Search - Stephen Sondheim :: Pacific Overtures (1987 English National Opera Cast) (Complete Recording) [IMPORT]

A Noble Attempt

Brandon E. Baruch | Los Angeles, CA USA | 12/18/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is definately worth the purchase, especially for any Sondheim fan who's never been fortunate enough to see the show live. The appeal of this album is not in the vocals; hearing the songs sung by British Opera singers can be a tad jarring at times. And they tend to lay the vibrato on rather thick. On the other hand, the large orchestra lends a full sound to the beautiful Sondheim score, and they did keep an all male cast like the OBC production. No, the reason this album is a must own is because they have recorded not only the songs of the show, but also most of the book. John Weidman's book for the show is just as poetic and beautiful as Sondheim's score. And the actors do a superb job of interpreting it. Listening to this 2 CD set is not like listening to most other cast albums. It is much like seeing the show. In fact, I wish other Sondheim shows were recorded like this. If you have the time to sit down and listen to the album in one sitting, it is an extremely gratifying experience. If you just want to hear a few of the songs every once in a while (shame on you) then I'd suggest purchasing the Original Broadway Cast recording. But for the true Sondheim Fanatic, this will make an excellent addition to your collection. On a side note, there is an edited finished video of the OBC production in existence. Why has it never been put on sale to the public?"