Rating: - Excellent cast, especially Val Jean and Javert.
This is the most accurately sung version I've yet to hear... while some stage fanatics might enjoy the vocal variations that are added to it, every singer on this particular version is very clear and exact with the notes, forming the best album version of the musical that I've ever heard. This is perfect for the highlights but I'd recommend buying the full set if you already know you'll enjoy it. Philip Quast is the best Javert possible as well - listen to Stars and I think you'll agree.
Rating: - A triumph!
There are no two ways about it: this album is phenomenal. I've listened to the others, but the singers on this recording are so emotional and involved, not to mention talented.
First of all, Gary Morris as Jean Valjean. He's amazing. He has a smooth voice, hits the high notes, and I just fell in love with him. Philip Quast as Javert takes my breath away. "The Confrontation" is probably my favorite song on the album; Morris and Quast are perfect together. Debbie Byrne is wonderful as Fantine, Kaho Shimada is great as Eponine; sure she has a little bit of an accent, but she has a great voice. Anthony Warlow, as Enjolras, stole the show in my opinion. His voice is unbelievable. Tracy Shayne, as Cosette, is good, but her voice is a little too sugary for me. Michael Ball is said to be the best Marius of them all, and he's good, but sometimes he's a little whiney. Great voice, though.
Rating: - The Best Cast
Don't listen to the Les Mis snobs that have posted before me. This cast is excellent. The personalities of the actors are distiguished much better on this version than any other and the actors seemed to sing more from the heart than on the original Broadway cast version. You get an image of these characters from just their voices without ever having to see them. This was my introduction to Les Mis so I have to admit I am probably biased. However, no other version has been able to replace this one. The main reasons are, Jean Val Jean sounds tortured, Javert sounds like he will hunt Val Jean to the ends of the earth, Marius and Cosette sound like they are in love, and the students have much more distinguished voices on this version. No matter what people say about the girl who play Eponine on this version she doesn't wimp out on the high notes like the girl on the original Broadway cast did and she has no Japanese ... Read More
Rating: - What's the point of this?
"Les Miserables" is a marvelous musical; a stunningly faithful interpretation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece, with an inspiring storyline and unforgettable characters. There are 2 reasons for buying a Les Mis CD - (1) you've seen a performance and want ONE CD to remind you of it or (2) you've become a les Mis junkie (like me) and want multiple versions so you too can hold forth on the rival merits of Andy Warlow vs Michael Maguire, Patty LuPone vs Ruthie Henshaw, Frances Ruffelle vs Kaho Shimada vs Lea Solonga. If you are in the first category, you really want the Tenth Anniversary Concert. The TAC has the complete storyline (albeit slightly abridged), it was recorded live (so there's an unique intensity and chemistry between performers), and from top to bottom it has by far the best cast.
However, serious Les Mis fans also want the Complete Symphonic Recording because it does have the complete score. The ... Read More
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How We Met: Lily Allen & Mark Ronson
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- Excellent cast, especially Val Jean and Javert.
- What's the point of this?
