Customer Reviews

Martin Guerre (1996 London Cast)

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This 1996 London recording of "Martin Guerre" (a show which seems to be undergoing about as many revisions as "The Scarlet Pimpernel" -- it must be something about these French musicals!) provides listeners with much that is worthwhile, with some extraneous material sprinkled throughout. The vocal performances by the three leads Iaian Glen, Rebecca Lock, and Matt Rawle are not exceptional. Glen and Rawle sound so similar that is hard to tell which one is performing. Lock sings sweetly, but her vibrato is, at times, awfully wide and seemingly forced. The recording has a strong beginning with a gorgeous "Prologue" followed by two more colorful numbers "Working on the Land" and "Where's the Child." "Martin Guerre" is satisfactory, but not overly stirring. "Sleeping On Our Own" is the album's first and most significant pitfall. While the number might be more enjoyable when performed live and within the context of the show, it is utterly irritating to listen to -- conjuring images of three third-rate aged Edith Piaf impersonators struggling to sing despite some kind of throat problem. "When Will Someone Hear" and "Tell Me To Go" are attractive love themes, but the highlight of the first act is definitely Michael Matus' "Louison." The album's most successful selection is without question "The Impostors" which is haunting and colorful. Much of what is present here is well-done, and with further revisions, recasting, and restructuring, "Martin Guerre" should be poised to become a successful fixture -- much like its cousins "Les Miserables" and "Miss Saigon" -- when it arrives on Broadway in the Spring of 2000.

I saw the play about 2 months after it's debut in London. It was an inspiring masterpiece that you wanna again and again. It makes you feel wonderful and it has some humor to lighten the mood. You'll fall in love with the chararcters and even with Lousian, the scarecrow. A must see if you're ever in England and I plan to see it if it comes over to the US. You should to!

I saw the production in London in 1997. It took my breath away. I purchased the tape at the theatre, listened to it so many times the tape was worn through, and have been longing for it ever since. The songs stay with you. The story will move you to anger, to tears, to frustration. The voices are beautiful. The music is wonderful. What can I say? Buy this cd.

I got to see this wonderful peice of work in Londons West end, just before it closed in 1998. I was very greatful to have been able to see it performed. The score is wonderful, and the lyrics are equally imoressive. Count yourself lucky if you get this CD. I have seen many shows ans heared many others. But this one will forever be one of my favorites. It's perfectly written. A true masterpiece for the modern age.

This CD has been a constant source of musical enjoyment to us. This Cameron Mackintosh masterpiece is in the same category of Les Miz and Miss Saigon.

Soloists, chorus and orchestra were perfect!

I had the priviledge of seeing this musical after it had been re-worked in London just before it closed. WOW! The most incredible experience I have ever had in the theatre. I have seen over 30 shows on Broadway, and about as many in the West End. This show will take the U.S by storm when it arrives in 2000. This is a must listen to any musical theatre lover. Much better than Les Miz or Miss Saigon..

This music is simply the finest I have ever heard. I have not seen the play-but have become familiar with the original score now available. (I would give anything for the unabridged score) This- more than Les Mis - will be a defining work of excellence for this century. The play was damaged by hypersensitivity religion.

Martin Guerre is superior to Miss Saigon and the equal of Les Miz. Considering that it did not have Victor Hugo's book or the opera Madama Butterfly to fall back on, it is Boublil and Schoenberg's greatest work yet. It is vastly underrated, mainly by those who do not understand the profundity of its themes, its messages, and its symbolism.

I saw Martin Guerre in Winter of 98. The show had been reworked and was improved from the original. The music on this CD is pre - rework and it is not as good as what finally was presented. The show still needs more work. (it has closed now) I am hopeful that it will be brought back once again better than ever. It has the potential to be a blockbuster. "Tell Me To Go" is worth the price of the CD all by itself. You RENT fans out there, give Martin Guerre a listen. I think you will love it.

Very great product. Received in like 3 days. Very great price! I was looking for this CD for a while and "new" ones where expensive because it is out of print. Buying a used copy was a smart choice. A new one would have been "used" the minute I opened it.