Customer Reviews

Elegies - A Song Cycle by William Finn

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

A friend has been pushing Finn's work at me for a while now, especially extracts from Putnam County Spelling Bee and Elegies. I finally ordered the Elegies CD (from Amazon), received it and have listened to it a few times now, some tracks more often than others. The concept of the cycle is wonderful, and as many others have stated, one is left with an ache that somehow contains optimism. Each song is a polished gem, though some shine more than others. I would have to list "Dogs" as a low point, and "Mark and Monica" as the high point for me. All 6 performers are wonderful-----the 5 singers and the amazing pianist. As a pianist myself, I can hear how much work went into preparing to play this music, and feel that the gentleman is not given enough credit.

The most haunting moments (for me) occur when ensemble singing is heard, such as the opening quintet, the wordless male trio interludes in "Mark and Monica", and the finale. The vocal writing at these moments is absolutely brilliant, taking advantage of each singer's strong points.

My only criticism (and it is perhaps just that I am unused to Finn's aesthetic) is that everything is is so self-referential. We do not have the memories that he does of his family and friends, and although these songs bring them to life for us to some extent, they are impressionistic portraits drawn from a cohesive whole that only he knows deeply. Writing this cycle must have been very cathartic for Finn.

That said, I am sure that repeated listenings of this work will allow me to hear things that are as yet not noticed. It would also be wonderful to see a live performance of Elegies, adding a new dimension to the overall experience.

Bottom line, then: Bravo, Mr. Finn! Thanks for sharing your world and the people it contain(ed).

This is my first William Finn CD. Honestly, I haven't heard yet Falsettoland, Mach of F., A New Brain, and Infinite Joy. I am hearing William Finn's songs for the first time. I have to say that the CD is a mix bag of songs, some are perfectly hummable, some are on the "irregular" side (focusing on intent and meaning). However, the power of the songs cannot be denied. It is nice to hear though that despite the diversity of the songs, they are very connected with each other. For instance, the shift from Looking Up, to "mister choi", and later on towards "mark's all-male thanksgiving" is very clear. The emotions and the sincerity of the songs are supported by the honest delivery of the singers like Carollee Carmello, Keith Byron Kirk; Michael Rupert, and Betty Buckley. Though Betty Buckley may sound shrill on some parts of Infinite Joy, it is quite forgivable. After all, she is a very good character singer. Her version of "Only One" is a must-hear for all teachers who are on the verge of questioning their profession's worth. The CD liner notes put it correctly, the songs express celebration of life.

This is my first William Finn CD. Honestly, I haven't heard yet Falsettoland, Mach of F., A New Brain, and Infinite Joy. I am hearing William Finn's songs for the first time. I have to say that the CD is a mix bag of songs, some are perfectly hummable, some are on the "irregular" side (focusing on intent and meaning). However, the power of the songs cannot be denied. It is nice to hear though that despite the diversity of the songs, they are very connected with each other. For instance, the shift from Looking Up, to "mister choi", and later on towards "mark's all-male thanksgiving" is very clear. The emotions and the sincerity of the songs are supported by the honest delivery of the singers like Carollee Carmello, Keith Byron Kirk; Michael Rupert, and Betty Buckley. Though Betty Buckley may sound shrill on some parts of Infinite Joy, it is quite forgivable. After all, she is a very good character singer. Her version of "Only One" is a must-hear for all teachers who are on the verge of questioning their profession's worth. The CD liner notes put it correctly, the songs express celebration of life.

I agree with all the other favorable reviews. Bill Finn's reputation has mostly rested on the Falsettos trilogy (and New Brain), and this album definitely upholds that fine reputation. It is stunning writing! In particular, 14 Dwight Ave always moves me to tears when it gets faster and the son joins in. My other favorite is Mr Choi. This is one of my favorite albums, and I have tons of original cast recordings. Highly recommended!!!

William Finn is an acquired taste. To just about everyone, his music is a little strange.
This is byfar the most beautiful, touching and heartfelt music I've heard in a while. If you loved the Falsetto trilogy, A New Brain... Elegies is for you.

William Finn's knack for producing incredible autobiographical numbers shines through in his latest show. Both the music and lyrics are beautiful and uplifting, while at the same time bring you to tears. While the vocals at time need some work, the emotions that are conveyed definitly make up for it. Favorite songs: Mister Choi, Mark's All Male Thanksgiving, When the Earth Stopped Turning, and Goodbye/Boom Boom. Definitly worth the money!

I'm a big fan of William Finn and this show reaches the level that I have come to expect from Finn. Many of the songs are stories about very specific characters in a very specific context. The conversational style of the lyrics really helps the characters come to life and is one of my favorite characteristics of Finn's work. Probably the only two songs that lend themselves to a more general application are Infinite Joy and Anytime, both also great songs. Though the theme of this show is celebrating the lives of people Finn has known, and whom you might recognize (Joe Papp), some characters are fictional (Mr. Choi).

I really love the Monica and Mark storyline (Mark's All-Male Thanksgiving, Monica and Mark, and Anytime) and these are my favorite songs on the album. The song Monica and Mark especially gets me and I love how it incorporates motifs from the other two songs. The first time I was listening to this album, I had to just stop what I was doing and devote my full attention to this song. I just love the "da da da da da da" sections. The setup for Anytime is perfect and made me cry. I think I like Anytime better on the "Infinite Joy" album, but that could be because I'm used to it.

I also enjoy the storyline about Finn's mother, especially 14 Dwight Ave. I really like Mr. Choi (especially "Looking in the window...") and Finn has said that it is his favorite song on the album, along with Only One. Passover and My Dogs make me smile. I like the music to Joe Papp, but I'm not crazy about the simple lyrics ("Joe Papp never took crap"). I love the song Infinite Joy, but I prefer Liz Callaway's version on the "Infinite Joy" album (I adore Liz Callaway). I'm not crazy about Peggy Hewitt, Jack Eric Williams, and Venice and tend to skip those tracks, though others seem to like them. Maybe they'll grow on me.

It's nice to hear the Finn veterans on this recording. I absolutely love Michael Rupert (Marvin in Falsettos) on this recording! I think he does a great job! I also really enjoy Keith Byron Kirk, who was in A New Brain. Carolee Carmello was in Infinite Joy and Falsettos.

I am so glad that Fynnsworth Alley recorded this show! It is a great label and I like lots of the albums they put out. Though I would buy anything from Finn anyway! I recommend that you buy this album and Infinite Joy even though there is some overlap in songs. While you're at it, buy anything you can from William Finn!