Customer Reviews

Les Miserables: The Complete Symphonic Recording (Enhanced)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

VALJEAN--So, Gary Morris is no Colm Wilkenson. He does a decent job on his parts, but it's hard to judge him when in the back of my mind, all I hear is Colm. I've tried the head shaking trick. It doesn't help, except that it made me dizzy and unable to concentrate on Morris' voice, which may or may not be a good thing.

JAVERT--Phillip Quast is THE Javert. Enough said.

FANTINE--Debbie Bryne sings Fantine well. She's no Patti LuPone (from the OLC), but she is less irritating than Ruthie Henshall on the TAC. But, whatever recording you buy, you'll get a good Fantine.

MARIUS-- Michael Ball sings on this recording and he is excellent. I like him better on this than the OLC or the TAC, but he is amazing on all three.

EPONINE--Unlike many Les Mis fans, I don't care for Lea Salonga, so I was greatful that she didn't sing on this recording. While I wish that it could have been Frances Rufelle, Kaho Shimada does a very convincing job. When she sings her part on 'A Little Fall of Rain', it breaks my heart every time. I'm also very impressed that she spoke no English at the time of the recording, but managed to learn all of her songs. That is a true mark of talent.

ENJOLRAS--Anthony Warlow is an excellent Enjolras, and after hearing his introduction in 'Do You Hear the People Sing?', I was hit with the overwhelming urge to join the army. His other solos are great, but in my opinion, he isn't THAT much better than Michael Maguire on the OBC.

THENARDIERS--I don't know the name of the actors playing M and Mme Thenardier, but they're pretty grating. Especially Mme Thenardier.

GRANTAIRE--Why, why, WHY could they not have had Anthony Crivello play Grantaire? The man who plays him on this recording isn't bad, but I think he goes a little overboard with the drunkeness. (Especially during 'The ABC Cafe' when he sings 'Red....Black'. He sounds very constipated.)

COSETTE: Oh, where to begin. Tracy Shane sounds almost like Minnie Mouse. Her voice is very high and very squeaky. I half expected Valjean to drop dead on the spot when she came in during the finale.

All in all, I'd say if you had to buy one Les Mis recording, I'd go with the OBC. But if you're a die hard fan and collector (like myself) this recording is definitly worth your money, especially for the excellent performances by Kaho Shimada, Michael Ball, Phillip Quast, and Anthony Warlow.

This is *BY FAR* my favorite musical of all time. I have alot of favorites, but Les Miserables has a special place in my heart. I bought this particular CD several years ago at a music store where the price to me was a little steep (over $50.00) but all in all, it's well worth it. It includes ALL of the songs uncut as well as the symphonic parts. It also includes pictures and the lyrics to the music so you can sing or follow along if you wish. The music in this musical has a special spirit to it that no musical has (in my opinion). It talks about independance, determination, promises, forgivness and sacrifice. It has a passion where you can connect to the characters and what we go through today.

I have two negatives on the CD though. First of all, Colm Wilkinson does not play Valjean in the album (whom I think plays the best in that character). When they we're making it, Mr. Wilkinson was unable to make it but he did reccomend Gary Morris. I think Mr. Morris did a great job, but he didn't have the "belting" power that Colm Wilkinson can easily do asleep. But I do think Gary Morris did a good job and I'm happy with his work. The other negative (and this is a biggie for me) was that Lea Salonga didn't sing as Eponine. She's one of my favorite artists and I enjoy her music in everything she does. Kaho Shimada who played the character sounded weak and not as "passionate" as Lea Solonga would have done. All in all, the whole CD is WELL worth the money and I'm glad I own it.

I'm going to start reading the unabridged novel version of Les Miserables so I can understand the storyline all the more. I truly hope someday they'll make a musical movie about this.

"Les Miserables" is a marvelous musical; a stunningly faithful interpretation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece, with an inspiring storyline and unforgettable characters. There are 4 major full-length English versions available (Original London Cast, Original Broadway Cast, Complete Symphonic Recording, and Tenth Anniversary Concert). The truth is, that if you were marooned on that proverbial desert island, any of them would be better than none, but we normally have the luxury of choice. There are 2 reasons for buying a Les Mis CD - (1) you've seen a performance and want ONE CD to remind you of it or (2) you've become a les Mis junkie (like me) and want multiple versions so you too can hold forth on the rival merits of Andy Warlow vs Michael Maguire, Patty LuPone vs Ruthie Henshaw, Frances Ruffelle vs Kaho Shimada vs Lea Solonga. If you are in the first category, you really want the Tenth Anniversary Concert. The TAC has the complete storyline (albeit slightly abridged), it was recorded live (so there's an unique intensity and chemistry between performers), and from top to bottom it has by far the best cast.

However, if you're a serious Les Mis fan, you should buy this CD (in addition), simply because it does have the complete score. (The trouble with THAT is that it includes practically the only misstep in the whole script - if Jean Valjean has his number branded on his chest, then how is it credible that someone else will be convicted in his place?) I bought it for that reason and to hear other interpretations of the roles (in particular Andy Warlow's). I have all 4 versions, and they have all have their pluses and minuses, but frankly, I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this one. This version has a rather weak cast in general, but that does add to the fun arguing about it. On the plus side, it has Philip Quast ( THE BEST Javert, but he's even better on the TAC), Michael Ball (THE BEST Marius, also on the OLC and TAC versions), and Andy Warlow (a stirring Enjorlas for sure, but not THAT much better than Michael Maguire on the OBC and TAC). The scenes at the barricade are the best part of the CD. Kaho Shimada is an uneven Eponine, OK sometimes, less so at others. Debbie Byrne (Fantine) is OK, but I don't find her as moving as Patty LuPone (OLC) or Ruthie Henshaw (TAC). Tracy Shayne (Cosette) is irratating, not nearly as sweet as Judy Kuhn (OLB and TAC) or Rebecca Caine (OLC). I find Barry James and especially Gay Soper (M. and Mme. Thenardier) grating as well.

I really miss Colm Wilkinson (OLC, OBC and TAC). OK, he has a unique singing style, but such heart. Not always perfect, but so powerful and emotional. All his solos and "Confrontation" just stop me dead in my tracks. The sweetness and purity of his "Bring Him Home" and "Epilogue" move me to tears. But really, there must be someone else who can do at least an adequate job or the show wouldn't have run so long in so many venues. I am willing to listen to another interpretation, but not this one. This is the central role in the play, it really can't survive without a good performance here. Gary Morris is horrible as Jean Valjean, cringe-provoking at times, merely weak at others. It's not really his voice, it's his acting (or lack thereof). Instead of powerful and tragic, he sounds petulant and whiney. He's totally overmatched by Quast in "Confrontation" and by everyone in "One Day More" and "Epilogue". I haven't tried the recommendation of one reviewer of listening while squinting and shaking my head hard, but I don't see how that will help. Morris's "What have I done?", "Bring Him Home" and "Valjean's Confession" make me cover my ears or send me running for the fast forward button, although "Who am I?" isn't so bad. (I just tried the head shaking trick, it didn't help.)

I'm not going to type you a novel.
1. Complete Score
2. Damn Good Cast
3. You'll look cool to your friends who think that the 10th Anniversary Concert is the complete score.

'Nuff Said

Good things: This version of Les Mis has every word, every note of the stage show. It also has the amazing Philip Quast, the quintessential Javert. He manages to give a depth to Javert that none of the others have; plays him not as an arrogant avenger, but as a driven, righteous man who thinks he's on a mission from God and whose world falls apart when he realises there are shades of grey in his black and white world. Michael Ball's rendition is not quite as forceful and mature as on the 10th Anniversary CD, but his Marius is still a joy to listen to. While I prefer Lea Solonga's Eponine and, unlike many, Michael Maguire's Enjolras, Kaho Shimado and Andy Warlow were excellent.

Bad things: No Colm Wilkinson! This is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. I did not enjoy Gary Morris at all. I can't imagine being impressed with anyone after hearing Colm Wilkinson's Valjean, but Gary Morris wasn't even close. His voice lacks Colm's range, depth and purity and he can't match Colm's passionate portrayal.

However, a must have for anyone who loves Les Mis and wants the whole show to listen to.

I have several recordings of Les Miserables, but after much contemplation, I think this is definitely my favorite.

Valjean-Gary Morris is an excellent Valjean. Colm Wilkinson is excellent as well, but I think Morris has more of the vocal aspect required for the role, and has the same acting skill as Colm.

Fantine-I don't a favorite Fantine because they are all GREAT. Debbie Byrne is on this particular recording, and is excellent, although sometimes her vibrato sounds too birdlike, and almost like warbling. But most of the time her voice is beautiful. Ruthie Henshall, on the TAC, is another wonderful Fantine. And finally, Patti LuPone on the London cast, is excellent, but not my favorite.

Marius-There has only ever been one different recorded Marius, so there is little I can do to compare Micheal Ball. But even if there were others, Ball would be an excellent Marius. He has now also played Valjean. (I saw it on TV and, though skeptical at first, was pleased with what I heard.)

Javert-I have yet to hear Terrence Mann, but I have heard Roger Allam and was disgusted. His vocals were abominable. Phillip Quast is on this recording and has strong vocals and an amazing stage presence. He is my favorite Javert by far.

Enjolras-I will say that Anthony Warlow is positively my favorite Enjolras EVER. Micheal Maguire is great, but Warlow has strong, yet beautiful vocals that make me melt. Craig Pinder is on the london cast, and is..well...mediocre.

Eponine-Kaho Shimada on this recording. Lea Salonga, on the TAC, has a beautiful voice, but is not right for the role of Eponine. She overpronounces, taking away from the rough, street characteristics of Eponine. Kaho Shimada's vocals are not perfect, but that's almost better for the role of Eponine, because it adds to the acting and helps you to understand Eponine's character. I haven't heard Frances Ruffelle yet, but I have heard tell of a whiny voice...And you have to hand it to Kaho. Kaho didn't know a word of English when she played Eponine, as she had formerly performed in the Japanese Cast.

Cossette-Tracy Shayne on this one. Judy Kuhn is the only other Fantine I have heard, and while she has a lovely voice, I like Tracy better. Her voice is ear-piercing and shrill. But I think her higher voice sounds more innocent, childish, and fits the character of Cossette more. Judy's voice is beautiful, but doesn't fit Cossette.


The Thenardiers-I do believe that Barry James is THE Thenardier. His voice has a tone that sounds...indescribably like the Thenardier I read in the book. I think Alun Armstrong on the TAC has too nice a voice for the role of Thenardier. Gay Soper is also excellent, but so is Jenny Galloway. (Gay is on this recording)I have no favorite there, because they are both great.


Out of the orchestral renditions, this is my favorite. Also, this is the ENTIRE musical from start to finish, and is the only one that is so. It's definitely my favorite. But the TAC is also my second favorite, and should be part of your collection.

For those new to the musical, this is definitely the one to purchase for the simple fact that this contains the entire score. The performances are also solid (though the 10th Anniversary Concert recording has the BEST cast, the best performances, and the most exciting atmosphere).

With regard to the most-commented-on character Eponine, unlike the majority of reviewers who don't like Frances Ruffelle (London and Broadway recordings) for her portrayal of Eponine as a weak, whiney character, I actually like the fact that her version is different from Kaho Shimada's sad version here and Lea Salonga's strong-willed characterization in the TAC recording -- the different versions help us enjoy the character in different ways. Frances is actually a good actor: her emotions come across, and her part in "A Little Fall of Rain" is one that I particularly like listening to. However, like the majority of reviewers who criticize Frances for her singing, I must say that it DOES leave much to be desired. She needs a vocal coach and a speech coach. She doesn't have nice voice (which is NOT an excuse, even with the ridiculous claim that Eponine is supposed to have an ugly voice), and she exacerbates the situation worse exacerbated by eating her words, dragging her lines, and doing bad improvisations ("the pavement shines LI-I-KE silver..."); for a musical of this caliber, her singing is definitely sub-par. And this is where the two other Eponine actors are clearly superior. Kaho Shimada's lovely voice and emotive singing make listeners forget her problems with the English language. On the other hand, Lea Salonga's captivating crystal-clear voice, understandable diction (she's one performer who NEVER forgets that she's COMMUNICATING when singing: she articulates clearly without over-enunciating), and technically perfect vocal attack, in addition to her very solid internalization of character, commands such attention that it's not surprising countless reviewers consider her THE quintessential Eponine.

Positives:
- The orchestra. Sweeping violins, powerful brass. This is the way Les Mis was supposed to sound.
- Valjean. I know some others don't like him because they're so used to Colm Wilkinson, but I really liked Gary Morris as Valjean. He added the right emotion and inflection in the right parts.
- Marius. Michael Ball IS Marius. Good to hear him on this recording.
- Javert. I love Philip Quast as Javert. He takes some liberties with the timing, but I think they're appropriate. He has the right voice for the part.
- Enjolras. Wow, can Anthony Warlow sing. He practically blows the doors off the place with the power in his voice.
- Fantine. Some are back and forth on her, but I'm way up on this performance. You can hear the despair in her voice in "I Dreamed a Dream". It's palpable.
- Gavroche. The accent truly says "street urchin".

The negatives:
- Eponine. Fans of Lea Salonga are going to keel over when they hear this interpretation. I get it - she is Japanese and learned the songs phonetically. Why did they hire her then? It just sounds weird sometimes. I've listened to it enough that's it's grown on me a bit, but not the best, for sure.
- Cosette. Nasally, squeaky, trilly. Ugh. By far the biggest downer on this recording.

Overall, really worth the buy. You'd never know they had recorded them separately, continents apart. It flows wonderfully and has terrific sound quality. Good buy.

I feel I must correct an earlier review. This is indeed the complete recording of the show. The Original London Cast Recording that the other reviewer refers to was made during the very early days of the Royal Shakespere Company production of the show. There are two songs on the Original London Recording that were cut from the show very early on. These songs never made it past the first few weeks of the show, never made it to Broadway, and are not considered a part of the show. It's funny that the Original London Cast is missing about an hour of music that this recording "The Complete Symphonic Recording" does include... songs that have been with the show since the beginning. If you are looking for a complete record of Les Miserables, and an excellent one at that, this is your pony.

If you are a Les Miz enthusiast, then this 3CD set is definitely for you. This set contains all songs being played in current English productions around the world, including all the musical interludes. The cast is made up of performers from the various Les Miz production, including the girl who played 'Eponine' (sorry, forgot her name) in the Japanese production. Note that she only sung the role in Japanese before recording for the CD set was done.

I've read that Gary Morris is a famous country singer in the US and I thought that his rendition of Valjean might not be as good as Colm Wilkinson (which at that time was the only 'Jean Valjean' for me). But when I heard him, I thought that he was really good. Of course, Michael Ball, as Marius, was great, 'though I would have wanted somebody other than him to play Marius in this recording since he already appeared in the Les Miz London cast recording. The rest of cast was equally good, complementing each other with their superb performances.

Overall, the 3CD set is technically superior. The instrumentation was very rich considering that there more than 50 instrumentalists in this recording. I can just imagine the difficulty of the musical director in splicing all the vocals together as though they were all singing in front of each other.

It's just too bad that my copy of the set is not the enhanced CD where one can view various video images from the musical.