Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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21 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The most beloved Broadway musical of the 1960's, February 27, 2001
It might seem an odd choice for the honor, but "Fiddler on the Roof" is undoubtedly the most beloved Broadway musical of the Sixties. The book by Joseph Stein is based upon the stories of Sholem Aleichem, with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, the songwriting team whose earlier Tony Award winning success "Fiorello!" certainly never suggested they could create something as wonderful as "Fiddler." Zero Mostel heads the cast as Tevye, the dairyman, with Maria Karnilova as Golde, his wife, who, with "Do You Love Me?" have the best love duet between two married people in musical history. At the heart of the story are the efforts by Tevye to deal with the way God keeps presenting him with challenges, from needing to take care of a lame horse ("If I Were A Rich Man"), to getting his oldest daughter engaged to one man ("To Life") only to see her marry another ("Sunrise, Sunset"), and finally to leave the only home he has ever known to travel to America ("Anatevka"). Throughout it all Tevye tries to remain true to the traditions of his community ("Prologue--Tradition") and his faith ("Sabbath Prayer"). The cast features Beatrice Arthur as Yente the matchmaker ("The Rumor"), Austin Pendleton as Motel the tailor ("Miracle of Miracles"), Bert Convy as Perchik the student ("Now I Have Everything"), Joanna Merlin as the eldest daughter Tzeitel ("Matchmaker") and future opera star Julia Migenes as the second oldest daughter Hodel ("Far from the Home I Love"). I understand now from those who should know that Mostel butchers the pronunciation of anything not said or sung in English, but I have to admit that does not really detract from my enjoyment of this album; I do not pay attention to pronunciation when listening to opera either, so I am at least consistent. This CD version features two previously unreleased tracks, the "Wedding Dance" music (including the famous bottle dance) and "The Rumor," both of which are welcomed additions. Bottom line: If you own a dozen musicals on CD, then this is one of the ones that has to be in your collection
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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A musical lesson in tradition, June 8, 2000
This score, though considered by most to be beautiful and moving, is rarely given credit for its true artistry and thematic significance. FIDDLER is a musical about a man, Tevye, struggling with the challanges that come with attempting to hold firm to one's traditions in the ever changing society. The music reflects this dichotomey. Songs that characterize events in the play in which tradition is upheld, such as "Tradition," "Sunrise, Sunset," and "Sabbath Prayer" have a hebrew feel to them. Other songs--such as the song sung by the young tailor, Motel, who wishes to marry Tevye's even though it was not arranged for him to do so--are in "Broadway style." In the song "Far from the home I love" Tevye's middle daughter explains her turmoil when she must chose between a traditional life at home or an uncertain life with the revolutionary she has fallen in love with. The song oscilates between major and minor keys, making the song sound traditionally Hebrew at one verse and more typically "broadway" in the next. The thematically significant score is also a delight to listen to. The melodies soar, the lyrics charm, and the orchestrations are top notch.Though this cast may not have the most soothing voices, their voices fit perfectly with the characters. When you listen ot a track on this CD, you don't hear Zero Mostle sing "If I Were a Rich Man," you hear Tevye. The actor's abitilty to tranfer their characterization to the CD is amazing, making this recording the best to have. FIDDLER is one of the most beloved musicals of all time; listen to this recording and you will understand why.
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10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Landmark Acomplishment.....by Zero Mostel, December 2, 2003
Ahhhhh...what can you say about "Fiddler on the Roof" that hasn't already been said. This landmark in American Musical Theater (and in theater in general) is forever perserved in this timeless recording. Bock and Harnick songs vividly bring the story of Tevye, the poor milkman, to life. The songs are so touching and reflect the emotions of all, while entertaining even the most avid musical-hater (shame on you). However, the greatest accomplishment belongs not to Bock, Harnick, Harold Prince or Jerome Robbins (who directed). The man who personifies and carries (and downright dominates) this show is the great Zero Mostel. His acting, voice and comedic timing are greatly shown in this, his definitive role. He makes "Fiddler on the Roof". In the interviews with Sheldon Harnick (lyricist) that are on this CD (another reason to buy it), he mentions that Zero recorded "If I Were A Rich Man" in only ONE take. Amazing. As is this CD. Even if you are the most avid musical-hater, or a musical theater junkie like me, you will enjoy the classics like "If I Were A Rich Man", "Sunrise, Sunset" and "Tradition", while savoring songs which they cut, like the histerical "When Messiah Comes". All-in-all, a fabulous CD! Well worth the price. ******Also, make sure you see and listen to Zero Mostel in Stephen Sondheim's "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum." Either buy the movie or the cast recording! You'll be glad you did!
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