Wuthering Heights: The Musical [Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered]

Bernard J Taylor (Composer), Nic Raine (Conductor), Philharmonia Orchestra of London (Orchestra), Lesley Garrett (Performer), Sharon Campbell (Performer), Bonnie Langford (Performer), Clive Carter (Performer), James Staddon (Performer), Dave Willetts (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Lesley Garrett, Sharon Campbell, Bonnie Langford, Clive Carter, James Staddon, et al.
• Orchestra: Philharmonia Orchestra of London
• Conductor: Nic Raine
• Composer: Bernard J Taylor
• Audio CD (July 8, 2003)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
• Label: Silva America
• ASIN: B00009Y3OJ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #287,491 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good treatment of a complex book, December 19, 2004

By 

Broadway Diva "Cally" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wuthering Heights: The Musical (Audio CD)

I am a fan of Wuthering Heights (the book) and wasn't sure that a musical could capture it, for one thing, it is so long (the end, with Catherine Linton and Hareton is not included). I think that Bernard Taylor does a wonderful job of sticking to the emotion of the book. It 'feels' right. That said, I do not really like Dave Willetts as Heathcliff. He sounds too soft and too refined. The music, in my opinion, is quite good. I must admit, the first time I listened to the musical, I wasn't fond of it. I put it away for almost a year before I listened to it again, but once I did, I fell in love with it. Wuthering Heights deals with a lot of complex relationships. I think that Bernard Taylor does a pretty good job conveying that. Hindley, Isabella, and Edgar are all scarce, but I think that focusing on Heathcliff and Cathy is the best way to tell the story in the end. I really enjoy this musical. It is 'heavier' than a lot of them, very much Operatic in parts (being an Opera singer, I like that, but not everyone would). The music is good,and the emotions are well conveyed but the storytelling aspect is somewhat lacking. This is, of course, largely (at least I think, I have not seen it performed) because a considerable amount of dialogue and character interaction is missing. Still, very worth listening to. If you like musicals like Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera, The Scarlet Pimpernel, and Jekyll and Hyde, you will probably like Wuthering Heights.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not grand, but good none the less, December 16, 2006

By 

Titus McGuire, author of the vampire novel 'S... (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wuthering Heights: The Musical (Audio CD)

I'll start by saying that this did not follow Bronte's classic extremely well, having cut out the latter part of the book, but it does suffice for what is there. Though with just the CD, and none of the dialogue that would have come between songs, it is a bit difficult to follow the story. The vocal talents, however, I feel were very exceptional. Dave Willetts made a dark and brooding Heathcliff, and Lesley Garrett captured the essence of Cathy quite well. Not all of the songs were grand, but it had some gems none the less, and did tell a descent story for what was there. If you're seeking a musical CD that tells the full story I would not suggest this one, for it seems parts are missing without the dialogue, but if you just enjoy theatre music, or even the classic novel, I would suggest giving this one a chance.

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful music, July 13, 2008

By 

Anafreeka (Albuquerque NM USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wuthering Heights: The Musical (Audio CD)

The music is beautiful, especially the opening Prelude. The song "I Belong to the Earth" is very lovely. I would definitely recommend this CD!