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Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Like a shimmering pearl, The Light in the Piazza emerged from a sea of revivals, rehashings, and movie adaptations to secure 11 2005 Tony nominations, including Best Musical. Based on an Elizabeth Spencer novella (which was also made into a 1962 film), it follows a mother, Margaret (Victoria Clark), and her daughter, Clara (Kelli O'Hara), as they take a vacation to Italy. There, Clara and a young Italian (Matthew Morrison) fall in love, but Margaret is determined to keep them apart.
The Light in the Piazza doesn't fit the model of most Broadway scores, with a splashy opener here, a swing number there, then the big ballad. The score is more of a unified whole, sometimes jarring, sometimes following the patterns of speech, and sometimes unfolding in glorious sheens of sound. (Heck, some of it's even in Italian!) In that sense, it's similar to another unconventional American musical set in Italy, Stephen Sondheim's Passion, which is more chamber opera than musical, and composer-lyricist Adam Guettel (song of Mary Rodgers, grandson of Richard Rodgers) seems the most likely heir apparent to Sondheim in the current generation of musical theater creators. O'Hara's voice soars in the score's most beautiful moments ("Say It Somehow," the title song), but Clark enjoys two exquisitely lyrical moments with "Dividing Day" and "Let's Walk." She was one of the show's six Tony winners (for Leading Actress), along with Guettel's score and the orchestrations, scenice design, lighting, and costumes, while O'Hara (for Featured Actress), Morrison, Craig Lucas's book, and Bartlett Sher's direction were also nominated. --David Horiuchi
Product Description
The Light in the Piazza is arguably one of the most highly anticipated theatrical events of the decade for serious Broadway theatergoers. The Los Angeles Times has already declared its creator, Nonesuch artist Adam Guettel, "a composer for the new century," on the strength of his two Off-Broadway productions, the 1996 Obie-Award winning "folk musical" Floyd Collins and the 1998 song cycle, Myths and Hymns, TIME has described him as "a startlingly original songwriter." Few theatrical composers have been watched as closely as Guettel, and few musicals in the course of their development have generated so much substantial press or been praised so highly on the road as The Light in the Piazza. Both the New Yorker and The New York Times magazine devoted in-depth coverage to the evolution of Guettel’s sophisticated, deeply moving score. New Yorker critic John Lahr decided,"Guettel’s kind of talent cannot be denied. He shouldn’t change for Broadway; Broadway, if it is to survive as a creative theatrical force, should change for him."
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
46 of 47 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Adam Guettel's soaring melodies and passionate, romantic lyrics combine to make "The Light In The Piazza's" score one of the most stunning I have heard in ages. Mr. Guettel's work brings rare wonder to the musical stage. It almost belongs in a genre of its own. Certainly, his contemporary score is not recognizable in any of your mother's Broadway show tunes, nor is it quite opera. This extraordinary album, featuring the original cast, was released recently by Nonesuch Records. I immediately bought a CD and have listened to it repeatedly over the last weeks. Beautifully arranged and orchestrated by the composer, with Ted Sperling and Bruce Coughlin, the more you listen to "The Light In The Piazza," with its swirling sound of strings and harp, and slight dissonances, the more you want to hear.
Based on the novella by Elizabeth Spenser, the musical is set primarily in Florence, Italy, in the summer of 1953. Margaret Johnson, (Victoria Clark), is touring the Tuscan countryside with her daughter, Clara, ((Kelli O'Hara). While sightseeing, beautiful, young Clara meets Fabrizio Naccarelli, (Matthew Morrison), a handsome, spirited Florentine. Her hat is blown off by a gust wind and the young man recovers it for her. Fate sounds a chord, romance resonates. The protective Mrs. Johnson is determined to keep the two lovers apart. Clara is not all she appears to be at first glimpse, and her mother is finding this increasingly difficult to keep secret.
Silver-voiced, Mrs. Johnson, (the magnificent Ms.Clark), reflects on her empty marriage in the heartbreaking "Dividing Day," a song in the first act which is one of my favorites. Another major highlight is her poignant closing number, "Fable." Throughout, the music and lyrics eloquently articulate the actors' feelings. Kelli O'Hara's radiant version of "The Light in the Piazza" and the gorgeous love duet between O'Hara and Morrison, "Say It Somehow" provide absolutely memorable moments. The young couple struggle with a language barrier, and Mr. Morrison's receives my kudos for the way he communicates in broken English....and, of course, in song. His talent is so evident as his voice, time and time again, soars to the proverbial rafters. The CD offers some fantastic group numbers also.
I cannot write enough good things about this album. I can only promise that if you listen, and let the glorious music speak for itself, you will be more than satisfied.
JANA
Based on the novella by Elizabeth Spenser, the musical is set primarily in Florence, Italy, in the summer of 1953. Margaret Johnson, (Victoria Clark), is touring the Tuscan countryside with her daughter, Clara, ((Kelli O'Hara). While sightseeing, beautiful, young Clara meets Fabrizio Naccarelli, (Matthew Morrison), a handsome, spirited Florentine. Her hat is blown off by a gust wind and the young man recovers it for her. Fate sounds a chord, romance resonates. The protective Mrs. Johnson is determined to keep the two lovers apart. Clara is not all she appears to be at first glimpse, and her mother is finding this increasingly difficult to keep secret.
Silver-voiced, Mrs. Johnson, (the magnificent Ms.Clark), reflects on her empty marriage in the heartbreaking "Dividing Day," a song in the first act which is one of my favorites. Another major highlight is her poignant closing number, "Fable." Throughout, the music and lyrics eloquently articulate the actors' feelings. Kelli O'Hara's radiant version of "The Light in the Piazza" and the gorgeous love duet between O'Hara and Morrison, "Say It Somehow" provide absolutely memorable moments. The young couple struggle with a language barrier, and Mr. Morrison's receives my kudos for the way he communicates in broken English....and, of course, in song. His talent is so evident as his voice, time and time again, soars to the proverbial rafters. The CD offers some fantastic group numbers also.
I cannot write enough good things about this album. I can only promise that if you listen, and let the glorious music speak for itself, you will be more than satisfied.
JANA
73 of 86 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
When we have to suffer through a Broadway season that includes the likes of Dracula and Good Vibrations, The Light in the Piazza is HOPE. Adam Guettel's score is the best in YEARS, and this recording is breathtaking. While not perfect (some of the songs don't quite work and the lyrics can become a bit general), the music moves in such intricate and beautiful ways. The orchestrations (with great string parts and a little guitar sneaked in there) are BEAUTIFUL; sadly, no recording could give justice to the experience of hearing those orchestrations in the real space.
Plus, there are many noteworthy performances. Victoria Clark's voice has so much character and emotion, Kelli O'Hara just floats through those notes like it's nothing, and Matthew Morrison does such a great job with a difficult score that calls for him to sing an Italian aria, and it's so funny to think that this is the same guy who starred in Hairspray :)
The CD is a MUST HAVE; if you don't know Adam Guettel you need to get acquainted. He is the new voice of musical theatre.
Plus, there are many noteworthy performances. Victoria Clark's voice has so much character and emotion, Kelli O'Hara just floats through those notes like it's nothing, and Matthew Morrison does such a great job with a difficult score that calls for him to sing an Italian aria, and it's so funny to think that this is the same guy who starred in Hairspray :)
The CD is a MUST HAVE; if you don't know Adam Guettel you need to get acquainted. He is the new voice of musical theatre.
37 of 43 people found the following review helpful
By Betty
Format:Audio CD
The Light in the Piazza is incredible. Guettel's score is outstandingly beautiful. There is not one song on this recording not worth listening to over and over again.
Guettel said in an interview that the goal of this show was to make people feel as if they were in Italy, in the piazza, and in love. Although this obviously works better in the theater, (Definitely worth $100 dollars to see-even the best recording could not emulate the beauty of the production-go see it, you'll be glad you did) the recording captures this feeling incredibly.
The orchestrations are lush and full, absolutely stunning. Despite being musical theatre, Piazza's musical style borders on modern opera, with classical Italian influences.
The story is not your average romance. It is complex and intricate. It examines all of the main characters' views of love, some jaded and weary, others young and hopeful.
Performances given are wonderful. Victoria Clark, especially, is brilliant in her role. Her voice soars, and her emotion overwhelms. Kelli O'Hara's beautiful voice is exactly what Guettel's music needs to satisfy it. Matthew Morrison is also extremely good- as is the entire remainder of the cast.
As the previous reviewer said, this show gives hope for the future of musical theatre. This is the kind of show to revive broadway- and Guettel is the composer to do it.
There are two words to describe the show: INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL.
Guettel said in an interview that the goal of this show was to make people feel as if they were in Italy, in the piazza, and in love. Although this obviously works better in the theater, (Definitely worth $100 dollars to see-even the best recording could not emulate the beauty of the production-go see it, you'll be glad you did) the recording captures this feeling incredibly.
The orchestrations are lush and full, absolutely stunning. Despite being musical theatre, Piazza's musical style borders on modern opera, with classical Italian influences.
The story is not your average romance. It is complex and intricate. It examines all of the main characters' views of love, some jaded and weary, others young and hopeful.
Performances given are wonderful. Victoria Clark, especially, is brilliant in her role. Her voice soars, and her emotion overwhelms. Kelli O'Hara's beautiful voice is exactly what Guettel's music needs to satisfy it. Matthew Morrison is also extremely good- as is the entire remainder of the cast.
As the previous reviewer said, this show gives hope for the future of musical theatre. This is the kind of show to revive broadway- and Guettel is the composer to do it.
There are two words to describe the show: INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love this!
My child and I adaore this cd. The music is fantastic!. Easy ordering, fast shipment, sent just as described. So much easier than trying to find it at a store. Thanks!
Published 4 months ago by Pat May
5.0 out of 5 stars
Exceptional - but ...
I bought this CD and was blown away by the Overture! And then the rest of the music - yet, a big problem with the story - which was true of the movie - so a mentally compromised... Read more
Published 10 months ago by Judith W. Brinkworth
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing, unique and touching
This is a lovely recording of one of the most unique musical dramas ever to be brought to the stage. It is well sung, with beautiful and heartfelt interpretations. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Christine G
5.0 out of 5 stars
GORGEOUS!
I think this musical is just gorgeous. The singers, especially Ms. Clark and Ms. O'Hara, are out of this world. Read more
Published on May 26, 2010 by KC
4.0 out of 5 stars
The "Passion" of the 21st century
(Just bear in mind, I have not seen this show live. This is more about the actual cast recording.) In the early 1990s, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine created a brand new musical... Read more
Published on May 17, 2010 by Pato Cree
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent product and service
The CD was in great condition--both the book and the disc. It took between 3-4 weeks to arrive, which was a bit frustrating. Read more
Published on February 10, 2010 by Zaxxson Nation
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Light in the Piazza
This is a beautiful musical and the CD is great. I saw the show at Lincoln Center with this cast and listening to this CD brings it all back perfectly. The voices are amazing! Read more
Published on December 2, 2009 by M. Barry
5.0 out of 5 stars
It Feels Like Travel ! ...
... was my reaction to the music, a few numbers into the LIGHT IN THE PIAZZA (when they still were playing the full overture). Read more
Published on August 1, 2008 by steve lowenthal
5.0 out of 5 stars
Original and awe-inspiring: Guettel and the voice of Victoria Clark
Adam Guettel's "The Light in the Piazza" is a wonderfully refreshing and complex masterpiece that rightly earned the Best Score Nod at the 2005 Tony Awards. Read more
Published on October 17, 2007 by Duke Gaines
3.0 out of 5 stars
Snoozeville
The only thing more sleep inducing than this cast album is sitting through the actual show. The music is very pretty but too similar and will lull you into a deep coma!
Published on July 23, 2007 by John Moschitta Jr.
