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: Absolutely Wonderful
Hit: 5 Stars
I must say that this movie and soundtrack made me rethink my ranking of favorites from Andrew Lloyd Webber. I used to think Cats was his best, but this revamp of the musical puts it on top.
I find it odd that Katie "sporkgoddess" would give the music such a bad review if she claims a background in music as she does. My only thought is that she is tone deaf and must scare everyone away with her own singing. That thought is only confirmed when she says that the overbearing screaming of Carlotta's singer was the best and closest to opera as the movie gets. Now, don't get me wrong...Margaret Preece sang very well for her part, on key and clear - but also remember that she was purposely singing BADLY..purposefully singing in such an overbearing warble that it was supposed to sound wrong. Now I don't know about anyone else, but if my only comment on good singing is a person who is supposed to be "overdoing" it then I might be thinking about getting my ears and brain checked.
On that note, I have several degrees in music and have been in active study of all fields of music for over ten years. I can honestly say that everything the actors/singers were meant to portray in the musical works were right on. I have heard different versions of these works, not just the original tracks by the original cast. It is my opinion that this rendition, while not better OR worse than the original, is a refreshing transition into the newer Classical/Pop culture blend world. I would also venture to tell Katie that she needs to understand that just because the title has the word "opera" in it doesn't mean it necessarily is one. Furthermore, I have heard and seen many traditional operas performed by traditional cast that have not sounded or looked a thing like what she considers opera to be. Musical descriptions are guidelines, not strict rules. The only rule an opera has so that it can still be called an opera is dramatic events within the performance set and sung to music. And if she argues with that I suggest she actually take the extensive courses in every field of music required to get to the position I and my peers, and especially those ahead of me, have gotten to.
As to the comments I have heard from audiences about which is better, I can honestly say there isn't one. They share the same name and plot, but remember this is a performance of one work as percieved by two different minds. This most recent work is angled more towards todays Pop culture world, while ALW's older work is geared towards the Pop culture world of his time. Remember that ALW went about his musicals with the intent of re-shaping the world of musical theatre as it was back then.
So I will sum up with one last comment. Phantom of the Opera was a work of genius, both the old and the new. Anyone who says otherwise needs to learn a bit about music before commenting about the subject. And if they have had some musical training and still don't like it then that's their preference - but do not comment on it's technical points when you clearly do not know what you are talking about (someday I would love to hear how "sporkgoddess" sings, though I should probably bring earplugs).
Free Music Review: People need to grow up & get over it. This is a great CD!
Hit: 5 Stars
To anyone reading the reviews posted here, please do not pay any attention to the negative comments. People have to stop their whining about this recording. Let's not forget that last years big Oscar winner CHICAGO had terrible vocal performances (Richard Gere and Renee Zelwegger comes to mind) but nobody seemed to care. These people are upset because there beloved duo- Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman are not in the film or it's soundtrack.
I would first like to state that just because Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman were the original leads, that does not necessarily mean that they were the best. I watched the show over 10 times during it's 10 year run in Toronto and I must state that Colm Wilkinson and Rebecca Caine were superior in all aspects. And for the ardent Sarah Brightman fans (the millions of you out there), let's not forget that her performance left alot to be desired. The woman couldn't act her way out of a paper bag and as for her voice. Yes it's true she has an outstanding range but the texture and sound of her voice is an acquired taste. A critic stated she sounded like "Mini Mouse on Quaaludes". I personally think she sounds more like one of the chipmunks. Her voice is very thin, and she doesn't seem to know how to control her out-of-control vibrato. Michael Crawford fares much better and the POTO London Cast recording is his best vocal performance on record. His vocals are rich and poignant and I was extremely impressed by him. However, after listening to his other recordings I have to frankly state that his voice is rather bland. However Mr Crawford is a terrific actor and that combined with his voice made him an outstanding phantom. But let's not forget that he is much too old for the part as is Ms. Brightman. It appears that the die hard fans do not want to give anyone a chance when it comes to portraying the title character and Christine and that's not fair.
This soundtrack is lovely and it qualifies as one of the best movie soundtracks I have ever heard. It is very loyal to the stage production and the singers voices are elegant and lovely. Gerard Butler is an excellent Phantom who does the part justice and Emmy Rossum's voice personifies youth, beauty and purity. Granted, her voice may not be strong enough to compete with a true opera diva but the only time this is really apparent is during THINK OF ME. Otherwise, her voice is lovely. My only disappointment was with Minnie Driver who does not do her own singing as the grand diva Carlotta. That may hurt her performance reviews kind of like a Jennifer Beals-in-FLASHDANCE kind-of-way which is a shame because she is an outstanding actress and I can't wait to see her in the film. I am eager to see what she brings to the role.
This recording is an outstanding piece of work. The voices are great and the orchestrations are sumptuous. As for the music, the OVERTURE is spellbinding, the hauntingly beautiful ANGEL OF MUSIC never sounded better, MASQUERADE is majestic and the new song LEARN TO BE LONELY adds further depth to the score. This is one LLoyd Weber's greatest scores and this CD more than does it justice. Highly recommended.
Free Music Review: Great Sountrack=Great movie
Hit: 5 Stars
I'm a HUGE fan of Phantom of the Opera. I've read the book and seen every version made for either the movies or TV and I have the soundtracks to all the versions available. But you haven't experienced anything until you see ALW version live and in person. However with that being said I think the next best thing anyone who has ever wanted to see the show live but couldn't then go and see the movie. It looks GREAT!!! Anyway I'm here to talk about the soundtrack and boy it's the best the music has ever sounded in my opinion. With a full orchestra etc....... the music sounds more epic and larger than it ever did on stage. The actress who plays Christine (Emmy Rossum)did a marvelous job singing her parts. I've heard bad reviews about Gerard Butlers singing as the Phantom but I have no complaints. He did a great job as well, and yes while different in tone and sound than Michael Crawford, Butler gives a fresh sound to the Phantom and he sounds more like a man dying to be loved and a man who has been shut out by society and uses aggresion and music to get his point across in this version than did Crawford who is a professional singer. I think that is what Butler has going for him in this film and I find it a welcome change. The best tracks for me is the following.
"Phantom of the Opera" For those who have seen the show the show really kicks off here when the Phantom reveals himself in the mirror to Christine and takes her down into the catacombs of the opera house. It sounds much more epic in tone now.
"Music of the Night" This is the song that will make or break a performer playing the phantom and like I said earlier Gerard does a great job here. True there is one part where he doesn't hit that high note like Michael Crawford could do, but it doesn't make it sound bad or anything. It's very well done.
"All I ask of you" Very well done as well with the version of the same track that follows with the Phantom singing.
"Masquerade" Very grand and exciting and of course the party is spoiled once the Phantom shows up and starts telling them about his new Opera of Don Juan trimumphant. The Phantom is very clever and funny in this track insulting everyone in the play but Christine of course.
"Journey to the Cemetary" This is mainly orchestra playing but it's very moody and powerful and then Christine sings softly and adds more emotion to the track.
"Wandering Child" Fearing he is losing Christine the Phantom goes back to his old tricks trying to convince Christine that he is the Angel of Music her father promised.
"Point of No Return" Awesome buildup and the part where the Chandalier falls and it's very powerful.
The rest of the CD from this point like "Down once more and track down this murderer" is simply emotion driven music and very powerful.
In the end I would suggest this CD to anyone who loves the musical and those who never got to experience it should give it a listen and also make sure you see the movie. It looks breathtaking.
Free Music Review: I LOVE IT!!!
Hit: 5 Stars
When I first listened to the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack of The Phantom of the Opera...I was not sure if I really liked it or not. Partly...it was due to the fact that I was so used to hearing Michael Crawford (The Phantom) and Sarah Brightman (Christine) singing the songs from the Original London Cast Recording. I kept the Motion Picture Soundtrack in my cd player for a long time and kept on listening to it. And then I went to see the movie and I feel in love with the Motion Picture Soundtrack. I believe that Andrew Lloyd Webber's music was amazing and even better than on the Original London Cast Recording.
Gerard Butler (The Phantom) did a wonderful job with such a powerful role! He is an amazing singer (once you get used to his voice and get Crawford's voice out of your head). I believe Butler sings "The Music of the Night" better than Crawford. Some might disagree with me on that...but we all have our own opinions. I think if you close your eyes while listening to Butler sing "The Music of the Night" you will be impressed by it. The song really moves me when I hear it now with Butler. I must admit that I think Butler is the better Phantom overall!
Emmy Rossum was great as Christine. I finally realized what the part was missing (no offense to Brightman)! Emmy brings a sense of innocence to the part that Brightman could not due to age. Nothing against Brightman, but Rossum is the better Christine...in my opinion. And Rossum has some control over her voice that Brightman lacked during the recording. During "Think of Me" Rossum takes me right into this recording which Brightman does not do in my opinion. Rossum is more powerful than Brightman...so that is why I recommend Rossum over Brightman any day!
Butler and Rossum are amazing when they sing "The Phantom of the Opera" and "The Point of No Return!" I really do enjoy listening to those two songs over and over again, because of the power that they have singing these songs. They play off each other in a magically way that is heard. Nothing against Crawford and Brightman...they also do a wonderful job, but in a different way.
Patrick Wilson (Raoul) has an amazing voice and sings wonderfully with Rossum...especially in "All I Ask of You!" Every time I hear it...I feel their emotions which I think lacks on the Original London Cast Recording. At the end of the movie...when Wilson, Butler, and Rossum are all singing...it really comes together and I have to listen over and over again to hear everything, but it is not a bad thing for me to have to listen over and over again. It means that they have made a musical moment!
The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is quite different than the Original London Cast Recording. I recommend getting both of them and listen to both of them and then you decide which one is better. I must admit that I wore out the Motion Picture Soundtrack that I had to go out and buy another copy of it! LOL! Oh well!
Free Music Review: A beautifully haunting rendition
Hit: 5 Stars
While the voices of these singers may not be as boisterous as some of the leads from the stage, they are enriched with emotion and depth that cannot be matched. People have complained monstrously of bad singing, though I hear nothing of that kind. This is an extraordinary rendition of the musical that will be enjoyed by anyone willing. By that, I mean, there are many who refuse to enjoy this musical unless the originals are cast...and thus they ruin it for themselves. Of course, some are bound to dislike.
Here, I will go through a more thorough analysis.
Gerard Butler :: The Phantom - His voice is very harsh and conveys the angrier, less whiney side to the Phantom. While he is not quite up to par at times, his rendition of "Music of the Night" is heartbreakingly real and entrancing. It truly is unforgettable and disgustingly overlooked.
Emmy Rossum :: Christine - Many have complained about her voice, and this appalls me. Are we listening to different people? Her voice is extraordinary! It conveys both the innocent, virginal aspects of Christine and the sensual womanhood that she is burgeoning upon. Her voice is never thin nor does it crack, however there are time when it is rather high and slightly airy. This is hardly a distraction. She was sixteen, after all. Her voice sounds younger (higher) and this is expected. It isn't bad, people who think it is are frankly, judging on false pretenses. I mean honestly, do people think they'd allow thin and off key singing onto this album? They would at least fix it with some kind of technology. Don't be fooled by such reviews. Anyway, Emmy's voice is entirely enthralling and heartbreaking. She conveys beautiful emotions, especially in "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again". Her rendition is brilliant and should not go ignored.
Patrick Wilson :: Raul - He has an extraordinarily strong voice, though at times I feel he's missing the emotion. Her becomes very tiresome. However, when he gets it perfectly, it's brilliant. His tone and range will simply melt you. However, sometimes I felt he was too American sounding. Though probably the most trained on the album, I feel he misses some important aspects involving the telling of a story.
The rest of the cast is extraordinary, though I sometimes disliked Jennifer Ellison. While Minnie Driver does not sing, her performances while speaking are truly hilarious! They are not to be missed.
I will admit, they don't have the range as some of the other performers. However, I would also like to add that Sarah Brightman has amazing range but displays NO EMOTION. Range does not equal good. These singers are perfectly capable of the task they were given, and deliver the songs well, technically speaking. Notes are met and sung well. However, it is the emotion they induce that makes them unique and amazing.
In conclusion, if you are a fan, please, I urge you to at least give this rendition a shot.