Customer Reviews

Wuthering Heights: The Musical

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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.

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.

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

Conventional from a musical viewpoint, but interesting for being the adaptation of a popular literary classic. It has some attractive tunes and the voices are fine. However, as a whole, it never gets too high. For the ones interested in musicals AND literature as well, it becomes a must.

The strength of this album lies with Bernard Taylor's melodies, rather than in the featured vocal talents. The lyrics are sometimes distractingly weak, as well. There is nothing innovative here--but if you enjoy musical melodrama and memorable tunes, this recording is worthwhile. Despite its flaws, I've played it many, many times.