Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording (1986 London Cast) [CAST RECORDING]

Andrew Lloyd Webber (Composer), Michael Reed (Conductor), Phantom of the Opera cast ensemble (Performer), David Firth (Performer), John Savident (Performer), Mary Millar (Performer), Michael Crawford (Performer), Rosemary Ashe (Performer), Sarah Brightman (Performer), Steve Barton (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Phantom of the Opera cast ensemble, David Firth, John Savident, Mary Millar, Michael Crawford, et al.
• Conductor: Michael Reed
• Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber
• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• SPARS Code: AAD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording
• Label: Decca Broadway
• ASIN: B000001FLQ
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (102 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,862 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Track Listings

1. Phantom of the Opera/Overture

2. Phantom of the Opera/Think of Me

3. Phantom of the Opera/Angel of Music

4. Phantom of the Opera/The Mirror (Angel of Music)

5. Phantom of the Opera/The Phantom of the Opera

6. Phantom of the Opera/The Music of the Night

7. Phantom of the Opera/Prima Donna

8. Phantom of the Opera/All I Ask of You... Reprise

9. Phantom of the Opera/Entr'acte

10. Phantom of the Opera/Masquerade

11. Phantom of the Opera/Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again

12. Phantom of the Opera/The Point of No Return

13. Phantom of the Opera/Down Once More.../Track Down This Murderer

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Highlight versions of cast recordings are by definition a compromise, and this reduction of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera is no exception. Weighing in at 59 minutes, it's over 40 minutes shorter than the two-disc version, excising many musical scenes that convey the flow and impact of the show (which include, admittedly, a lot of patter and screaming). On the other hand, all the hits are here--"Think of Me," "Angel of Music," the title tune, "The Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," "Masquerade," and "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again"--and Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman are still on hand to make their distinctive contributions to the original London cast. So if you're looking for a convenient, inexpensive single disc that will let you enjoy Lloyd Webber's scrumptious melodies without having to immerse yourself in the action, this just might be for you. --David Horiuchi

Product Description

No Description Available
No Track Information Available
Media Type: CD
Artist: PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
Title: ORIGINAL CAST
Street Release Date: 10/10/1988
Domestic
Genre: CAST RECORDINGS

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A phantastically done abridgement, June 20, 2000

By	Yi-Peng (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Phantom of the Opera (Audio Cassette)

When people recommend complete sets of musicals and operas more than abridged versions, this Phantom London highlights album (with the highlights from the CATS Broadway recording) is one of the few cases where the abridged version can be recommended as much as the complete set. In this abridged version of the POTO London Cast album, all the major numbers and none of the filler are here, making this an extremely desirable single disc album for those who don't want the full 100-minute London Cast recording. Michael Crawford's hypnotic Phantom, Steve Barton's comforting Raoul and Sarah Brightman's angelic Christine are the high points of the album. The tension and emotion are well-maintained, with fair representatives of each characteristic, and listening to all the major songs are just like meeting old friends. "Music of the Night" and "All I Ask of You" sound like you are hearing these songs for the first time, and the chromatic Phantom theme heightens the suspense. I must mention I rather like this version of Music of the Night, which is a single version that ALW produced before the opening of Phantom. While it's different from the OLC 2-CD set, I think this gives a deeper insight into the Phantom's character. Overall, I would say that this is an ideal choice for those who don't want the complete London cast recording, but I think that you'll be prompted to invest in the full 2-CD London version even though this abridged version of POTO is very well done. Too bad it isn't remastered.

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Don't Waste Your Time With HIGHLIGHTS!, October 18, 1999

By	[e-mail] (Seattle) - See all my reviews

I give this recording only two stars, because you flat out should not buy it. Buy the double cd Original London Cast instead- I give that recording 5 stars. If you buy this recording you will miss out on A LOT of great music, and some thrilling moments that aren't on the highlights.

Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh is not on the highlights and that's worth the price of the double cd alone. I love that song and it's where Carlotta gets it good..and Crawford is haunting as usual during this part.

Highlights for any musical are a waste. It's worth it to pay more and get as much of the music as possible.

Do yourself a favor and get the double cd, not this one.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Absolutely Awesome !, July 14, 2005

By	AJK (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

I first purchased the original score in 1988, shortly before seeing the show on Broadway.

At first, only a couple of songs stood out, but after seeing the amazing production (with the incredible Michael Crawford!), I fell absolutely in love with the score. Repeat listenings have only solidified my opinion!

Not everything is perfect, but the orchestrations are powerful & many songs really stick with you, especially:

Overture [sounds great cranked up]
Angel Of Music
The Phantom Of The Opera [The Phantom & Christine's great duet]
The Music Of The Night [The Phantom's big song]
All I Ask Of You [Christine & Raoul's duet - though a bit tired]
Masquerade
The Point Of Know Return

Beautiful from beginning to end & MUCH better than the film's soundtrack. Webber's masterpiece!

A must have!