Product Description The first complete recording of Stephen Sondheim's musical-theatre work since the 1979 original Broadway cast recording, and the first recording of the work by a symphony orchestra, captures the May 2000 New York Philharmonic concert performances in honor of Mr. Sondheim's 70th birthday, starring Patti LuPone, George Hearn and Audra McDonald. Directed by Tony Award winner Lonnie Price, the cast also includes John Aler, Davis Gaines, Neil Patrick Harris, Heidi Grant Murphy, Paul Plishka, Stanford Olsen and the New York Choral Artists. .com For many, Sweeney Todd is Stephen Sondheim's masterpiece, a Grand Guignol musical-opera with an epic sweep. The original 1979 cast recording (starring Len Cariou, Angela Lansbury, and Victor Garber) remains definitive, but this version, assembled for three performances with the New York Philharmonic in May 2000, gives it a serious run for its money. Indeed, this live recording boasts Patti LuPone, George Hearn, Davis Gaines, Audra McDonald, and Heidi Grant Murphy; has been nominated for the 2002 Best Musical Show Album Grammy; and, last but not least, features that world-class orchestra. LuPone's English accent goes in and out, especially in the spoken passages, but no matter; she sings superbly. Her comic timing is impeccable, and her tendency to go over the top actually works in her favor in a show in which humor is of the gallows kind and blood flows freely. As for the Philharmonic, it'll make you even more bitter next time you're at a Broadway show where they try to cut corners by using a pared-down ensemble: The music's power could flatten trees. --Elisabeth Vincentelli P.when('A').execute(function(A) { A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse', function(data) { window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100); }); }); Review "I wouldn't have missed this performance for anything." -- The Daily News"Splendid" -- The New York Times"The performance was riveting and the CD no less so." -- Newsday See more
E**L
The best version of all time
I say this with full conviction. The excellent pairing of George Hearn's baritone with Patti LuPone's comic timing and madly Brechtian-inaccurate cockney accent, alongside the rich orchestra and the sublime voice of Audra McDonald as the beggar woman, makes this the version of my favourite musical that I prefer to all others. The original recording with Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury takes a close second, and the Broadway revival with LuPone and Michael Ceveris third.It is a great pity one cannot acquire this via iTunes or Amazon digital (at the time of writing); it should be better known, I feel!
J**.
A fabulous recording!
This recording is a fabulous addition to my collection of Sweeney Todd recordings. Gorgeous interpretations by NYPhil and the cast of singer-actors. A rare record of the early development of Patti LuPone’s Mrs. Lovett. So much to love!
R**X
Sweeney Todd's best recording!
I believe this is the most beautiful recording of "Sweeney Todd"! The cast is wonderful: George Hearn IS Sweeney, Davis Gaines is a powerful Anthony, Audra is wonderful in the role of the Beggar Woman/Lucy Barker and Patti LuPone...is SIMPLY AMAZING THAN USUAL! And, obviusly, The New York Philarmonic is wonderful!
B**N
NY Phil & Geo Hearn are great. Patti not so much
Hearing Sondheim's score played by NY Philharmoic is amazing. Lupone's cockney accent is not.
L**F
Recommended
Excellent. I saw video of this production for the SF concert, and was concerned the two would be drastically different. Some of the characters are different, but still great, and Hearn and LuPone are still as excellent as they are in the later concert.
B**T
Five Stars
Bryn Terfel is marvelous!!!
M**S
Sweeney was smooth, Sweeney was subtle.
This production is neither. From the raucous, disruptive audience to the actors speaking over each other to Ms. Lupone’s histrionics, this is an unlistenable mess.
R**A
Good!
I wish this were a DVD! I want to see the performance of this musical. I regard NYP as one of the best orchestras.
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1 month ago
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