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: simply just wonderful
Hit: 5 Stars
I have never seen the original musical, and I've only heard bits and pieces of the music from the original casting. I was really blown away when I saw the movie. It was a beautiful love story, and it still haunts me (I have seen it 5 or 6 times since I bought the DVD). After watching the movie, I knew I had to get the extended soundtrack, and I just absolutely love listening to it!
Even though I'm sure Michael Crawford's performance as the Phantom must have been extraordinary, I don't believe that Gerald Butler did any worse. First of all, performance on stage and on a movie set is different. On-stage performance requires exaggeration and over-expression, while acting for a movie is supposed to be as realisitc as possible. I think Gerald Butler did a great job and was a VERY convincing Phantom. He oozed with mystery, danger, and sexuality all at the same time and even with the disease of his face, I couldn't help but empathize with him. Secondly, both actors have different timbres. Even though Michael Crawford is an amazing singer, Gerald's baritone and lack of training has much more emotional depth. I loved his "Music of the Night", "Point of No Return," and I especially loved "Down Once More." His "Christine, I love you" was tear-jerking as well......his interpretation of the Phantom is very memorable.
Emmy Rossum was a really pleasant surprise. When I had first heard that she was to play Christine, I was dubious whether she was fitting for the part. But after watching the movie, WOW! Not only is she beautiful, her voice is gorgeous. Sarah Brightman's vocals and range is astounding, but I never really cared much for her vibrato; makes her sound too embellished. But Rossum's voice was clear, innocent, and sweet. And she hit those high notes beautifully. Many 'phans' had attacked Rossum's voice as being thin and powerless; well, I should like to remind these people that when Webber had written Phantom, he wrote the music specifically for Sarah Brightman, whose talents had overwhelmed him. It is unfair to compare any actress to Ms. Brightman. "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" was sublime....
I LOVE PATRICK WILSON. I don't really care who was Raoul in the past. PATRICK WILSON sang like an angel. His voice, a beautiful tenor, and yes, very well trained, was very soothing, calm, trustworthy.... all the qualities of the Raoul he had portrayed. Compared to Butler's agonizing, tumultuous emotions, Wilson's performance was a calming presence, and stood out beautifully against Butler's. Even though Wilson was great at "All I Ask of You," his singing in "Down Once More" was so emotional and heartfelt that, oh, god... I wish I was Christine!!
"Learn to be Lonely" is beautiful. I admit it is probably not one of Webber's best, but it represents the Phantom's life perfectly. I've read comments how Minnie Driver should not have been the one to sing this song.... but really....Ms. Driver didn't get a chance to sing in the movie at all. It's not THAT bad to let her sing this ending song. And she does have a great voice. I only wish that "No One Would Listen" was included in the extended version as well. Gerald Butler was great.
The added orchestrations were great to listen to. I think my favorite would be "Journey to the Cemetary." The violins in the background brought out the anguish that Christine felt as she wondered about her Angel of Music....was he really who she thought he was?
Overall, I thought this soundtrack was amazing. For those of you bashing this version because it's just not the original, you're missing out on a great piece of work. Just because it's different doesn't mean it can't be great.
Free Music Review: AWESOME! PERFECT! .... PEOPLE... PLEASE 5 Stars
First of all, let me begin by saying that this is a marvelous score and I am extremely disappointed that some people can't get past the fact that these people are very different from the original cast. I am an opera student and have been for many years. I have seen the original version with Crawford and Brightman and while I can agree that they were great in their time, Rossum and Butler bring a new life to the music.Brightman's Christine sounds old, she slurs, she just overdoes it. I completely agree with another reviewer when they remind people that Christine is supposed to be untrained. There is a reason why she needs the tutelage of her Angel Of Music. Rossum's voice is clear, her annunciation is perfect and she is youthful. She has life and charisma that frankly, when I reheard the original cast recording, Brightman lacked. I love Brightman, don't get me wrong, but she is not the ideal Christine. Rossum's Think of Me was beautiful, whereas Brightman was a bit too powerful for being a chorus girl. True, Christine is supposed to blow people away, but for a 17 year old, Rossum blew me away.
Moving on to Butler. I adored him. Trust me, it is not easy to bring high notes to life without using a falsetto. I admit that when I first heard a preview of the soundtrack, I was a bit put off by how it sounded. Then I saw the movie and all that changed. I immediately bought the extended version after I left the theatre because I was enthralled by Butler. His voice is rich and powerful. Crawford's voice grated on my nerves after awhile but Butler's voice is simply haunting. He captures the essence of Erik beautifully and brings to his character new sensuality that Crawford did not posses. In Why So Silent, Butler is dark and amazing. This Phantom leaves the viewer reeling with feeling, especially in the All I Ask Of You (Reprise) and in The Point of No Return. In the very last scene, right before Christine leaves him for a final time, I felt Erik's pain as he barely managed to choke out a part of Masquerade. His rendition of "It's over now- the Music of the Night" reduced me to tears. His portrayal and his voice just made the movie come to life even more.
Finishing with Wilson as Raoul, he has an exquisitely youthful voice. I believe this is the first time that I was actually enthralled by Raoul's character. His duet with Rossum in All I Ask Of You was superb. Wilson's voice is very classical and very appropriate for the role.
Overall, the Overture was incredible. The additional orchestration was excellent throughout the whole soundtrack. I particularly loved the additional chords in The Phantom of the Opera. It has a more rockish and modern feel to it which in my opinion far surpassed the original version. When I went back to hear the original, I felt it was rather dull and lacking. Furthermore, the additional music added to the already wonderful score. The only song I was not thrilled with was Learn to be Lonely. I think Driver can sing, but I just don't feel the song fitted. Maybe it will grow on me with time.
This was an exhilarating experience for those who are open-minded and won't automatically reject the singers because they are not the originals.
FYI: ALW personally had these people tested for their musical abilities, so they were obviously chosen for a reason. Don't you think that he would know who was right for his "most personal work"??????
Please, please, please, as another reviewer put it, learn to be happy! Hollywood has finally granted phans with a movie worthy of praise! Let us support it and let us be proud!
Free Music Review: Brava, Brava, Bravissima....!
Hit: 5 Stars
I own the Special 2 disc Edition CD from the film version, the single disc edition/highlights from the film version, the Original Canadian Cast highlights CD, the Original Cast Recording Highlights and the 2 disc Original Cast Recording and I must say, overall, I actually happen to love the music and singing from the 2004 movie just a tad bit more than the Original Cast Recording. Don't get me wrong, I love all of them! All of them I listen to all the time, and in their own way, are very unique!
When I first heard Emmy sing, I just totally fell in love with her voice even though it may not be as powerful as Sarah Brightman's or Rebecca Caine's, it has this innocence to it and emotion that I don't hear in Sarah's or Rebecca's voice. There are a few parts that I honestly feel that Emmy Rossum did a better job than Sarah and Rebecca did. It doesn't mean I don't like Sarah's or Rebecca's voice. I love all three but I feel like Emmy did a better job when Emmy was singing "When Will The Flames At Last Consume Us?" and her voice hits that low register. I totally love that part!! Emmy sings in all these different registers. At the very beginning of Point Of No Return when Emmy first sings "No Thoughts Within Her Head, But Thoughts Of Joy! No Dreams Within Her Heart, But Dreams Of Love" there is that really high note that Emmy does and it's so beautiful!! Emmy's voice sounds like an angel!! There is this other part right before All I Ask Of You where Emmy sings "But His Voice Filled My Spirit With A Strange, Sweet Sound...In That Night, There Was Music In My Mind...And Through Music My Soul Began To Soar!" and it's when she sings "Soar" that her voice hits that high note and it's totally breathtaking!!! Emmy shows a lot more emotion through her singing than Sarah and Rebecca did also like especially at the very end when Emmy sings "The Tears I Might Have Shed For Your Dark Fate, Grow Cold And Turn To Tears Of Hate", you can hear the hatred in Emmy's voice, I love it!!! Gerard Butler might not have as good of voice as Michael Crawford or even Colm Wilkinson overall, but there are a few parts where I feel Gerard did a better job because Gerard's voice sounds so natural and I can hear his emotion in his voice as well. When it comes to just having the best voice overall, I'd say Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman have it but when it comes to having a voice that let people hear the emotions, Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler have it! Emmy and Gerard are incredible singers and a lot of times I just listen to the soundtrack to hear Emmy's voice!
Another thing that I feel is slightly better is the actual orchestral music. The movie had about a 100 piece orchestra which makes it much fuller and it is amazing!! I love everything from The Overture to Track Down This Murderer, even Learn To Be Lonely is good, although I like the orchestral version of Learn To Be Lonely best!! My favorites on here are The Overture, The Phantom Of The Opera, All I Ask Of You and Masquerade but I love the whole CD! I really like the music to the Swordfight as well, it's a very nice addition to the original music!
The Phantom Of The Opera is now my favorite musical of all time because of the Orchestral and Operatic music! The 2 disc Special Edition comes with a booklet with lots of pictures which is very cool! I recommend this CD and also the film Highlights CD which I also have because there are times when I just want to hear the actual songs. This is a must buy for anyone who likes Orchestral or Musicals!
Free Music Review: Amazing Remake!
Hit: 5 Stars
The "Phantom of the Opera" has just surpassed "Cats" as the longest running show on Broadway, and for good reason. Its melodies are extravagant, memorable, and undeniably catchy. Though, the question on most customers' minds seems to be which version of the show to purchase, the Original Broadway Cast or the new Movie Cast.
I own both the movie soundtrack and the Broadway highlights versions of the play, and there are pros and cons for each version. In terms of orchestration, the movie soundtrack far overshadows the original. The 110-piece orchestra blows the listener away, and the pit orchestra, though amazing in its own right, just cannot compare.
I can tell you my opinions about which Christine and Phantom and Raoul I prefer over the others, but there truly is no right answer. Every singer has his or her own good and bad qualities. Sarah Brightman truly has the opera voice for the part. She hits every note with ease and no one can question her talent. I respect her for originating the part of Christine and for making the Broadway version as amazing as it was. However, I personally feel her voice gets shrilly in some instances, and her very mature singing voice makes it hard to imagine her as a 16 year-old, (which is how old Christine is supposed to be). Emmy, on the other had, has a voice that is both beautiful and youthful. She was 16 at the time the movie was made, and therefore the perfect age for the part. However, some might complain that her voice doesn't always sound operatic enough. Nevertheless, she hits all of the same notes without a struggle and packs her songs with emotion, something I don't find in Sarah. Of the two, it's a close call, but I would choose Emmy Rossum.
The Phantom is a tie. While Michael Crawford has the better voice, it strikes me as too high for a Phantom. Gerard Butler has a low, rock'n'roll voice that has surprising power at certain points. If you buy the CD only for "Music of the Night", then get the Broadway version, as that rendition is much prettier. However, deciding which Phantom is better overall is too close to call. Both Raouls are also equally talented, but I would choose Patrick Wilson from the movie, as his voice reminds me of Michael Ball's, who is one of my favorite singers.
In terms of the individual songs, the "Point of No Return" is much more edgy and emotional on the movie version, while "Music of the Night," as mentioned earlier, is much better on the Broadway version. I also much prefer Emmy Rossum's rendition of "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again." I also like the title song better on the movie version, however, they cut the last verse, which is disappointing. However, the lost verse is essentially repeated in "Why Have You Brought Me Here?" which is done to perfection.
Overall, people will argue that one version is far greater than the other, but as an owner of both versions, I feel that it is impossible to choose a clear winner. I enjoy both versions, but would probably listen to the 2004 Movie Cast over the original Broadway play. Do not be fooled by those who put down the movie because they believe the Broadway version is unsurpassable. If you are just looking to have any version of the play on CD, you will not be disappointed with either purchase. I would suggest getting both, but as that is an expensive option, the best idea is to listen to clips of each and decide for yourself! Enjoy!
Free Music Review: THE BEST!
Hit: 5 Stars
I am infatuated with The Phantom of the Opera. When I was in High School I was in chorus and drama. I have always loved classical music and musicals. We even did Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat which is another masterpiece from Andrew Loyd Webber. In chorus we sang songs from Phantom and I've always loved it but now it's on a totally different level! When the movie came out I wanted to go and see it so bad, but I was pregnant and about to give birth within the days of it's release. And there was no way I would be able to sit through a 2 hour and 20 minute movie, (potty breaks!). I was really bummed about it for months and my husband knew it so when the DVD came out he bought it for me. I'm sure now he regrets it! After seeing the movie I was hooked! Right when it was over I turned to my husband and said "Now I want the soundtrack!" So when we were at the store I turned around at the electronics department and there he was standing with the Phantom soundtrack. I was so excited, I think I just about kissed his lips off! The movie and soundtrack I incredible! It's hard to put the sound and essence of Phantom into words. I guess the best way I can describe it is that every time I hear it or when I'm singing it I get chills and goosebumps. Emmy Rossum did an AMAZING job as Christine, especially since she was just 17 at the time of filming! Her soprano voice is crystal and not forced. She was absolutely beautiful in the movie and sang it even better. It's really neat also that she was a member of the metropolitian opera since she was very young. Which should show her credibility for the part right there. I also love the fact that when I was 14 I sang at Carnegie Hall in NYC and so did she! Just being able to stand on that stage is a compliment! Gerard Butler was FANTASTIC as the Phantom! Alot of people did not like him because they were used to Michael Crawford but Gerard captured the role the way it should be done. The Phantom is suppossed to be dark and mysterious. Meaning that the words dhould be sung witht the whispering and sometimes talking but singing at the same time. He also captured the passion that the phantom is suppossed to have when he's singing. He looked so handsome and sexy, even when he had the prosthetics. Patrick Wilson did a GREAT job as Raoul. His voice was clean an very charming. My favorite thing about him is that he has alot of expression on his face when he sings. Like raising his eyebrows. The best part with him is at the end of ALL I ASK OF YOU. When him and Emmy sing "Anywhere you go let me go too". His expression and him leaning his head back makes me melt. But all of it makes me melt. Andrew Loyd Webber is a genious! How anyone can invision music the way that he does is beyond me! I love alot of his work, he is so talented. The movie is great and the soundtrack is the same. I have the regular soundtrack but I wanted this one because it has all the goodies in it, and that's what I wanted. My daughter is only 14 months and everytime she hears it she lights up. Probably because I sing stuff to her daily from the soundtrack. If anyone has a passion for music the way I do then Phantom is for them. This movie and soundtrack just show that there is great music still out there.