Search - Enrico Garzilli, Michael Ball :: Rage of the Heart (1987 London Concept Cast)

Song of the soul!

Z. Yang | Hockessin, DE USA | 12/23/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Michael Ball is the original reason I bought this album. I am so glad that I bought it, because it is so beautiful, soul-touchingly beautiful!
It tells a true story of love, a love that is dripping blood. Peter Abelard (Michael Ball) was a scholar, philosopher, and poet in the 12th century in Paris. Young and handsome, he was exceptionally brilliant and popular with lots of young followers. At his late thirties he met Heloise (Janet Mooney), who was seventeen at the time. Beautiful and talented, she admired him so much and became his student later on. Their love began as purely Platonic, then developed into passionate love, but was ended with tragic consequences.
This is a concept album recorded in 1987 with lyrics and music written by Dr. Enrico Garzilli, who is a poet and writer, as well as a pianist and composer. It has never been staged on big stage but once at a local theatre in Providence RI in April 1997. Overall the musical might need some more work, but the songs could not be more wonderful and the story could not be more touching.
Michael's talent and depth in this album proves that he has every reason for his glories nowadays. The voice, the expression, and most of all, the passion, are showing off in every song he sings in the album. His solo "Freedom" and "Fire" quite naturally remind me of his power in the songs like "Sunset Boulevard" and "Gethsemane". And of course there is the five duets sung by Michael and Janet. Those haunting melodies will struck your chord instantly.
Some music will need time to grow on you, but for this one, NO, this one will conquer you immediately.
The reason I gave 4 star to this CD is its lack of information about the show and the story. In order to better understand the show, you'll need to do some research."

Rage of the Heart is beautivul

Joan M. Walsh | Kingston, NH United States | 02/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found Michael Ball's FREEDOM and FIRE and downloaded, thinking I would get "Blues Brothers, Freedom." Imagine my suprise to get "Freedom" from Rage. It was beautiful and I wanted more. I downloaded the whole story. Then, I looked up Peter Abelard, on line, and was fascinated with the story. I have ordered The book from my local library on Peter Abelard for the history. The music is just beautiful and the show should be staged. Actually Michael is just the right age now, he was too young in 1987. I would like to see a stage performance of this play, preferably with Michael as Peter Abelard. Also with Janet Mooney. They are fantastic together."

Enchanting

Comm S. H. Gorodetsky | 11/30/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Besides the music being wonderful there is a great story behind it. Very nice to listen to while I drive long distances."