Customer Reviews

At the Met

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

If the Fates told me I could only have one Barbara Cook recording in the afterlife, it would be this one. Most of the tracks have been recorded by Ms Cook before, some several times; however, this incarnation is reminiscent of a fine single-malt Scotch that first excites the senses then settles into a mellow and pleasurable experience. Here is a compilation of most of my favorites. I don't really need to listen to the other recordings, but I will. The voice just gets richer and richer with the passage of time.

Audra and Josh, the newcomers, are welcomed additions to the recording. Quite simply, this recording is a pleasure and a treasure.

I was lucky enough to be there for the actual concert and I can honestly say that this CD makes me feel like I am there all over again. Ms. Cooks voice is as impeccable as ever, cutting to the emotional heart of each song. Yes we've heard Ms. Cook sing most of these in the past, but the extra special setting of the Metropolitan Opera infused Ms. Cook (and the entire evening) with an added spark that was palpable and clearly evident on this recording. This is not to be missed.

My only complaint is that Elaine Stritch's performances were not included on this recording as the two really played well off each other. But no worries the duets with Audra McDonald and Josh Groban are also very compelling. Listen especially to the duet with Josh Groban which is acted so well by both. It's songs like this that make me wish Barbara could be in a musical again.

At 78 years of age Barbara can still sing -- I knew nothing about her until performances with Josh Groban (Hollywood Bowl 2005). Her introduction to Josh and duet with him ("Move On") are fabulous. I especially love "Not While I'm Around" -- the range of Mr. Groban's voice is amazing, magical, etc! Audra McDonald is also good and many of Barbara's songs are just enjoyable to listen to (Errol Flynn, It Might As Well Be Spring, Nashville Nightingale, etc). Barbara's interaction with Josh, Audra and audience are wonderful. For a live performance, this CD is definitely one of the best I've heard. Eric Stern on piano adds an additional thumbs up!

I have seen Miss Cook live on 3 occasions and she just keeps getting better! Her voice is crystal clear in this recording. Her interpretation of "This Nearly Was Mine" is sheer perfection. She is engaging as always, bringing the audience right in with her. Audra McDonald is great, especially duetting with Barbara, and Josh Groban is incomparable. His solo and the duet with Barbara are fantastic. Barbara is extremely expressive throughout the recording: serious, fun, contemplative. Yes, we've heard many of these before, but they continue to be fresh and enjoyable. And this time Barbara admits it is she playing the kazoo (incorrectly cued as part of the next number). The packaging has great pictures, but can be a bit vague. Can we assume Jay Berliner was playing the banjo? A picture of Marcus Rojas with Barbara (a great honor for just the one tuba duet with Barbara), but no picture of music director Eric Stern? And no labeling of composers or shows in the liner notes? As a plus, we do get Barbara's personal comments. But this sort of thing makes me long for an old vinyl album, where there was tons of room for pictures and notes and credits. This recording is a must-have for your Barbara Cook collection, and really, for any collection of excellent vocalists. Barbara is the only non-classical singer ever presented at the Met, and the first soloist in 20 years. I wish this concert could have been done with orchestra, but the small group of sensitive musicians makes the recording very intimate.

I just got my Barbara Cook "Live At The Met" CD yesterday, and I was totally blown away! Incredible talent! And I love the two Josh Groban songs on here too. His voice is just amazing! You should go out and get this CD. You'll be surprised!

On BC's previous CD (Tribute) I thought I detected a faint diminution of her unbelievable voice. This one proves that she has not lost a step. At her age (heck, at any age), her voice and her facility with a lyric is unmatched. My wife, a trained singer, agrees, and has learned much from BC about selling a story with the lyric.

A thrilling memento of Barbara Cook's first concert at the Met, which I was lucky enough to attend. Many other fine Cook solos, and the entire segment with special guest Elaine Stritch, were omitted, which is a pity. I'd have gladly paid the price for a 2nd CD to include more of this nearly 3-hour concert for which Cook was onstage the entire time. Her singing was glorious all evening. Audra McDonald's performance was wonderful in person, and total perfection on this CD.

I was fortunate to be on the second row for this event and this recording is a wonderful recording of this amazing event. For anyone who is a fan of Barbara Cook, musical theater and/or vocal interpretation of popular music, the album is a must. You quickly forget that she is close to 80 years old. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

I have pretty well all of her cd's and dvd's so this extra one from her concert at Carnegie Hall this year was especially welcome. Her voice is still terrific - some of the songs she sings bring tears to your eyes and others fill you with joy.

This is an album to treasure and hear again and again. Thank you Barbara!!

Dinner at The Palm Steakhouse with a friend.... $235

Martinis at the Waldorf.... $184

Feeling good, Putting on your virtual Tuxedos and spending the evening with Barbara Cook at the met.... "priceless"