David Newman, Stephen Flaherty, Aaliyah, Richard Marx, Donna Lewis - Anastasia: Music From The Motion Picture (1997 Version)

One of the more successful attempts by another studio (here Fox) to make a quality animated film on par with Disney was Anastasia. The music by David Newman and songs by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (the Broadway team that won a Tony for Ragtime) give the movie a sturdy backbone. From the Zhivago-gone-Broadway opening number "A Rumor in St. Petersburg" to the Oscar-nominated get-up-and-sing "Journey to the Past," the CD is filled with bright numbers, including low-key pop versions of several of the songs. The vocal talent is exceptional, especially Liz Callaway (Grizabella in Broadway's Cats) as Anastasia (Meg Ryan supplied the speaking voice). Bernadette Peters and Jim Cummings (doing a mean Christopher Lloyd impersonation as the speaking voice of the movie's heavy, Rasputin) offer solid support, with kudos to Kelsey Grammer as Vlad, the portly sidekick. The album's (and film's) star is "Once Upon a December," simply one of the most beautiful songs ever from an animated film. Using a waltz motif that is heard throughout the film, the song--with sparse lyrics--builds into a sweeping and memorable number. It will have your dancing princesses asking for repeats. The CD's liner notes include complete lyrics. --Doug Thomas Amazon.com

anastasia

The music on this cd is just like the voices in the movie,the are very enjoyable to sing along with. I am very pleased with this product. September 10, 2008

Absolutely Fantastic!

When I first saw this movie I was 9. It was so incredible. Now I'm 19 and the movie is still my number 1. I watch it all the time. I only recently bought the soundtrack, but I love it so much! Its beautiful and enchanting. My favorite songs are "In the Dark of the Night" and "A Rumor in St. Petersburg". Absolutely fantastic. 5 stars. March 7, 2008

Good music

I really like the music to Anastasia, especially "Once Upon a December," and "Journey to the Past." The music is just a great element of the well told story in this film. Liz Callaway has a beautiful Soprano voice as Anastasia. Kelsey Grammer of Frasier fame is a great singer, and it is cool to hear his rich Baritone sound, especially on "Learn to Do It (Waltz Reprise)." The "pop" versions of the songs later on the cd are not as good as the originals, but having them on the cd does not detract from the better versions. February 18, 2008

So much fun

I love and my lil one loves this soundtrack! How beautiful and glorious it all is. January 15, 2008

LOVE IT!!!

The music on the CD is wonderful. Love the movie, love the music - especially the song "Once Upon A December". November 21, 2007

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