Elegies - A Song Cycle by William Finn [CAST RECORDING]

William Finn, Carolee Carmello, Betty Buckley

Product Details

• Audio CD (June 24, 2003)
• Original Release Date: June 24, 2003
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Varese Sarabande
• ASIN: B00009V7TL
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #111,354 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Track Listings

1. Looking Up Quintet

2. Mister Choi & Madame G - Christian Borle, Carolee Carmello, Keith Byron Kirk

3. Mark's All-Male Thanksgiving - Michael Rupert

4. Only One - Betty Buckley

5. Joe Papp - Keith Byron Kirk

6. Peggy Hewitt & Mysty del Giorno - Carolee Carmello

7. Passover - Carolee Carmello

8. Infinite Joy - Betty Buckley

9. Ballad of Jack Eric Williams (And Other 3-Named Composers) - Michael Rupert

10. Monica & Mark - Christian Borle, Keith Byron Kirk, Michael Rupert

11. Anytime (I Am There) - Carolee Carmello

12. My Dogs - Christian Borle

13. Venice - Michael Rupert

14. 14 Dwight Ave., Natick, Massachusetts - Christian Borle, Betty Buckley

15. When the Earth Stopped Turning - Christian Borle

16. Goodbye/Boom Boom - Carolee Carmello, Keith Byron Kirk

17. Looking Up - Betty Buckley

18. Goodbye (Finale)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

William Finn's career in the musical theater is pretty remarkable considering that he doesn't write traditional show tunes--much less traditional shows. But Finn has a gift for catchy melodies and his emotionally engaging work has a way of intimately connecting with audiences (during the initial run of Elegies, hardened New Yorkers could be seen trying to hide their tears). Though no storyline links these songs, they are united by the underlining idea of loss; in turn funny, tender, witty, biting and quietly devastating, they form a unified tapestry. Musically, Finn can turn out perky little numbers and powerful ballads--"Anytime (I Am There)" could conceivably be a hit if some contemporary pop diva did it. Led by Betty Buckley and Carolee Carmello, the cast is completely in sync with the material. Some of the narrative-heavy pieces recall Michel Legrand's sung-through work (and there are Legrand-like flourishes on "Monica & Mark"), but in the end Finn is very much his own man: There's nobody quite like him in the American musical-theater world, and Elegies just brings more evidence of that. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Light Beyond Death, January 3, 2004

By	Stewart (Columbus, OH USA) - See all my reviews

I was initially concerned that an entire score about the passing of loved ones would be painful and dreary. And don't get me wrong, I like painful and dreary, but not for an entire cd. So I was greatly relieved when I listened to Elegies for the first time. I had already heard Anytime (I am There), Infinite Joy, and Turning on the Infinite Joy cd, so it's lovely to hear that the rest of the score lives up to those numbers, with the possible exception of the song about the dogs. The cast is vocally strong, and their passion comes through on the recording. Standouts are Keith Byron Kirk on "Mr Choi and Madame G", and with Carolee Carmello on "Goodbye", Betty Buckley on "14 Dwight Ave., Natick Massachussetts, Carolee on "Anytime" and "Passover", Michael Rupert on "Mark's All-Male Thanksgiving" and Christian Borle on "Turning". Overall, Elegies celebrates the lives of the departed with joy and light, and most importantly, the idea that life goes on.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely glorious, July 4, 2003

By	"dawg235" (CT ,USA) - See all my reviews

What are you waiting for? Buy this CD NOW!!!! I recently became interested in Finn's work after buying March of the Falsettos and Falsettoland (a must for any musical theatre fan--the pieces are wonderful)and attended Elegies at LCT (3 times!) The first time I was completely overwhelmed--Finn's songs were so honest, poignant, and hilarious! It was so amazing that he could write so sincerely from his personal experience--that's what touched people. It wasn't cheesy or over-sentimental, it was just honest. and that's a beautiful thing.
The next two times I saw it I discovered new things that I hadn't noticed before, I began to see the genius behind the songs I didn't like the first time, and songs that didn't stick with me became ingrained in my memory. When I listened to the CD, I discovered even more and more beautiful lyrics, jokes, melodies, and performances that I loved. The point here, folks is you must give this CD a chance. Finn has written exceptional stuff on this CD and you only discover it more and more with repeated listenings.
Something must also be said about the performers. It's an exceptional cast. Carolee Carmello has a powerhouse, amazing, beautiful voice and she's also a fabulous, versatile actress. Her performance, alone, is enough to get this CD for. Her performance in "Passover"is hysterical and touching at the same time.
Then there's the untouchable Betty Buckley. When I first saw this, her vibrato started to get to me, but then I realized how much passion was behind her singing. If you need proof of that, listen to "14 Dwight Ave. Natick MA" which is a poignant song About William Finn's mother taking one of her sons for a last drive around their town before she dies.
I discovered Christian Borle for the first time on this CD. He sings one of the funniest songs in the show (an elegy for his dogs)and then sings one of the saddest songs in the show ("When the earth stopped turning"---a wonderful song. Talk about versatile.
Michael Rupert starred as Marvin in the Falsettos, which is where I became a huge fan of him. He's such a great performer--he sings each song like he's a storyteller, and it's just, well, very effective. To see my point, listen to Venice (my favorite song)
Last but not least, there's Keith Byron Kirk who belts his heart out in "Goodbye" This song illustrates the point of the whole song cycle---it contains the quote "THE LIVING WAS THE PRIZE; THE ENDING'S NOT THE STORY". That's what makes Elegies so uplifting, even though its songs are about deceased people. It celebrates their lives instead of mourning their death.
This CD alone shows why Finn is so celebrated by theatre enthusiasts everywhere. What can you lose? Just buy it!!!Hopefully it will touch you like it has touched me. And if you like this, you'll love March of the Falsettos/Falsettoland.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best CD you'll buy this year!, June 25, 2003

By	Andrew (detroit, michigan USA) - See all my reviews

William Finn's new songcycle is the most incredible compilation of songs written in my recent memory. There is not a song work skipping on this CD. It will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. Finn's songs are just right, never tear-jerking or corny. Exceptional songs on this CD are "Mister Choi & Madame G," Carolee Carmello's beautiful and hilarious renditions of "Passover" and "Anytime," Betty Buckley's moving "Infinite Joy" and my personal favorite, the hilarious and just sooo cute "My Dogs." It seems silly to say which songs are my favorite because they are each so good. If you have any appreciation in music of any kind, this CD should be added to your collection.