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In writing this review, I have to compare it with the motion picture soundtrack and the London Cast production. (If it exists, I have not heard the Broadway version with Debbie Boone.) The movie cast sings very well, and Jane Powell - a soprano - sings the songs in a higher key. I actually prefer that, especially when Ms. Powell does not allow stuffiness to enter her interpretation at all. Howard Keel had a high baritone that easily encompassed the music. The conducting was wonderful, and the cast was culled from MGM's finest. (Ballet dancer Jacques d'Amboise was one of the brothers!) There are not many numbers that made it onto the album I had.
The London cast album is a hit and miss affair. Martin Yates conducts with little flair. Surprisingly, because he conducts the new version, too. The orchestrations sound boxy and the strings are undernourished. Numbers that should have energy don't. The brothers don't sound nearly upset enough, their hormones are flowing. Adam is Steven Pontipee, and he does a good job. His voice is slightly raw, but that fits Adam well. I get the feeling he is trying to put drama into it. Geoff Steer as Gideon sounds young - appropriately -- but he isn't very energetic. Roni Page is feisty as Milly, but her tone is not always ingratiating. The recording, however, includes several tracks not on the newer one (although the new one has plenty of space.)
The new recording is odd in one way. The folder says "Originally recorded at Abbey Road Studios, London on June 1 and 3, 1995." The Millie, Adam and Gideon tracks were recorded May 15 and 18, 2015. Whatever, the National Symphony plays much better, and the sound is gorgeous. The tempi of Martin Yates are vastly improved - the acoustics help a lot, too. The brothers sound properly energized, and Gideon (Sam O'Rourke) has a very nice voice and involvement in the role of youngest brother/inmediary. Laura Pitt-Pulford as Milly belts gently, and she has some high notes to throw in. She is always engaged and captures the moods well. Alex Gaumond as Adam is more tenor than baritone, but he doesn't stint on the frustration with Milly. The solos, duets, and trios of these three cap off what is now the best representation of this musical on CD.
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alejandro ibáñez gijon
Dificil de conseguir pero merece la pena.
Reviewed in Spain 🇪🇸 on September 4, 2014
