This new version of the Fiddler on the Roof soundtrack coincides with the movie's 30th anniversary (which is also celebrated by a special edition DVD). The CD is notable for several instrumental tracks by John Williams, as... more » well as for "Any Day Now," a previously unreleased song performed by Perchik/Paul Michael Glaser (better known for his starring role in TV's Starsky and Hutch). The soundtrack is often compared unfavorably with the original 1964 cast album, in which Zero Mostel played the part of Tevye (here performed by Topol, who had been in the 1967 London production). But this CD has a lot going for it, including glossy remastering and, of course, Isaac Stern as the fiddler. In the end, whatever version you decide to pick up, Fiddler remains one of the most enduring musicals of all time. --Elisabeth Vincentelli« less
This new version of the Fiddler on the Roof soundtrack coincides with the movie's 30th anniversary (which is also celebrated by a special edition DVD). The CD is notable for several instrumental tracks by John Williams, as well as for "Any Day Now," a previously unreleased song performed by Perchik/Paul Michael Glaser (better known for his starring role in TV's Starsky and Hutch). The soundtrack is often compared unfavorably with the original 1964 cast album, in which Zero Mostel played the part of Tevye (here performed by Topol, who had been in the 1967 London production). But this CD has a lot going for it, including glossy remastering and, of course, Isaac Stern as the fiddler. In the end, whatever version you decide to pick up, Fiddler remains one of the most enduring musicals of all time. --Elisabeth Vincentelli
"Those who enjoyed the motion picture will absolutely love this 30th anniversary edition CD of the music.Not only does it feature the beloved songs, sung by Topol and cast, but it also includes some of Tevye's conversations with God and the listener from the motion picture in such songs as "Tradition" and "Tevye's Dream." In addition, this version also includes previously unreleased songs, such as "The Wedding Procession", the First Act Finale and Entr'acte, "The Rejection Scene" beween Tevye and Chava, and "Any Day Now" sung by Perchik, which was not included either in the original motion picture or on the original motion picture soundtrack album.It, of course, also includes music by soloist Isaac Stern. This CD is a real delight and a must-have for musical lovers or Fiddler fans."
Nu? A Soundtrack Recording?
Rivkah Maccaby | Bloomington, IN United States | 11/30/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was taken to see this movie when it first premiered. I was four. I didn't understand the plot at all, and was bored silly, yet still managed to leave the theatre singing "Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match...."Many times since I've listened to the soundtrack, and I later bought the video; this show so beautifully captures Jewish folk and klezmer music even while the tunes play so well on Broadway. And by now the songs have become so famous, that many recordings of Jewish folk music include "Sunrise, Sunset." Of course, I had to get the CD to play in my car, and to my delight, it had songs that were not on other recordings: Chava's beautiful song is here!I think the quality of the recording is very good; it's quite clear why this film won an Academy Award for its music, and this CD does it justice."
Liked the movie, loved the songs!
PianoPlayer8816 | WA USA | 03/09/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Aside from the fact that I loved the movie, most of that came from loving the songs on the movie. I got to a place where I wanted to hear them a lot, but didn't want to skip around on the movie to find the song I wanted to hear. So I bought this soundtrack. It was well worth it.
From the intro song "Tradition" to "If I Were a Rich Man" to "Sunrise, Sunset", this CD has music that is absolutely gorgeous. If you loved the movie, I recommend getting the soundtrack."
Fabulous!
Thomas C. Nagy | Ebensburg, PA USA | 01/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Topol shines as Tevye and John Williams' orchestrations of Bock and Harnick's classic musical are incredible. Thirty years later, this release still has incredible merit. Extra tracks and some of Topol's incredible theatrical spoken monologues."
A sountrack recording sounds crazy, no? But in our little...
Michael Shayne | Boca Raton, FL United States | 11/17/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"For completists the soundtrack recording of Fiddler on the Roof is the one to have. It has music and sings not found on other recording in release. Its lush Academy Award winning adapted score shines with a full orchestra and the equally impressive Oscar winning sound design. The recording has the Chava musical sequence that is not on the Broadway or London cast recordings.I(Also with Topol)It is also has more of the wedding celebration. It does not have The Rumor and Now I Have Everything sung by Perchik(A song that was latter dropped in many productions)but it does have a song written for the film Any Day Now that was once again dropped from the film. As for the singing you have to decide if you like Zero Mostel's broad performance or Topol's more personal and intimate portrayl of Tevye. The daughter's equally match the women from the Broadway cast. There are lyric changes here and there, but all in all the recording should satisfy for someone who wants to listen to FIddler on the Roof,"