Customer Reviews

Notre Dame De Paris (Classical Version)

5 star:		(115)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This double CD version, (as well as the French concept version), are entirely not to be missed! I can't help encouraging EVERYONE, French speakers or not, to buy THIS version, instead of the English one, which is too cut to pieces, and a bit dull sounding. I have been collecting musicals for... never mind how long, and I can freely call this one The best when it comes to the performances, enthusiasm, passion, and absolutely gorgeous music. Plamondon's lyrics are also good. I didn't speak one word of French when I bought this CD, and the French concept, and I am now learning it, not because I couldn't understand the story (most of the performances are so strong-- Garou, Lavoie, Pelletier, Mervil, Fiori, that they simply tell the story with the singing) but because I've become so enthusiastic with the beauty of the language! Run, don't walk...

This CD is NOT NEW. This CD is the ORIGINAL FRENCH CONCEPT ALBUM (sung in French) recorded in 1997 or 1998 and released in France, I believe to promote the show. It used to be sold as an import for about $20.00. Now, it's available for a great price in the USA. I was sad when I found it wasn't a NEW recording of the London Cast, or Vegas Cast but this album is still wonderful.

It features Noa(Esmerelda), Garou (Quasimodo), Bruno Pelletier (Grenior), Patrik Fiori (Phoebus), Daniel Lovie (Frollo), Luck Mervil (Clopin) and Julia Zenatti (Fleur). It's bascially the same cast as the DOUBLE DISC LIVE FRENCH VERSION which is, by far the most superior recording of the show. Even though the 2CD is sung in French it's got every song, it's 2 1/2 hours and it's LIVE! Only difference is the Esmerelda's. (On all 3 recordings the Esmerelda's are different. Noa, Helene Segara, and Tina Arena (in English). All three are fine.

For those who love the English sung album the Phoebus' are different. In French he is sung by the sensational Patrik Fiori. He sings "Belle" better than Steve Balasmo, but Steve sings "Torn Apart" way better. Although if you buy the double disc Patrik sings soooo much better live, and with those two versions I can't compare.

Now on this CD, which is sung completely in FRENCH, features the songs: Age of the Cathedrals, Refugees, Bohiemienne, Court of Miracles, Belle, Your Love Will Kill Me, Ave Maria, Torn Apart, Florence, The Bells, Castaway, I'm A Priest, My Heart I You Will Swear, Moon, God You Made The World All Wrong, Live, Dance My Esmerelda.

Ofcourse the songs are sung and written in French but for those of you who know the English sung album, that should help you out. Also, just to let you know it DOESN'T HAVE "The Birds In Cages". But it does have a few new ones like "The Court of Miracles" sung by Clopin and Co. and "Florence" sung by Grenoir and Frollo. Also at the beginning of "The Bells" Grenoir and Frollo sing a small duet which is fierce!

The CD comes with nice (some small) pictures of the singers and the lyrics (in French)

Even though the CD is not necessarily NEW it's fantastic for those who don't have it. I also HIGLY RECOMMEND the Double disc recording for those die hard fans out there. It's available on AMAZON.COM! :)

What sets this album apart from both the complete French Cast version as performed at the Palais de Congres in Paris and the highlight album of the English production is the stunning performance of Noa as Esmeralda. Her rich, expressive voice laden with subtle emotions not found in the other interpretations makes this album a true gem. What is most interesting is that the performances of Garou as Quasimodo, Daniel Lavoie as Frollo, Luck Mervil as Clopin and Bruno Pelletier as Gringoire -- all who also appear in the complete French as well as the English albums -- perform the music as music, not so much as drama, as it was staged and recorded subsequently. Anyone familiar with, say, the original recording of "Evita" as opposed to the show's original cast albums will understand the difference. Had Noa continued in the role, it would have been interesting to see how she developed the Esmeralda character. For anyone unfamiliar with this musical rendition of Victor Hugo's novel, this album should be an eye (and ear) opener. With driving music that beats into heart and soul and stirring vocals, there is a relentless thrust to the ironic tragedy that marked the original novel. The music is sung in French, and you may want to purchase the English cast album along with this one if you do not understand French. But if you are familiar with the story (even though there are several variations), the music, regardless of language, will be readily understood.

This CD is fabulous! I never reviewed a CD here before, but with this one, I just have to. I love music, but not pop music-- I am a fan of classical music and opera. But this is the first modern-type of musical that I have heard that has had such an effect on me! Forget Miss Saigon, Les Miz, etc, I was very surprised but very pleased that I liked it so much! I think it deserves more attention than it is getting, because this particular recording-- the French, I haven't heard the English-- is truly incredible! The lyrics (witty, romantic, and beautiful-sounding in French), the score (the most incredible mixture hard to pinpoint), the artists (could give lessons to many Broadway performers on how to emote, especially Quasimodo, Frollo, and Clopin)-- all outstanding. Since I think there are many very bad musicals still going strong on Broadway, I am having trouble believing that one this great is not getting around too well. The music is at times soothing, at times upbeat and energetic, at times melancholic and romantic. Wish I could rate it more than 5 stars!

WOW!!!! This soundtrack is truly amazing. I spent Spring semester studying in Paris and was lucky enough to see this musical performed live in all its glory. I go to the theater often, and I can honestly say that this is the best show I've ever seen. Of course, I love the french language, and these songs not only use beautiful french, but they also portray a story that is hauntingly familiar. A more perfect cast could not have been picked for this show--from Helene Segara to Bruno Pelletier (my personal favorite), these characters are imbued with deep feelings that come across in the music. Both the lyrics and the instrumental compositions are genius! What's also great is that the 2 cds come with a booklet that shows pictures from the performance. You don't even need to see the show to appreciate it!! ---by the way---for those who are interested, the english version doesn't even compare. I know that the show was playing in english in Las Vegas at the Paris hotel, but once you've heard the origianl soundtrack, seeing the translated version isn't worth the time!

I barely understand a word of this French-sung musical, but it is one of the most heartbreakingly perfect pop scores ever written. In the grand tradition of Les Miz, these melodies knock your socks off; the opening and closing numbers alone literally will have you in goose-bump heaven on every listen. The story, which is of course familiar to many from various incarnations (the Hunchback; his love for Esmeralda; etc.), is surely the propelling force behind the enormously appealing vocal performances on this recording. I do hope the current English translation retains the pure power of this original.

BUY the version integral! (Pomme records) There are some incredible songs (Les oiseaux! ) which are not on this version. Also, with the full version, you get a small hardcover book with all the lyrics and pictures from the show.

I bought this concept CD first, and I could not wait to hear more. If you like musical theatre, or are a big fan of Les Mis, try the full version. Also, the song order on the concept cd does not match the sequence of events.

I was able to see the show in Octobre and it was absolutely incredible! (I haven't felt that way about any show since Les Mis..) This show could easily be as successful as Les Mis if they do not blow the translation.

I was first introduced to the music by my daughter, Jessica Grové, who was cast as Fleur de Lys, and is alternating as Esmeralda in the Las Vegas production which opened on January 21, 2000. I am an opera and classical music lover, and felt that this "type" of music certainly is not for me. Then I went to see the opening performance in Las Vegas last week, and went back FIVE more times. If I did not have to return home, I would have stayed to watch several more performances. Since returning to Columbus, Ohio, I have not stopped playing the exquisite live recording of the French cast. From the haunting opening number extolling "The Age of the Cathedrals", to Esmeralda's lovely melodious lines, the beautiful duets and ensemble pieces such as "Belle" (is there a song ever written more beautiful than this?) to the lovely duet between Esmeralda and Fleur de Lys, all the songs by the gifted composer, Richard Cocciante are without exception outstanding, even, no, PARTICULARLY to an opera snob like myself. I was driving to work this morning and was listening to the beautiful, heartbreaking final song, Quasimodo's soaring plea as Esmeralda's spirit takes flight. I cried so hard, I lost my contact lens. If you love opera, if you love rock, if you love pop, if you love music... buy this CD even if you, like me, do not understand French. Then go to Las Vegas to see the English version so handsomely translated by Will Jennings ("My Heart Will Go On" - The Titanic), and so admirably performed by an outstanding US cast. And see if you don't go back for more, and more. And then listen to the CD again!

If you are a big fan of musical theatre, and/or Les Mis, go with this version. I feel the recording and cast performances are better, and definitely more passionate, since they originate from an actual production. The concept album songs are not in show order, and it does not include some truly incredible songs (les oiseaux). Of course with only one CD, they had to cut somewhere! If you just want a taste of this truly incredible music, then maybe the concept album is for you.

In general I am not a fan of live recordings, but this one makes you feel like you are there! The recording is direct from the show, with nothing left out. The applause, the curtain calls, the incidental music, it's ALL here! Also, the box set includes a small hardcover book with photos and all the lyrics from the show.

Notre Dame de Paris is a superb new musical destined for greatness when it comes to Broadway. It already is a big hit in Paris where it originated last fall. It would be wonderful to hear it in French in USA, but I guess that for box office it will have to be translated into English. I hope that it loses none of its beauty and emotion. The music soars and can be compared with The Phantom of the Opera. It is a very exciting addition to the musical theatre after Les Miserables to have another Victor Hugo story and characters come out of the book and onto the stage. Hope that it will not be too long before we get the chance to see it in New York. In the meantime buy the box set. Even if you do not understand the French language you will enjoy the music. Music is an international language anyway.