Like so many others, I have never been so deeply effected by any other staged musical. It is somewhat like going to mass. I know the story. I have seen the turntable production multible times in multiple countries. And still, whenever I find myself at a location near a live performance, I feel compelled to go again. I know that I will always be so moved as to feel marvel that such a feast of story, sights, and sounds can be put together in a single theatrical production. Somehow it seems to renew something inside of me that is good.
This play has so few spoken words that it is rather like an opera. It has inspired me to buy virtually every recording associated with it (even the French concept album)... searching for that heart felt experience. This album, better than any other, allows you to re-experience the entire play. It is a treasure.
William R. Beaty, M.D.
March 19, 2008I have this recording memorized front to back, and when my old cassettes finally wore out, it was time to replace them digitally. Well of course it sounds phenomenal, and the booklet has all the cast info plus all the lyrics and a synopsis of the plot. I can't compare this with the other recordings, but it's my favorite as I grew up with this one.
February 13, 2008I bought this recording and the the London original cast CD at the same time. I like the London version better BUT~ I didn't realize that the London version was abridged!! So MENTALLY I'm a "bit" disappointed. I've seen the musical 3 times and can't get enough of "Les Mis"
February 8, 2008This is by far THE BEST recording of Les Mis ever. I own the Original London recording and this one, this is so much better. I have grown up to the music of Les Miserables, and have always enjoyed the music. Colm Wilkinson, who does the London and Broadway recordings is good, but I think he is rivaled by Gary Morris in this version. I feel more power in Morris' portrayal of Val-Jean, yet Wilkinson is "the original." Phillip Quast is amazing as Javert, and Fantine has a very heartfelt performance in "I Dreamed a Dream." The orchestra extremely augments the feeling created in this performance. I listen to it again and again. No Les Miserables enthusiast can go without this version. On the other hand, this version will make many fans of this classic musical.
January 13, 2008 |  | Best Collection of Voices EVER!! |  |
I cannot tell you how many times I love hearing this collection. With that being said, I am going to ruffle some feathers by stating that (1) Gary Morris is way under appreciated for his voice and range. His voice and talent are perfect for the stage. The songs in this collection shows him at his best and if his version of "Bring Him Home" does not move you, then I feel really bad for you. I know that many love Colm Wilkinson (and I did too) but when I saw Morris perform his version with his style (along with the moving symphony), it was incredible and left me amazed (almost as amazed as hearing Michael Crawford in Phantom). Morris continues to show his amazing voice to the other songs with the same powerful range and subtleness (when necessary) that makes you want more. I do not say this lightly (since I have seen Les Miserables three time including with Colm) but Morris is so much more superior in every way. It is too bad he cannot display his gift and talent more in his country music albums. (2) Kaho Shimada - is magnificent and in my opinion, much better than Lea Salonga. Why, because first of all, Ms. Kaho did not know any English when the recording was done. I find this fact amazing. Second, the emotion she translated in her performance is not bound by this fact (and perhaps frees her to display her range). Ok I love Lea in Aladdin, Miss Saigon etc and her performance in the Les Miserables' Albert Hall performance but in terms of pure singing (no visuals) Ms. Kaho excels. The rest of the cast is just as good as the recording but this is expected (thought I would have selected others). However, Michael Ball and Philip Quast nail their parts as Marius and Javert. This is the must have collection (and yes I have all the others) due to the fact that you get the best of the best in performers but you also get the missing music and therefore, you hear the play as it was meant to be heard. (Again the strings on "Bring Him Home" without Morris is hauntingly beautiful (on the same level as "The Mission" soundtrack)). I hope that you enjoy this classic as much as I still do.
January 5, 2008More reviews at Amazon.com ...
