Highlights From Phantom Of The Opera

Original London Cast | Format: MP3 Download

Product Details

• Original Release Date: September 12, 1988
• Release Date: October 10, 1988
• Label: Decca US
• Copyright: (C) 1987 Polydor Ltd. (UK)
• Genres: Broadway & Vocalists/Musicals, Broadway & Vocalists/Traditional Vocal Pop, Pop/Vocal Pop
• ASIN: B000V6U87S
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (112 customer reviews)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A phantastically done abridgement, June 20, 2000

By 

Yi-Peng (Singapore) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Highlights from The Phantom of the Opera (Audio Cassette)

When people recommend complete sets of musicals and operas more than abridged versions, this Phantom London highlights album (with the highlights from the CATS Broadway recording) is one of the few cases where the abridged version can be recommended as much as the complete set. In this abridged version of the POTO London Cast album, all the major numbers and none of the filler are here, making this an extremely desirable single disc album for those who don't want the full 100-minute London Cast recording. Michael Crawford's hypnotic Phantom, Steve Barton's comforting Raoul and Sarah Brightman's angelic Christine are the high points of the album. The tension and emotion are well-maintained, with fair representatives of each characteristic, and listening to all the major songs are just like meeting old friends. "Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You" sound like you are hearing these songs for the first time, and the chromatic Phantom theme heightens the suspense. I must mention I rather like this version of Music of the Night, which is a single version that ALW produced before the opening of Phantom. While it's different from the OLC 2-CD set, I think this gives a deeper insight into the Phantom's character. Overall, I would say that this is an ideal choice for those who don't want the complete London cast recording, but I think that you'll be prompted to invest in the full 2-CD London version even though this abridged version of POTO is very well done. Too bad it isn't remastered.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Awesome !, July 14, 2005

By 

AJK (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast) (Audio CD)

I first purchased the original score in 1988, shortly before seeing the show on Broadway.

At first, only a couple of songs stood out, but after seeing the amazing production (with the incredible Michael Crawford!), I fell absolutely in love with the score. Repeat listenings have only solidified my opinion!

Not everything is perfect, but the orchestrations are powerful & many songs really stick with you, especially:

Overture [sounds great cranked up]

Angel Of Music

The Phantom Of The Opera [The Phantom & Christine's great duet]

The Music Of The Night [The Phantom's big song]

All I Ask Of You [Christine & Raoul's duet - though a bit tired]

Masquerade

The Point Of Know Return

Beautiful from beginning to end & MUCH better than the film's soundtrack. Webber's masterpiece!

A must have!

35 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Don't Waste Your Time With HIGHLIGHTS!, October 18, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Seattle) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast) (Audio CD)

I give this recording only two stars, because you flat out should not buy it. Buy the double cd Original London Cast instead- I give that recording 5 stars. If you buy this recording you will miss out on A LOT of great music, and some thrilling moments that aren't on the highlights.

Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh is not on the highlights and that's worth the price of the double cd alone. I love that song and it's where Carlotta gets it good..and Crawford is haunting as usual during this part.

Highlights for any musical are a waste. It's worth it to pay more and get as much of the music as possible.

Do yourself a favor and get the double cd, not this one.