The Premiere Collection: The Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Original Cast Compilation)

There are many, many Andrew Lloyd Webber albums out there, including cut-and-paste compilations and songbooks from individual artists, most notably Sarah Brightman, Michael Crawford, and even Jose Carreras. The Premiere Collection is probably as authentic as you can get in a hits album, however. In addition to the most popular selections from the original casts of Evita, Cats, and Jesus Christ Superstar, the 57-minute album includes two selections from Tell Me on a Sunday (also recorded by Bernadette Peters as Song and Dance), the title tune from Starlight Express, the "Pie Jesu" from the Requiem, and a snippet from the Paganini Variations, thereby allowing you to hear the good stuff without having to spring for the complete albums. Note that the three selections from Phantom of the Opera are the 1986 pop singles instead of the cast recordings, meaning Steve Harley rather than Crawford sings with Brightman on the title tune and Cliff Richard subs for Steve Barton on "All I Ask of You." (Crawford does sing "The Music of the Night," of course.) This 1989 compilation was too early for Aspects of Love or Sunset Boulevard, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is ignored, but these omissions are rectified in the follow-up album The Premiere Collection Encore, and the American-slanted version, The Very Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection. --David Horiuchi Amazon.com essential recording

A feast for the ears!

My brother gave me this album for Christmas twelve years ago. What can I say about an album that has 'Memory,' 'Tell Me on a Sunday,' 'Jesus Christ Superstar,' 'Starlight Express,' and 'All I Ask of You?' "Buy it!" June 30, 2008

Grest recording!

Very enjoyable - we have 2 copies and always keep one in the car to listen to. May 2, 2008

Musical Pleasure

I enjoy all of this music, listening frequently. Some not original cast members, so less than 5 star. Product exactly as advertised. July 3, 2007

The Premiere Collection

My sister had this and it got destroyed. She wanted an other, This was the only place I have found it!! Very hard to find! I have been to every music store in my area. She loved it!! And was so happy to have it again. Anyone who loves Andrew Lloyd Webber will love this. As it has many songs from some of his most famous plays with the original cast. Great item. January 17, 2007

beautiful

This CD is a great compilation of some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hits. If you are just looking for a "quick fix" for your Broadway craving, this is a great value. December 21, 2006

More reviews at Amazon.com ...