightman edition.
Free Music Review: The Phantom Could Not Be Better!!! - A 9th grader's review
Hit: 5 Stars
I saw this movie in the summer of 2005 and I fell in love with it. When I was little, my 4th grade teacher (back when I was into Les Miserables) gave me the Sarah Brightman/ Michael Crawford version and I turned it down. What an imbecile I was! My sister (who's in college) saw it when she went to Minnesota and she said. "Dan, you have to see it!!" So I borrowed from a friend and we watched it together. Here's my opinion on the music.
Prologue: It's annoying, because in the soundtrack, people are talking and I want to hear the music!
Overture: It's a musical version of the "Phantom of the Opera". I like it even though the irritating vocals of Hannibal interrupt it.
(There's a book called Hannibal, don't read it. It's REPULSIVE)
Hannibal: It really stinks; Carlotta's voice hurt my ears
Think of Me: This is one of the best. When I hear Sarah Brightman and Emmy Rossum sing it, I cannot decide who's better!
Angel of Music: This is a really great song; I'm glad that they cut out Christine's childhood story, because it ruins the music.
Little Lotte/ The Mirror: I don't like "Little Lotte", but I love The Mirror. You know that the Phantom/ Gerard Butler shows up when the candles go out, "Come to me angel of music..."
The Phantom of the Opera: OH MY GOSH!!!! This is a champion! I loved it when Emmy Rossum sang, "He's there the phantom of the opera." The she starts to sing higher and higher, it's wonderful! My sister is an expert at that part.
Music of the Night: This was the very first song of the musical that I hear when I was 10 years old. I loved it ever since and I would love to learn it on the piano.
Magical Lasso: It's irritating and stupid.
I Remember/ Stranger Than You Dreamt It: I like these, but I have a hard time understanding the lyrics when the Phantom sings, because he's practically whispering.
Notes/ Prima Donna: It's obnoxious and stupid!! That is all!
Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh/ Il Muto: They're annoying! I like it, though, when Gerard messes with Carlotta's voice, it's funny.
Why Have You Brought Me Here/ Raoul, I've Been There: I like it when Christine starts to sing, "In the night my spirit began to soar! And I lived as I've never lived before."
All I Ask of You: This is the best love song in all of Broadway!!
"Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime. Say the word and I will follow you. Share each day with me, each night, each morning. Say you love me ... You know I do. Love me, that's all I ask of you ...
Anywhere you go, let me go too! Love me, that's all I ask of you."
All I Ask of You (Reprise): I like this version, but I wish that when Gerard does the last part of the song (You will curse the day you did not do... All that the Phantom asked of you!!!) he took off his mask and revealed his face.
Masquerade/ Why So Silent? : I love "Masquerade" but "Why" is kind of annoying because it interrupts. They should have put them separate.
Madame Giry's Tale/ The Fairground: This song is sad because it shows the Phantom's abuse and malpractice.
Journey to the Cemetery: I like it, although Christine simply sings one part.
Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again: I really like this song, even though it's not very long.
Wandering Child: This is absolutely great!
The Swordfight: I like this version better than the old version.
We Have All Been Blind: I don't like it!
Don Juan: UGH! This song is so stupid and gay!!! I'm getting a migraine just talking about it!!
The Point of No Return/ Chandelier Crash: I LOVE THIS SONG!!!! IT"S ONE OF THE BEST!!!!! Though I don't like "Chandelier Crash"
Down Once More/ Track Down This Murderer: I love this song, especially the end, "Who is that face in the shadow? What kind of life have you known? God gave me courage to show you... You are not alone!"
Learn to Be Lonely: I like this song, but I wish that Gerard Butler or Emmy Rossum had been assigned to sing it.
Well that's what I think of "The Phantom of The Opera". I would like to recommend Les Miserables (the musical and the movie with Liam Neeson and Uma Thurman) and Cats: The Ultimate Show and Riverdance.
Free Music Review: In a word: WOW!
Hit: 5 Stars
I want December 22nd to come soon!! This 2-Disc CD package absolutely blew me away. Of course, I'm speaking as a fan of the musical ever since I saw it 9 years ago. For the common person, that may be an entirly different story. Nonetheless, this package worked for me. However, I do have certain criticisms about it.
First off, the singers. I never heard the name of Gerard Butler before he was signed on to play the Phantom, so I was a little aprehensive with an relatively unknown actor playing one the most demanding stage roles, but I tried to keep an open mind about it. Andrew Lloyd Webber obviously had say on who he thought would make an excellent Phantom, so I have confidence in his pick. When I first heard Butler sing, I'll admit that I cringed a little. He was nothing like Michael Crawford! But then I realized that I really couldn't compare him to Crawford because it should all be about how Butler percieves the role. Crawford played the role as a sad, troubled man which showed in the way that he sang the role; Butler played the role with more passion and vigor, definitely shown in the way he sang. So, the more times I heard this CD package, the more I really appreciated how he approached the role. I still prefered Crawford's take on the Phantom, but I like that Butler didn't just simply copy Crawford's role and instead made it his own. His singing is not as bad as people make it out to be; it's just that Crawford did such a great job that we couldn't imagine anything better than that. One quip: the grunting he uses, especially towards the end, becomes over-excessive; should have botched it down a little
Emmy Rossum. Nice name. But does she have the voice to pull off the role of Christine? Of course not. But we know Sarah Brightman does. This doesn't mean that Rossum did a terrible job. Like Butler, she brought a different take to the role, and I think she pulled it off rather well. She brought a certain innocence the role and she wasn't all about have the operatic voice. Brightman was more about carrying the tunes extremely well; Rossum carrys the tunes (certainly not at the level of Brightman, of course) but she also adds more drama to the role. Realize that taking on these roles is not about whether not you can effectively sing the role, but also if you can pull of the role with drama and humanize the character. Butler and Rossum do this very well. One quip: Rossum has the tendency to "over-slur" her words together; it becomes rather annoying, in my opinion. To understand what I mean, listen to how she sings in "Little Lotte/ The Mirror." Brightman pulled it off a little better, but it's not always about how you effectively sing the role.
The supporting cast is definitely improved upon this time around. Patrick Wilson is absolutely stunning as Raoul, and Miranda Richardson is excellent in the role of Madame Giry. Minnie Driver, based on the last song and her dialogue (since she didn't do the singing except on the last song), should definitely be fun in the movie as Carlotta.
The music is different than what we are used to, but not too different. The overture is definitely expanded on, and it's so-so. Kinda wished they stuck with the original, but oh well. Trumpets and Brass are used much more heavily in this version, so don't be surprised if you hear lots of them. Listen to "Masquerade" and you'll know what I'm talking about, especially if you remember how the 1987 version sounded. Also, the song tends to change tempo much more dramatically then usual; but then again, it was all Lloyd Webber's choice and I respect what he believes he needs to do to make the movie successful. Afterall, he has been quoted saying that this version is what he considers to be his definitive version of the play and how he has always wanted it to be.
To purists of the Phantom of the Opera, they will be surprised as to how different this version is. They might even be incredibly disgusted as to how it sounds; definitely different from anything else they have ever heard. But as long as you have an open mind and get passed the differences, this is an excellent rendition of the musical. It may have a few flaws, but nothing is ever perfect. As an adaption onto the big screen, I think Joel Schumacher and Andrew Lloyd Webber will pull off one of the best and most successful musicals to ever glow up the screen. I think everyone will be in for a treat coming Christmas!