Customer Reviews

Phantasia

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Finally a recording that suits ALW's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA! All these years it has been hindered by small Broadway orchestras, and is now dominated by the legendary London Symphony! It gives The Phantom of the Opera the sound it deserves with its broad sound and lower brass section which makes your speakers shake. To start off with the wonderful duet: a match made in heaven. What an amazing way of portraying Christine as a violin and the Phantom as a cello. The violin represents Christine's innocence as well her tone of a soprano, which makes it dramatic as well. The cello represents the Phantom as a dark, mysterious man who can become furious as well with its dark, clashing sounds. Not only that, the cello is a heavier in sound, which surrounds the delicate sound of the violin; just as the Phantom would do with Christine. From the bittersweet sounds in the beginning to The Music of Night, it is superb! The transistions from each unforgettable tune are Webber's renowned style. Even if the play didn't exist, I would still be happy, just listening to this recording. Although, the movie was a fiasco, it did lend some other tunes that are also enjoyable. Anyway, it is a must for all Phantom fans! Enjoy!

The wonder of this CD is that the two artists are able to use a violin and a cello to sound like vocal duets between Christine and the Phantom - the violin is Christine and the cello, the Phantom. The symphony orchestra gives the music a depth impossible with a theater orchestra. This is a don't miss for anyone who loves beautiful music.

In addition there is a suite of "Woman in White" music. This score is not thrilling on the cast album, but on this recording, it is extremely beautiful. It restores ALW to the position of the master theatrical composer.

This CD is a real treasure.

A wonderful listen for any fan of Phantom or someone who just loves classical music. Jullian Lloyd Webber breathes new life into his brother's famous music, so even though the tune is familiar...it's like nothing you've ever heard before

As most people know by now, Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera" is a musical phenomenon. Since it premiered in October 1986 in London and a year after that on Broadway, it became one of the best and most beloved musicals of all time. The gothic love story of Gaston Leroux's novel proved for ALW to be a perfect match of the artist and the subject matter. Add to that the beautiful and sweeping melodies ALW composed, the monumental staging directed by the master of musical direction Hal Prince, the excellent original cast of Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman and it's no wonder the Phantom quickly conquered the West End, Broadway (it is currently still playing on both locations as a second longest-running musical in history), after which it has been presented in theaters all over the world, thus becoming the most successful musical in terms of financial gain and the original cast album sold in more than 25 million copies.

When ALW was working on the score in the second part of the 80-is, he envisaged a concert version for the orchestra, violin and cello, in which the cello would take the role of the Phantom and the violin of Christine Daae, his love interest. It took almost 20 years for ALW and his cellist brother Julian to actually make it happen and this recording is the final result. It contains two orchestral suits: the selections from the Phantom score, called Phantasia and the other is from ALW's latest West End musical "The Woman in White", which is about to be transferred to Broadway in November this year.

Julian Lloyd Webber joined forces in Phantasia with one of the world's leading classical artists, the violinist Sarah Chang. This is an altogether interesting recording, since it allows one to emerge deep into ALW's rich musical themes and leitmotivs of the Phantom score, with no singing voices to accompany the melodies. This means the music is free to speak for itself, becoming even more memorable and full than it does on the available cast recordings of the show, showing above all just how outstanding ALW as a composer can be. Craftily orchestrated and delivered, the recording demonstrates the perfect match with the original story. Both Sarah Chang and Julian Lloyd Webber spotlessly perform their solos, building with the big London orchestra the musical themes of love, passion and darkness. The two of them sound at their best when they are joined in full force by the rest of the orchestra. Overall, Phantasia proves that a good score can be varied in a dozen of subtle musical styles, still sounding fresh, new and appealing.

Speaking generally, I have some reservations for the score of "The Woman in White". This ALW's latest musical tried to match the Phantom both with its story and the musical form. The result on the original cast recording was not so satisfying, mainly because the score sounded similar to ALW's earlier shows, most notably "Aspects of Love", with slight echoes from "Cats" and "The Beautiful Game". Except for a few leitmotivs, it sounded too plain and dull, as did the cast, with the exception of Michael Crawford's supporting role. Still, "The Woman in White suite", as the second track of this CD is called, has his merits. The selected themes have been orchestrated in the same good manner as did Phantasia and they are played by the big orchestra alone. Again, music is primary here: no voices to distract your attention and even though this score is musically inferior to the Phantom, it does has some pretty moments, especially the spooky prologue when the orchestra takes the Woman in White leitmotiv in full blast. This concert version of the score is actually better, since it won't dull you while listening, like the original cast recording, giving you the main musical themes at the same time. As much as it is played impeccable by the orchestra, it doesn't bring much novelty to long-time fans of ALW's work.

The latter group will surly love this nicely made edition, which comes with a booklet containing some promotional notes, but those enjoying a well orchestrated symphonic tunes should also not be disappointed. The music of Andrew Lloyd Webber is the art of its own kind and this recording is another proof of that fact.

this cd is astounding. it follows the order of the Phantom of the opera film while taking slight twists and turns along the way. its so exciting to hear the familiar tunes pop up and be able to sing along even though they sound a tad different from the films soundtrack. just the fact that the first track (Phantom) is half and hour long is a plus, not having to be switching cd's or tracks is a nice break. the second track is unfamiliar to me so i cant really comment on that, hense the 4 stars not 5. but any diehard phantom fan has to add this to their collection.

I couldn't praise the recording as rapsodically as "Musican/Erikfan/Artist," but for me it was considerably better than "about what you could expect."

I was not enraptured by the emphasis on cello and violin in the Phantom music, as ingenious and well played as it is, but prefer the greater use full orchestra and its different sections in the Woman in White suite. I purchased the live recording of The Woman in White and have played it many times. Perhaps having seen the show makes a difference. Whatever the opinions of others might be (I haven't read the other reviews), I like the music from The Woman in White very much and enjoyed this adaptation of it in the Phantasia recording.

I should think that this recording would be a good by for Phantom fans and for fans of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music.

My favorite section was the "All I ask of You" portion of Phantom. Starting off with the cello playing the melody, then switching off to the violin, then back to cello playing melody with the violin accompanying and vice versa... then it gets really astounding to the point I can barely describe. Excellent arrangement there... you have to hear it for yourself. (you can on youtube)

As for the Woman in White track... not really worth listening to, but the Phantom track really makes the CD and I gave it a 5 star rating just for that...

The music is beautiful, the shipping was fast. The only thing I am disappointed in is that it is broken down into the two suites. I am going to have to do a little editing to use this in my wedding but that is fine.

Phantasia is a large scale(35 minutes)Double Concerto for violin and cello based on Phantom of the Opera. Anyone who thinks this is merely a play-through of the tunes from the musical is in for a shock because this is a really well worked-through composition in its own right. Although Sarah Chang's playing lacks the vulnerability needed to portray Christine (she produces her usual 'steam-roller' performance), Julian Lloyd Webber once again shows true sensitivity towards his brother's music - revealing it in a touching new light.

A stunning unique interpretation of Lloyd Webber's 'Phantom of the Opera'. Beautiful music you will find yourself listening to time and time again.

Track 2, 'The Woman in White' suite is also just as beautiful and haunting. Just proves that Mr. Lloyd Webber makes music as magnificent now as he did 20 years ago.