Les Miserables: The Complete Symphonic Recording (Enhanced) [Import] [Soundtrack]

Editorial Reviews
Album Details
Originally Available as a Box Set, Les Miserables: The Complete Symphonic Recordings, Has Now Been Reformatted in Triple CD Jewel Case and features an Enhanced CD with Video Images!

Tracks:

Prologue
Valjean's Soliloquy (What Have I Done?)
At the End of the Day
I Dreamed a Dream
Lovely Ladies
Fantine's Arrest
Runaway Cart
Who Am I?/The Trial
Fantine's Death
Confrontation
Castle on a Cloud
Master of the House
Bargain-The Waltz of Treachery
Look Down
Robbery-Javert's Intervention (Another Brawl)
Stars

Tracks:

Eponine's Errand
ABC Cafe/Red and Black
Do You Hear the People Sing?
Rue Plumet-In My Life
Heart Full of Love
Attack on Rue Plumet
One More Day
At the Barricade (Upon These Stones)
On My Own
Building the Barricade
Javert's Arrival
Little People
Little Fall of Rain
Night of Anguish
First Attack
Drink With Me
Bring Him Home
Dawn of Anguish
Second Attack (Death of Gavrobe)
Final Battle
Sewers - Dog Eats Dog
Javert's Suicide
Turning

Tracks:

Empty Chairs at Empty Tables
Every Day (Marius and Cosette)
Valjean's Confession
Wedding Chorale/Beggars at the Feast
Epilogue (Finale)

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant -Powerful.......2006-07-14

If you like musicals this is the one for you. Brilliant songs, powerful voices.

not the best.......2006-02-26

maybe it's because i have got the dream cast version first. i didn't find this one so much atractive, because the cast is not the best, and the whole symphonic thing doesn't quite touch me either. i'm sorry to find this.

Awesome Tribute to the Greatest Musical of All Time.......2005-12-25

I love this recording of my all-time favorite musical. The orchestra really makes this recording soar, as I saw the show on tour with a smaller one. The entire recording, for the most part, sounds terrific. Gary Morris is not my favorite Valjean, but he makes "Bring Him Home" his own in a wonderful way. Philip Quast is unbeatable as Javert, as are Michael Ball and Anthony Warlow in their roles as Marius and Enjorlas (Michael Ball is so my hero!!!). My only complaint with this recording is the version of "A Little Fall of Rain". Eponine's voice, which is awesome throughout the whole recording, is AWFUL during this song, and it really ruins the song. Other than that, a wonderful recording!

For a real review..........2005-04-18

Great CDs. I much prefer the Fauntine and Eponine in this recording to the Origional London Cast. See Amazon.com's listing for this item. Several Les Mis conousseurs have given detailed, very helpful reviews, however, amazon doesn't have any to sell, so buy it here at CDnow, but if you want a great review of what to expect, take a look at amazon.

Best musical ever.......2005-03-23

I first fell in love with Les Miserables when I was high school, after I heard the song "On My Own." I have gone through probably 5 cassettes and CD's by now in one version or another. I enjoy this musical so much I think I don't have a strong preference for which version I am listening to, other than this recording doesn't leave out anything, so it is the one I prefer. For those who really love this musical, this recording is worth getting!

Les Miserables (Highlights from the Complete Symphonic International Cast Recording)

Average customer rating:

A triumph!
The Best Cast
What's the point of this?
What Got Me Hooked On Les Miz
Great Highlights Album!

Les Miserables (Highlights from the Complete Symphonic International Cast Recording)
Alain Boublil , Claude-Michel Schonberg , Gary Morris , and Michael Ball
Manufacturer: Relativity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000003BW7
Release Date: 1991-10-22

Tracks:

At The End Of The Day
I Dreamed A Dream
Who Am I?/The Trial
Fantine's Death
The Confrontation
Master Of The House
Stars
The ABC Cafe/Red And Black
Do You Hear The People Sing?
A Heart Full Of Love
One Day More!
On My Own
Drink With Me
Bring Him Home
Javert's Suicide
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
Finale

Customer Reviews:

A triumph!.......2006-04-04

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.

One thing that shocks me about a lot of the other reviews here is that Barry James and Gay Soper, as M. and Mme Thenardier, are said to be bad. In my opinion, everyone else falls far short. James and Soper actually do the accents, instead of sounding like upper-crust British actors. They're amazing.

Obviously "One Day More" is the greatest song on the album. It's amazing. I recommend this to anyone. If you're new to Les Miserables, this is the place to start. If you're a Les Mis veteran, you HAVE to hear this one.

The Best Cast.......2006-01-18

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 accent. Her Japanese accent is about as noticable when she sings as a New York accent or a Boston accent when someone sings. Another thing the Les Mis snobs complain about is that this album doesn't contain the entire story of Les Mis. This isn't an audiobook, it's a highlights album. Get the story from the actual play or the book or the movies. Overall this is a great album that will last forever.

What's the point of this?.......2005-06-30

"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 Original London (OLC) and Original Broadway (OBC) Cast albums only have selected songs. I have all 4 major full-length English-language versions, and they have all have their pluses and minuses. But the main advantages of the CSR are its completeness and Andy Warlow (a truly stirring Enjorlas). Also, on the plus side, it has Philip Quast ( THE BEST Javert, but he's even better on the TAC), Michael Ball (THE BEST Marius, also on the OLC and TAC versions). Beyond these fine performers, the CSR has a rather weak cast in general. Gary Morris is horrible as Jean Valjean, cringe-provoking at times, merely weak at others. "Who am I?" isn't so bad, but "Bring Him Home" makes me cover my ears or send me running for the fast forward button. One of the few advantages of this trimmed down version is that we are spared Morris singing "What have I done?" He's totally overmatched by Quast in "Confrontation" and by everyone in "One Day More" and "Finale". Kaho Shimada is an uneven Eponine, OK sometimes, less so at others. Debbie Byrne (Fantine) is also OK, but I don't find her as moving as Patty LuPone (OLC) or Ruthie Henshaw (TAC). Tracy Shayne (Cosette) is really irratating, not nearly as sweet as Judy Kuhn (OLB and TAC) or even Rebecca Caine (OLC). I find Barry James and especially Gay Soper (M. and Mme. Thenardier) grating as well.

The bottom line is that cutting it down to one CD eliminates the major advantage of the CSR. If you just want nice performances of the major songs cheap, get the OLC version or the OBC Highlights

What Got Me Hooked On Les Miz.......2005-04-05

This C.D. is what started it for me with my Les Miserable passion and it will for you too if you choose to buy this Les Miserable C.D!

I love this musical with all my heart and I know most of the words to every song. Les Miserables isn't a common musical it really has whole differant life- the lyrics are all what we can relate to and the themes of love, loss, and trying to better ourselves are all things we have expierenced as human beings. This musical does more than live up to Hugo's book on many ways it outshines in the lyrical sense. If given the chance I would see it everyday and I hope that someday Les Mis will visit my city so I do get the chance too.

Gary Morris isn't as good as Colm Wilkinson- but, Gary's great anyway and the rest of the cast is star pick of the litter- including one of my favorite singers of all-time Michael Ball- who is just as attractive as Ellijah Wood with a singing voice that matches Josh Groban.

All in all with a wonderfully written composed music and good direction it's understandable why this musical has been translated into ten differant languages and has swept the world literally-even in countries that don't usually support or like musical theater.

I only have one suggestion if you haven't read or seen a movie about Les Miserables you should probably buy the complete version it will be easier to understand than this Les Miz greatest hits C.D. All in all no matter what kind of music fan you are you have to have some kind of copy of Les Miz in your collection!

Great Highlights Album!.......2003-03-12

I think the cast on this album is great. I loved Gary Morris as Valjean. Colm Wilkinson's singing, from what I've heard, is not as smooth as Gary Morris's, and I feel like his high notes are far more forced. The choppy quality of Wilkinson's singing also really gets to me.

I had no problems with the Fantine on this album, and although everyone seems to be complaining about Kaho Shimada's Japanese accent, I couldn't hear it. She sounded really clear and a little too girlish for my taste, but hey. Eponine's a young character. As others have commented, Javert and Marius were great. I also really enjoyed the singing of Anthony Warlow as Enjolras.

Additionally, I thought the selection of songs was really great. I'm not sure why people seem to want the album to project the full story of Les Mis. People who haven't seen the musical or read the book ought not to expect the full story out of a Highlights album. That kind of expectation is really too much to ask out of a short album which has been cut down from 4 hours long.

I'd recommend this to people who liked some of the Les Mis songs but don't want to buy 4 hours' worth of music to get a couple of songs. I think this is also a great choice for people who have read the book or who otherwise know the story, and would like to get a taste of how the musical treats the story of The Miserable.

Les Miserables - The Complete Symphonic Recording
Average customer rating:

Great, definitely go with this and TAC

Awesome

Bought it used - thank God!

magnificent!

Mixed Feelings

Les Miserables - The Complete Symphonic Recording
Claude-Michel Schonberg
Manufacturer: Relativity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Tracks:

Prologue
Valjean's Soliloquy (What Have I Done?)
At The End Of The Day
I Dreamed A Dream
Lovely Ladies
Fantine's Arrest
The Runaway Cart
Who Am I?-The Trial
Fantine's Death
The Confrontation
Castle On A Cloud
Master Of The House

Tracks:

The Bargain-The Waltz Of Treachery
Look Down
The Robbery-Javert's Intervention (Another Brawl)
Stars
Eponine's Errand
The ABC Cafe-Red And Black
Do You Hear The People Sing?
Rue Plumet-In My LIfe
A Heart Full Of Love
The Attack On Rue Plumet
One Day More!
At The Barricade (Upon These Stones)
On My Own
Building The Barricade
Javert's Arrival
Little People
A Little Fall Of Rain
Night Of Anguish
First Attack

Tracks:

Drink With Me
Bring Him Home
Dawn Of Anguish
The Second Attack (Death Of Gavroche)
The Final Battle
The Sewers-Dog Eats Dog
Javert's Suicide
Turning
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
Every Day (Marius And Cosette)
Valjean's Confession
The Wedding Chorale- Beggars At The Feast
Epilogue (Finale)
Bonus Track

Customer Reviews:

Great, definitely go with this and TAC.......2005-08-31

Right now, there are four official English-language versions of Les Miserables: the Original London Cast Recording, the Original Broadway Cast Recording, the Complete Symphonic Recording, and the 10th Anniversary Concert Recording. Les Mis' addicts are best served by purchasing all recordings, as they showcase different stages (as in the OLC and the OBC) of the development of this mega-musical, as well as the interesting variations in presentation and performances by the different casts and orchestras.

If you're the average musical-theater listener who can't afford to buy all available English-language recordings, however, my advice would be to get the CSR (due to the fact that it's "complete") and the TAC recording (due to the fact that performer- and performance-wise, it's leaps and bounds better than all of the other recordings). You deserve no less.

Awesome.......2005-07-03

I can't believe all the negative comments about Gary Morris. He is so much better in the role than Colm Wilkinson. I've seen Gary perform the part three times and there is NO better Jean ValJean (seen the play 14 times). It's an international cast and some of the accents do take time getting used to. But the power of the music supercedes it all. Listen with your heart people. It's so incredible.

Bought it used - thank God!.......2005-06-17

"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, if you're a serious Les Mis fan, you should buy this CD (in addition), simply because it does have the complete score. (The trouble with THAT is that it includes practically the only misstep in the whole script - if Jean Valjean has his number branded on his chest, then how is it credible that someone else will be convicted in his place?) I bought it for that reason and to hear other interpretations of the roles (in particular Andy Warlow's). I have all 4 versions, and they have all have their pluses and minuses, but frankly, I'm glad I didn't pay full price for this one. This version has a rather weak cast in general, but that does add to the fun arguing about it. On the plus side, it has Philip Quast ( THE BEST Javert, but he's even better on the TAC), Michael Ball (THE BEST Marius, also on the OLC and TAC versions), and Andy Warlow (a stirring Enjorlas for sure, but not THAT much better than Michael Maguire on the OBC and TAC). The scenes at the barricade are the best part of the CD. Kaho Shimada is an uneven Eponine, OK sometimes, less so at others. Debbie Byrne (Fantine) is OK, but I don't find her as moving as Patty LuPone (OLC) or Ruthie Henshaw (TAC). Tracy Shayne (Cosette) is irratating, not nearly as sweet as Judy Kuhn (OLB and TAC) or even Rebecca Caine (OLC). I find Barry James and especially Gay Soper (M. and Mme. Thenardier) grating as well.

I really miss Colm Wilkinson (OLC, OBC and TAC). OK, he has a unique singing style, but such heart. Not always perfect, but so powerful and emotional. All his solos and "Confrontation" just stop me dead in my tracks. The sweetness and purity of his "Bring Him Home" and "Epilogue" move me to tears. But really, there must be someone else who can do at least an adequate job or the show wouldn't have run so long in so many venues. I am willing to listen to another interpretation, but not this one. This is the central role in the play, it really can't survive without a good performance here. Gary Morris is horrible as Jean Valjean, cringe-provoking at times, merely weak at others. He's totally overmatched by Quast in "Confrontation" and by everyone in "One Day More" and "Epilogue". I haven't tried the recommendation of one reviewer of listening while squinting and shaking my head hard, but I don't see how that will help. Morris's "What have I done?", "Bring Him Home" and "Valjean's Confession" make me cover my ears or send me running for the fast forward button, although "Who am I?" isn't so bad. (I just tried the head shaking trick, it didn't help.)

magnificent!.......2005-06-15

Ok, I admit it. I have long been a fan of musicals, but I was only exposed to Les Mis a few months ago. My roommate loaned me this recording, and I fell in love. I played nothing but this soundtrack for the next several weeks.

As this is the only recording I've heard fully, I cannot give any comparisons between the performers here and those on other versions, but I do wish to give my general impression of the cast.

*Gary Morris (Valjean) - he has a strong, clear voice with which it is hard to find fault. He sings with emotion and passion, and I cannot imagine ever tiring of hearing him as Jean Valjean. If I had to give a complaint, it would be that I could imagine a voice with a little more distinct character...something a little riskier for the part of someone so complex.

*Philip Quast (Javert) - wow, I love deep voices, and his is so rich! I love when he hits the low note near the beginning of "Confrontation" ...I've seriously replayed that part over and over again just because it sends shivers through me...haha, I think you get the idea. This guy is good.

*Debbie Byrne (Fantine) - her voice took some getting used to because at first it seemed to me a little uncontrolled, almost like she could capture the fullness of the sound but not quite hit the notes. However, the more I listen to her, the more I enjoy her. Her voice has a wonderful texture, something you totally miss when listening to the super-clear, trilling sopranos that seem to be found all over most other musicals.

*Kaho Shimada (Eponine) - her voice took a little getting used to as well. I was a little confused until I realized she was Japanese, for though I wouldn't say you hear an accent, her voice does have a very different quality to it. Still, I enjoyed her performance very much. Her voice is trembling with emotion the entire time, almost like she can hardly control it...it is quite moving.

*Tracy Shayne (Cosette) - wow. I'm sorry, is Cosette supposed to be this shrill? Turn it off! While I'm impressed at some of the notes she hits, I don't think it's supposed to make you want to cover your ears.

*Michael Ball (Marius) -Ball makes Marius, a rather annoying character if you ask me, into someone actually likable, if not lovable. He's passionate and romantic, but not vapid. Probably my favorite vocal performance.

*Gay Soper and Barry James (the Thernardiers) - their voices are rather grating, but that's the point, right? Very entertaining performances...particularly in "Master of the House" (which, it's true, somehow manages to be stuck in your head all day).

*Anthony Warlow (Enjorolas) - very appropriate voice...manly and vibrant. If he doesn't make you want to go out and fight, then there's no help for you!

Overall, the performances were wonderful. I highly recommend this CD. A great recording of a great musical!

Mixed Feelings.......2005-04-20

I bought this recently, and it was an object lesson in why I ought to research an item before purchasing it.

For me, it's truly a toss-up as to whether this is a recording worth purchasing. The main benefit-a far from insignificant one-is that it is a complete recording full of much more materiel than can be found on the London or Broadway cast recordings. Basically, I was far from satisfied. The liner notes are error ridden, and the casting was not as good as possible. Gary Morris struck me as too young for the part, and Gay Soper (Mme. Thenardier) has a voice akin to the sound of fingernails on a chalkboard. But, in the absence of a complete Broadway recording, this still may be the best version available to buy. Be sure, however, to supplement it with another version. (The Tenth Anniversary recording might be the best.)

Les Miserables: The Complete Symphonic Recording (Enhanced)

Average customer rating:

i'm' 13 on my mom's account. i LOVE les miz. i saw it in London 3 years ago. wonderful memories.
Fantastic!
A Beef with Quast
My Favorite
Good, but casting hurts this CD

Les Miserables: The Complete Symphonic Recording (Enhanced)
Original Cast
Manufacturer: First Night Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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