Search - Stephen Sondheim :: A Little Night Music (1975 Original London Cast)

"The Definitive Recording"

Mr. Adam J. Barken | Montreal, Quebec Canada | 04/02/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Having finally listened to the Original Broadway Cast Recording of this masterpiece, my verdict's in and clear: the London Cast Recording is the definitive version.The voices of the London Cast are, to a man (and woman) far superior -- this is most obvious when listening to the Quartet who open the show, and act as the chorus. The American artists, while excellent, simply can't compare to the power, range and tone of the Brits. The arrangements are gorgeous, the choral work astounding, and the version of "The Miller's Son" found here will floor you. Not only the best recording of this particular show, but possibly the best recording of any Sondheim show available on CD -- Sweeney Todd is the only other contender, for my money.The Orginal Cast Recording is great for a historical value. The British Cast is what you listen to when you want to hear the best show you'll never have the privilege of seeing. It's ruined me. But I'm not complaining."

Proper, British interpretation of a romantic show and score

Sean | LOOK | 07/20/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Okay, David Kernan may wimp out a little on his ending to "In Praise of Women," but oh, well. Joss Ackland is not as bad as people have made him out to be, it is just that he is an actor from the non-musical world -- but who says that you need Carusos to sing the role of Frederick? He is a fine actor and gives a fine interpretation of the role of the love-lorn lawyer. This Anne is a little whimpy sometimes, but isn't Anne herself a little whimpy? Jean Simmons is a divine Desirée, and Hermoine Gingold's rendition of "Liasons" has improved a great deal since she sang it on Broadway. Diane Langton (as Petra, the maid) gives a fabulous performance of "The Miller's Son," and the orchestra on this track seems to have more of a driving force behind it than it did on the OBCR (it simply has more oomph!). A great album to own, a close second to the 1990 studio cast recording available on Jay Records."

A beautiful recording

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 12/19/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"After proving to producers that she could handle performing the role of Desiree on the National Tour, Jean Simmons was asked to come to London to debut with the show at the Adelphi Theatre. Running for a little over 400 performances the show also featured Hermione Gingold reprising her role of Madame Armfeldt.Ms Simmons is quite affecting as the flighty and insecure Desiree who feels she is ready to pursue romance after years of broken promises and false hopes.Gingold, now qute comfortable and honed in her role; performs the comical and contemplative "Liasons" wonderfully.Stephen Sondheim's most complex and multi-faceted score is given a grand treatment here. Almost certainly this is Sondheim's most interesting and most beguiling score which runs the entire gamut of emotions.A must for all true musical theater fans."