Yentl (1983 Film) [SOUNDTRACK]

Barbra Streisand, Michel Legrand, Marilyn Bergman, Alan Bergman

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 25, 1990)
• Original Release Date: December 9, 1983
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Soundtrack
• Label: Sony
• ASIN: B0000025Y1
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,699 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A piece of brilliance., June 10, 2003

By	Robert Johnson (Richmond, KY USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Like the film of the same name, the YENTL soundtrack is a massive success for Barbra Streisand, both personally and professionally. This was her dream project, and she was determined to make every aspect of YENTL come alive with class and brilliance. Composer Michael Legrand is an unrecognized genius, and his score is both complex and inviting. Alan and Marilyn Bergman have penned the lyrics to many of Streisand's best-loved recordings, but they really outdo themselves here. Their words and Legrand's music complement each other perfectly, and their collaboration is largely the reason the album is as consistent and as cohesive as it is.

However, the main factor to YENTL'S artistic success is the phenomenal vocal performance of Barbra Streisand. This album was recorded twenty years after her official studio debut, and she has never sounded better than she does here. Whether the tone of the song is anguished ("Where Is It Written," "Tomorrow Night"), euphoric ("This Is One Of Those Moments"), or incredibly sensual ("The Way He Makes Me Feel"), Streisand's hushed restraint and dramatic range are nothing short of incredible. Her phrasing is put to excellent use in "Will Someone Ever Look At Me That Way" and the three renditions of "No Wonder" (each with different lyrics and a different meaning), while both "No Matter What Happens" and "A Piece Of Sky" are terrific showcases for Streisand's astonishing vocal prowess.

YENTL also marks the first appearance a "Papa, Can You Hear Me," which instantly became one of Streisand's signature songs due largely to her intensely soulful performance. A Top Ten, Platinum-selling album, YENTL is a recording that is very close to the heart of many Streisand fans. It is a project that Streisand believed in with all her soul, and both the film and it's soundtrack remain near the top of the list of the best things she's ever done.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking, May 21, 2001

By	"gemini_j" (Canada) - See all my reviews

Yentl is a wonderful soundtrack. This is a movie Barbra wanted to do for so long, and she finally did in 1983. Not to sound clicheish, but the music featured on this soundtrack IS timeless. So many great songs here, sung with all the passion and emotion Barbra can deliver. Whenever I hear A Piece of Sky or Papa Can You Hear Me, there is a lump in my throat. It is so beautiful to hear. Another favorite on this album is The Way He Makes Me Feel, such a beautiful song that demonstrates the emotional tapestry of a relationship, complete with butterflies and shivers. Overall, Yentl is a must have for any Barbra fan, you must have this in your collection. It is some of the most compelling work she has ever done.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars one of streisands defining achievements, October 19, 2004

By	Le Medici "Med" (Newcastle, UK) - See all my reviews

When i first heard about 'Yentl', it was in the context of a joke, and i rememeber thinking 'what kind of nut calls a film Yentl?' the whole thing just seemed preposterous.
Then after studying film (particulary cinematic politicts) i was referred to Streisand as a good starting point for powerful hollywood femenists. When i began to break her career down i was astonished at the breath and scope of her achievements. Later I was given a Streisand CD by a friend and realised she was possibly the finest female voice of the 20th century, and began to ask myself why i hadnt noticed her for so many years.
The first viewing of 'Yentl' came next. I was astonished by its technical mastery and especially its complex music. The soundtrack followed soon after.

This is a tremendous work. Legrands compositions resonate the emotional disonance of Shostakovich, juxtaposed with the aching poetry of the Bergmans lyrics. Streisands vocal is simply tremendous, her phrasing and intonation resonate an unparalled understanding of her craft. 'Where is it written' and 'Piece of sky' are arguably Streisands finest vocal performances.

Pointlessly derided, massively under-rated and poorly mixed on the current cd format; neverthless this remains an essential work of art that will only gain in momentum with age.
It seems Streisand's celebrity still stands in the way of many people accessing her extraordinary body of work.