Evita [Soundtrack]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Evita was finally filmed in 1996, 20 years after its initial incarnation as a studio-bound rock opera. In between, of course, it was one of the most successful and long-running musicals on either side of the Atlantic. Given such a long history, the film might easily have been a stale anticlimax, fatally holed by our overfamiliarity with songs such as the ubiquitous "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina." On the contrary, it was an impressive and immensely satisfying production. The numbers, augmented by a new song for Eva ("You Must Love Me"), sound fresh and the singing is excellent. Coming from Jonathan Pryce (Peron) and Jimmy Nail (Magaldi), this is hardly a surprise. The real revelation is Antonio Banderas as Che, a kind of one-man Greek chorus commenting on Eva's rise and the price she must pay. His warm tenor dispels memories of previous, rougher interpretations from such singers as David Essex and Colm Wilkinson. Ultimately, though, the star is Madonna. She is totally immersed in the role of Eva from start to finish, her singing ranging from girlish delicacy to a hard-edged stridence as the dictator's wife achieves her goals. Rarely has a film so successfully given a stage show such a new lease on life. --Piers Ford --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Tracks:

The Phantom Of The Opera: The Phantom Of The Opera
Song & Dance: Unexpected Song
Aspects Of Love: Chanson D'enfance
The Phantom Of The Opera: All I Ask Of You
Evita: Don't Cry For Me Argentina
Evita: Another Suitcase In Another Hall
Aspects Of Love: Love Changes Everything
Friends For Life
Cats: Memory
Cats: Gus: The Theatre Cat
Aspects Of Love: Anything But Lonely
Cats: Macavity: The Mystery Cat
Tell Me On A Sunday/Song & Dance: Tell Me On A Sunday
The Phantom Of The Opera: Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again
Requiem: Pie Jesu
The Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night

Amazon.com essential recording

Sarah Brightman's career was launched by her success in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Phantom of the Opera, so it's no surprise to hear the soprano paying homage to the composer on this disc. Really a Brightman best-of, the album includes the Phantom theme (a duet with Michael Crawford), the light-opera fare of "Chanson D'enfance" from Aspects of Love, "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina" from Evita, and numerous other Lloyd Webber classics. Throughout, Brightman's diminutive voice lends a fragility to these musical theater tunes that you'll either love or despise. On Evita's "Another Suitcase, Another Hall" and Cats' "Memory," she literally chirps through the vocal lines. No matter. The growing legion of Brightman fans wouldn't have it any other way. --Jason Verlinde

Album Details

Another Compilation of Stage Favourites - Some Tracks Are Hard to Find Elsewhere.

Customer Reviews:

The Andrew Lloyd Weber Collection.......2007-05-12

Sarah Brightman sings in good form classic songs and does a great job!!

Andrew Lloyd Webber .......2007-02-12

Excellent Broadway music--a true master. Sing along or just listen. First heard her on PBS.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection.......2007-01-05

Sarah Brightman has always been a favorite of mine, and this CD is outstanding. The duet with Jose Carreras (Friends for Life) is especially good--worth buying the CD for that song alone.

The Best You'll See from Sarah.......2006-09-09

This CD is - wow! I have so much to say about it and so little time! This album features three pieces from "The Phantom of the Opera" - Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again, The Music of the Night, and The Phantom of the Opera theme. They're all beautiful. The second piece on the album is "Unexpected Song". It has beautiful octaves and orchastrations. Chanson d'Efance is an amazing French piece with vibrato - and then some. I forgot to mention that there is another piece from The Phantom of the Opera - All I Ask of You - except that the song is not sung by the original cast from the musical. The next few pieces are fairly decent, until you get to Memory from Cats. WOW - is it spectacular! Then we get to two other pieces from Cats - Gus: The Theater Cat and Macavity: The Mystery Cat. Gus is a song that just tells about a cat and his history. A man speaks the lines that Gus would say in the actual musical - and it makes the song interesting. Macavity is AWESOME! I know that I said that I didn't prefer this song for Brightman on her album "Surrender". I finally listened to it more carefully, and found that it's really interesting to listen to! My favorite song on the whole entire album - however - has to be "Tell Me on a Sunday". Beautiful lyrics, orchestrations, and overall spectacular voice talent ties the whole song together. Pie Jesu is a fairly nice piece from both Brightman and Paul Miles-Kingston - the 16 year old boy soprano. His voice is pure and straight with minimal vibrato. However, Brightman's voice shows a little bit TOO much vibrato! Overally, it's a good piece from Andrew Lloyd Webber's Requium. THIS CD IS AMAZING! If you love Sarah from the Phantom of the Opera, then this collection of Lloyd Webber's work is just for you.

I also recommend Charlotte Church - (in her earlier career) - including Voice of an Angel and her self-titled album. I also recommend Love Changes Everything - The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection Vol.2 - just another grouping of Webber's classics. I also recommend Andrea Boucelli - he's awesome!

The Angel of Music.......2006-03-13

This is the third copy of this I've purchased. I wear them out listening to them. Awesome, Awesome music. Sarah's range and depth is so powerful!

Average customer rating:

SUPERCALAFRAGILISTICEXSPIALODOSIS
Lapone Vs Madonna
The movie is good but...
BUY this one, NOT the Madonna version
MANDY PATINKEN IS BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!

Evita (1978 Original Broadway Cast)
Andrew Lloyd Webber , Tim Rice , Patti LuPone , and Mandy Patinkin
Manufacturer: Decca U.S.
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cats (1982 Original Broadway Cast)
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The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)
Les Miserables (1987 Original Broadway Cast)
Jesus Christ Superstar (Original London Concept Recording)

ASIN: B000002ORP
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

A Cinema in Buenos Aires, 26 July 1952
Requiem for Evita/Oh What a Circus
On This Night of a Thousand Stars/Eva & Magaldi/Eva Beware of the City
Buenos Aires
Goodnight & Thank You
The Art of the Possible
Charity Concert/I'd be Surprisignly Good for You
Another Suitcase In Another Hall
Peron's Latest Flame
A New Argentina

Tracks:

On The Balcony Of The Casa Rosada/Don't Cry for me Argentina
High Flying, Adored
Rainbow High
Rainbow Tour
The Actress Hasn't Learned The Lines (You'd Like to Hear)
And the Money Kept Rolling In (And Out)
Santa Evita
Waltz for Eva and Che
She Is A Diamond
Dice are Rolling
Eva's Final Broadcast
Montage
Lament

Amazon.com essential recording

Evita was Andrew Lloyd Webber's last show with Tim Rice before he went on to projects with less interesting collaborators, so it's no surprise that it remains his most consistently involving and rewarding work. Loosely based on the life of Eva Peron, the charismatic wife of post-World War II Argentine president Juan Peron, Rice's compelling story of one woman's rise from poverty to power is complemented by Lloyd Webber's colorful music as propelled by vigorous Latin rhythms. The showstopper, of course, is "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina," but the score is full of gems, including "On This Night of a Thousand Stars," "Oh, What a Circus," and "Another Suitcase in Another Hall." Headlining the 1978 Broadway cast, Patti LuPone is fabulous in the title role, showcasing her big voice and brash egotism in the role she was born to play. Mandy Patinkin is Che, the Greek-chorus character commenting on and criticizing the Perons, and his tenor is sweet on the ballads and powerful on the driving numbers. LuPone and Patinkin made their names with Evita (and took home well-deserved Tonys), but it's the third principal, Bob Gunton, who elevates this cast to the stratosphere. As Peron--a role often filled by a nonsinger--Gunton inflects his strong voice with both menace and sensitivity. Forget the movie; this is the definitive version of this score, and an essential cast recording. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

SUPERCALAFRAGILISTICEXSPIALODOSIS.......2007-06-05

I think that this phrase from Marry Poppins is the best to describe the amazing recording. LuPone is the Best Evita, hand down. She does this role with a flair, but not so much flair that it loses it's meaning. Mandy Papkin (The Secret Garden (1991 Original Broadway Cast)) Is a Phenominal Che and really does what Antonio left off. He adds a sarcastic and mean flair with his songs so as to insite that his character is not really that nice and slightly does not like Evita. Infact at one point he is actually asked by Evita to leave toi just get out of her life.
The Orchestrations are phenominal. evan though I do prefer the Movie Orchestrations over this one, what the Orch. lack the singing carries on. There is only one song that I think is really missing from this grouping and that is "The Lady's Got Potential". That song was wisely added to the movie.
Another pro for this version is the fact that the original show is intact. In the movie, due to Argentinan sencorship, some of the sarcasim and the mockery of Evita's life was cut. Unfortunately this made Evita look almost like a saint. The Part were it is really prevelent was in the song "Santa Evita" Where Che blandantly tells Evita some of her faults. The Montage is also woth the $30 bucks it is outstanding. Buy this alvum evan if you have to sell your house to get it it is definately worth it. every Single Cent. :)

Lapone Vs Madonna.......2007-01-26

Too bad Lapone criticized Madonna's voice. I bought this cd since Lapone was supposed to have been the "ultimate Evita". Yes, Lapone has more of a broadway bounce, but I was surprised how much I enjoyed Madonna's version. Same for Bandaris. The man who sings in the original broadway version is certainly more operatic, but Bandaris I think is more manly, which is part of the character.
Anyway, I have both cd's and the contrast is great and they're both excellent cd's.

The movie is good but..........2007-01-20

While the movie version of "Evita" is indeed wonderful, one cannot forget the marvelous must have of the INCREDIBLE Original Broadway Cast Recording. For one thing, the singing is beyond outstanding. Mandy Patinkin has always been a favorite of mine, as has Patty LuPone.

This was probably one of the very first smash hit musicals that Andrew Lloyd Webber composed.

I saw the movie and must admit that this version (even though it is only a recording) hands down is by far the superior of the two. It's the gorgeous singing that got me hooked to this beautiful score.

If you are a fan of musicals, I highly recommend this to you. I even recommend it if you are only a fan of Mandy Patinkin--you won't regret it!

BUY this one, NOT the Madonna version.......2006-10-18

This is a great Broadway soundtrack. Mandy Patinkin has an amazing voice, and the singing is amazing. Don't bother with the pathetic movie version.

MANDY PATINKEN IS BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!.......2006-10-01

OMG! Who knew he could sing?? High Flying adored is one of the best (most beautiful) songs on the album! I can't imagine how people can say Antonio Bandaras is better, just because he has a Spanish accent (i haven't seen the movie, though). I also LOVE LuPone in Rainbow High! Especially this part:

"I'm their savior! That's what they call me. So Lauren Bacall me. Anything goes. To make me fantastic, I have to be rainbow high in magical colors...
I also the dressers in that song.

"Eyes! Hair! Mouth! Figure! Dress! Voice! Style!
Movement! Hands! Magic! Rings! Glamour! Face!
Diamonds! Excitement! Image!

(Lyrics:http://www.geocities.com/hollywood/5967/lyrics.html)

Evita: The Complete Motion Picture Music Soundtrack

Average customer rating:

A Bright & Shining Gem
Music
Better than the show
The Best of "Evita"
Evita for a modern generation

Evita: The Complete Motion Picture Music Soundtrack
Andrew Lloyd Webber , and Tim Rice
Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Evita
Evita (1978 Original Broadway Cast)
Something to Remember
I'm Breathless
Like a Prayer

ASIN: B000002NAK
Release Date: 1996-11-12

Tracks:

A Cinema In Buenos Aires, 26 July 1952 - Orchestra/John Mauceri
Requiem For Evita - Orchestra/John Mauceri
Oh What A Circus - Antonio Banderas, Madonna
On This Night Of A Thousand Stars - Jimmy Nail
Eva And Magaldi / Eva Beware Of The City - Madonna, Jimmy Nail, Antonio Banderas, Julian...
Buenos Aires - Madonna
Another Suitcase In Another Hall - Madonna
Goodnight And Thank You - Madonna, Antonio Banderas
The Lady's Got Potential - Antonio Banderas
Charity Concert / The Art Of The Possible - Jimmy Nail, Jonathan Pryce, Antonio Banderas...
I'd Be Suprisingly Good For You - Madonna, Jonathan Pryce
Hello And Goodbye - Madonna, Andrea Corr, Jonathan Pryce
Peron's Latest Flame - Antonio Banderas, Madonna
A New Argentina - Jonathan Pryce, Antonio Banderas

Tracks:

On The Balcony Of The Casa Rosada 1 - Jonathan Pryce
Don't Cry For Me Argentina - Madonna
On The Balcony Of The Casa Rosada 2 - Madonna
High Flying, Adored - Antonio Banderas, Madonna
Rainbow High - Madonna
Rainbow Tour - Antonio Banderas, Gary Booker, Peter Polycar...
The Actress Hasn't Learned The Lines (You'd Like To Hear) - Madonna, Antonio Banderas
And The Money Kept Rolling In (And Out) - Antonio Banderas
Partido Feminista - Madonna
She Is A Diamond - Jonathan Pryce
Santa Evita - Orchestra/John Mauceri
Waltz For Eva And Che - Madonna, Antonio Banderas
Your Little Body's Slowly Breaking Down - Madonna, Jonathan Pryce
You Must Love Me - Madonna
Eva's Final Broadcast - Madonna
Latin Chant - Orchestra/John Mauceri
Lament - Madonna, Antonio Banderas

Amazon.com

Evita was finally filmed in 1996, 20 years after its initial incarnation as a studio-bound rock opera. In between, of course, it was one of the most successful and long-running musicals on either side of the Atlantic. Given such a long history, the film might easily have been a stale anticlimax, fatally holed by our overfamiliarity with songs such as the ubiquitous "Don't Cry for Me, Argentina." On the contrary, it was an impressive and immensely satisfying production. The numbers, augmented by a new song for Eva ("You Must Love Me"), sound fresh and the singing is excellent. Coming from Jonathan Pryce (Peron) and Jimmy Nail (Magaldi), this is hardly a surprise. The real revelation is Antonio Banderas as Che, a kind of one-man Greek chorus commenting on Eva's rise and the price she must pay. His warm tenor dispels memories of previous, rougher interpretations from such singers as David Essex and Colm Wilkinson. Ultimately, though, the star is Madonna. She is totally immersed in the role of Eva from start to finish, her singing ranging from girlish delicacy to a hard-edged stridence as the dictator's wife achieves her goals. Rarely has a film so successfully given a stage show such a new lease on life. --Piers Ford

Customer Reviews:

A Bright & Shining Gem.......2007-07-12

I have always been fascinated by Eva Peron, undoubtedly one of the most fascinating women of the 20th century. Madonna absolutely shines in the title role, and she has never been in finer voice (evidence that the professional vocal lessons she took in order to prepare for the role paid off in a big way). The songs are a dizzyingly diverse array of pop, opera, rock, Latin-flavored and classical, and there is not a dud among them. Among the finest: "Another Suitcase in Another Hall", Eva's self-pitying ode to the pitfalls of having relationships with the wrong type of men (repeatedly); "Good Night & Thank You", a tongue-in-cheek quasi-duet with Che (Antonio Banderas); "High-Flying Adored", a gorgeous but cynical ballad sung by Che about Eva's dubious rise to "power"; "Rainbow High", Eva's narcissistic analysis of how important she is to the Argentine populace; "Buenos Aires", a high-energy, Latin-jazz drenched greeting for the city a teenage Eva has so longed to escape to; "Waltz for Eva & Che", a lilting yet confrontational duet as Che "calls" Eva on what he perceives as phoniness and Eva defiantly and defensively responds in kind. Not only does Madonna turn out a sterling performance, but Antonio Banderas does a spectacular job vocally as Che, the Greek-chorus narrator of the entire story. I realize that "Evita" purists will strongly disagree, but I prefer this version over the Patti Luopne/Broadway original (actually, Elaine Paige originated the role on the London stage, and I found her interpretation of Eva to be bland and insipid). The Broadway version is much brasher and less melodious then the film, which is bright, polished and beautifully melodic. I listen to "Evita" at least once a week, and I never tire of it. Madonna truly made the role of Eva Peron her own, and she should be proud.

Music.......2007-05-28

The CD isn't bad except that a lot of the songs are over played. Madonna does a great job of singing as always. I was surprised that Antonio Bandaras could sing so beautifully.

Better than the show.......2007-03-12

A great movie (of a great show.) Madonna and Anthony Bandares are better than the original cast. Exciting production.

The Best of "Evita".......2006-11-29

"Evita" is one of those musicals that are hard to appeal to general public. The seriousness of the subject, the music itself (hardly any spoken words) and the running time of over two hours can be a little too much. There is no doubt "Evita" is a great movie - the acting, direction and scenery are all outstanding. However, the question is whether it can be easily digested.
The question of "digestion" is also very present when talking about the two different soundtracks of "Evita" available. The first one, titled "EVITA: The Complete Motion Picture Soundtrack" is essentialy the movie itself- a double-disk edition with all possible songs and notes from the movie. The second one, called "EVITA: Music From The Motion Picture", the one you are looking at right now, is a single-disk compilation of the most popular songs. It is more easier to listen to and doesn't include some songs that worked in the movie context itself, but are irrelevant in the comfort of your living room ("Charity Concert/The Art of Impossible" may give some background on Peron himself, but is basically the introduction to the fantastic song "I'd Be Surprisingly Good For You"; "Santa Evita" is a pretty, chorus composition, but only works within the movie). So, if you are a fan of the movie, but are in the mood to listen to its highlights, instead of the whole soundtrack, this is the CD for you. The songs are in a chronological order, so it preserves the plot and the emotional capacity, while it focuses on the best songs of the musical.
The main treasures of "Evita" are Madonna as the title character and Antonio Banderas as Che Guevara. Banderas shines in the songs like "Oh What a Circus" or "And The Money Kept Rolling In", while the Material Queen breathes life into "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" and the Oscar-winner "You Must Love Me". And when they sing together, Madonna and Banderas are absolutely enchanting ("High Flying, Adored", "Waltz for Eva and Che"), because of the genuine chemistry they bring to the story. They make sure that you will enjoy every single song, from the catchy "Buenos Aires", to the touching "Lament", where the powerful orchestra performance will surely send chills down your spine.

Evita for a modern generation.......2006-10-31

Firstly, this recording of Evita was very well made. Most everything from the movie is here, except some orchestral sections (like the end credits). The orchestral arrangments are quite good throughout, with more modern arrangments that make the score sound more relevant to modern audiences.

Vocally, Madonna is alright, but the best part of her performance is her acting, not her voice, and is best experienced watching the movie. If you're looking for a definitive and powerful vocal Evita, look elsewhere. Now, I'm not really a fan of Madonna, but she performed very nicely on this recording. While I've not seen previous Evita productions (I'm only 25), I've heard some recordings, and while Patti LuPone's voice IS better, I personally prefer Madonna's interpretation, even though her vocals are a little weak.

Other performances are very good too, including Jonathan Pryce's Peron and Antonio Banderas' surprisingly good Che. His accent adds a certain authenticity to the role I enjoyed.

I discovered Evita through the movie, so I didn't have previous performances etched in my head to comare this to, so I was quite impressed with this recording. In the end, this recording did precisely what it intended to, brought an amazing work of theater into the modern age to be enjoyed by a new generation.

Average customer rating:

Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits
The Gold By Andrew
The best of Webber
THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES
Super good CD

Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber: Now & Forever
Greatest Songs from the Musicals
Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber: Original Soundtracks

ASIN: B0000657XY
Release Date: 2002-05-07

Tracks:

Superstar - Murray Head w/ the Trinidad Singers (Jesus Christ Superstar)
As If We Never Said Goodbye - Barbra Streisand (Sunset Boulevard)
The Phantom Of The Opera - Sarah Brightman & Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
You Must Love Me - Madonna (Evita)
Any Dream Will Do-Donny Osmond (Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat)
Memory - Betty Buckley (Cats)
Pie Jesus - Charlotte Church (Requiem)
The Music Of The Night - Michael Crawford (The Phantom Of The Opera)
I Don't Know How To Love Him - Yvonne Elliman (Jesus Christ Superstar)
Don't Cry For Me Argentina -Patti Lupone (Evita)
Love Changes Everything - Michael Ball (Aspects Of Love)
All I Ask Of You - Sarah Brightman (The Phantom Of The Opera)
The Perfect Year - Glenn Close & Alan Campbell (Sunset Boulevard)
The Vaults Of Heaven - Tom Jones & Sounds Of Blackness (Whistle Down The Wind)
No Matter What - Boyzone (Whistle Down The Wind)
Oh What A Circus - Mandy Patinkin (Evita)
Whistle Down The Wind - Sarah Brightman (Whistle Down The Wind)
Amigos Para Siempre (Friends For Life) - Sarah Brightman & Jose Carrerras (1992 Olympics Theme)

Amazon.com

The critical debate over Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical legacy will no doubt rage for decades. Is he the shrewd populist composer who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical--or a crass, Barnum-esque showman (who almost single-handedly revived the moribund stage musical)? This 18-track anthology chronicles the high points of Sir Andrew's enduring songcraft and the irrefutable impact it's made across a remarkably disparate swath of tastes and genres, from Broadway to Top 40 radio and even the classical repertoire.

If some have accused Lloyd Webber's songs--like "The Music of the Night" (from Phantom of the Opera) and the title tune from Whistle Down the Wind, included here--of having all the melodic and lyrical sophistication of a children's lullaby, that's likely the very element that's made them so appealing to a mass audience. If nothing else, it's a compelling argument for that old notion about it being "the singer, not the song." Indeed, there are few contemporary composers whose music could entice divas from Streisand ("As If We'd Never Said Goodbye" from Sunset Blvd.) to Madonna (Evita's "You Must Love Me") and Charlotte Church ("Pie Jesu" from Requiem) to cover it, let alone forge the very careers of artists like Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. And if there's any substance to that other criticism of Lloyd Webber lifting the melodic ideas of composers from Verdi to John Williams (we swear that's the theme to Jurassic Park bubbling up in Tom Jones's camped-up take on Whistle's "The Vaults of Heaven"), at least, like virtually every major composer, he's stolen--er, borrowed--from the best. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Andrew LLoyd Webber - Gold Hits.......2007-07-13

I sent this CD to my parents and they love it! It is nice to preview the songs on-line instead of with greasy headphones in a music store! The shipping is always speedy and makes sending gifts across the country so much easier.

The Gold By Andrew.......2007-04-23

This cd is a must have for any Webber fan. It has many great songs from his most sucsessful musicals. But something I don't like about this cd is that some of the singer how sings some of the songs arn't the onse that sings the originals. Like "The Phantom Of The Opera" and "Love Changes Everything". Witch is so sad. Couse the original songs are so much better.
But besides that this cd is very good. With manye nice and difficult songs (I've sung some of the myself in siningclass).
So if you like Andrew's music this most sertanly is a most have.

The best of Webber.......2005-09-12

Although I like Andrew Llloyd Webber and his music very much, this collection earns only 4 stars and it's not because of the quality of the music but the level of performers. If a best of collection is made it should contain the best version ever done and this time it's not true. I could write the same review for the European edition (labeled import here) because the blend of the two would be a perfect best of.

Some examples: this version contains Memory sung by Betty Buckley while the Elaine Page version is light years better. Then it contains Patti Lupone's version of Don't Cry For Me Argentina. Even though Madonna wasn't the best Evita, she definitely sung Argentina in a way no-one could before or will ever. Whistle Down The Wind is represented with 3 songs - the place of the Tom Jones song is not here (the same could be said of Tina Arena's song o the European edition). Instead of the TJ song they could have included Take That Look Off Your Face by Marti Webb - one of the best songs by Webber. Pie Jesu from the Requiem is much better sung by Sarah Brightman. These are the faults.

What about the rest? Pure joy and material worth of 6 stars. Superstar, Phantom Of The Opera, Music Of The Night, I Don't Know How To Love Him, All I Ask Of You, No Matter What, Oh What A Circus - wonderful songs and wonderful performers. My all-time favorite from Webber will always be Music Of The Night and the version included here is the mesmerizing adaptation of Michael Crawford.

I don't advise anyone not to buy this album - it's good material, however it's far from being perfect.

THE BEST OF LLOYD WEBBER MADE FOR THE AMERICAN AUDIENCES.......2005-01-31

There are numerous compilations out on the market full of Andrew Lloyd Webber's music. As most people know, Lloyd Webber is the most successful musical composer of all time and many of his songs became standards not only in the theatre history, but also as tops on the charts. Even though he's British, his influence on the shape of the modern musical theatre expanded over the West End boundaries long ago and has thus made an enormous impact on Broadway. Two of his shows ("Cats" and "The phantom of the opera") hold the record as two the longest running shows in the history of Broadway. He has also been the only composer to have three of his shows running at Broadway concurrently. This compilation captures some of the best songs he has ever written, he personally supervised it and it is the best thing to have if you can't afford his five-CD compilation called "Now and forever", which was selected and supervised by him as well. You should bear in mind, however, that there are two compilations called Gold out there: The one made for the European and the British market, and this one, made for the American buyers. Some of the songs on both of them are the same, the others are performed by different artists and some can be found only in one of the two. This one here was issued later and it is digitally remastered. Therefore you should check your favourites and buy accordingly, or, if you can, buy them both, since both of them contain interesting songs and performers.

So here are my thoughts about the tracks in this one:

1. "Superstar" and "I don't know how to love him" are both from the concept album of "Jesus Christ Superstar". They sound wonderful as ever, although the orchestrations may seem a bit dated by now.

2. "Sunset Boulevard" is marked here with two songs. Barbra Streisand's powerful voice shines all the way through in "As if we never said goodbye"; it's a shame she never played Norma Desmond on Broadway, since Patti LuPone wasn't allowed to take her Norma to New York, and Glenn Close butchered the role. Her limited vocal abilities were hardly suited for the material, as it is shown by the second Sunset song, "The perfect year", performed by Close and Alan Campbell. They both lack a decent singing voice, so this is the one song I skip regularly. The song itself sounds much better in its single version with pops orchestration, as can be heard on the European version of this compilation, where it is performed by Dina Carroll. This version here can hardly be considered a gold one.

3. "The Phantom of the Opera" is represented by three songs. Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman performance in the song of the same title is amazing. They were both born to play their roles in this show and their voices fit together perfectly. Sarah can hit the high notes in the end like no other Christine. Cliff Richard and Sarah sing the lovely ballad "All I ask of you" with passion, and Cliff has a wonderful warmth in his voice. Finally, Michael Crawford gives his unique and mesmerising interpretation in "The music of the night".

4. The 1996 movie version of "Evita" is Madonna's best role to date and it brought an Academy Award for Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, who wrote "You must love me" especially for the big screen. This is another wonderful ballad with the haunting cello and piano solo. It just proves that Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice were the best collaborators. They really should do another musical together.

5. "The Joseph and his amazing Technicolor dreamcoat" was Webber's first musical and the signature song "Any dream will do" is performed here by Donny Osmond, who also appeared in the video version. I find his rendition even better than London's Jason Donovan, since Donny isn't strictly bound by the notes and so sings it more casually. A wonderful pop piece.

6."Memory" from "Cats" is probably the most famous of all Webber's songs, recorded by numerous artists. This version is sung by Betty Buckley, who was Broadway's Grizabella. Although Betty's performance can't be considered bad, I prefer Elaine Paige, who sung the song first, in the London production. Elaine has a note of sorrow in her at times husky voice, which I found very intriguing. Her performance can be considered definite, as heard on "Cats" DVD or in her latest two-disc compilation, "Centre stage: The very best of Elaine Paige", issued in May 2004. Still, those who prefer Ms. Buckley or who saw her on stage in this role won't be disappointed.

7. "Pie Jesu" is the best known song from Webber's "Requiem", written in 1985 to commemorate the death of his father. I'm not too keen on the version included here, performed by Charlotte Church, because her voice isn't as pretty as Sarah Brightman's on the original recording and the tempo is somewhat faster here.

8. "Don't cry for me Argentina" is among my all-time Lloyd Webber's favourites. I like all the ladies who performed "Evita" on the stage and on the screen (Julie Covington, Elaine Paige, Patti LuPone and Madonna), but on this disc is the version I am most satisfied with, since it is sung by Patti LuPone. Ms. LuPone has a very powerful voice with an amazing range and she deserved her Tony Award for this role. She was able to sound both vulnerable and decisive while singing this, whereas the other leading ladies emphasized one or the other in their interpretation. Mandy Patinkin's "Oh what a circus" is not the best, the orchestration is a little bit weak and his voice sounds thin to me. David Essex on the London cast recording is more suitable.

9. "Aspects of love" boast here with its top song, "Love changes everything", performed wonderfully by Michael Ball. It was his #1 hit and is probably one of the most beautiful love anthems ever written.

10. Three songs come from "Whistle down the wind". The studio release of the same title is one of the reasons I bought this compilation, although I already have the European one. It is performed by Sarah Brightman with Lloyd Webber playing the piano and a symphonic orchestra who nicely takes the lead of the main melody. Sarah voice is angelic; she sings it like a little bird. Very charming. Boyzone's "No matter what" was a huge pop hit in the charts. Again, we have a song with the suitable orchestrations and vocals. And lastly, Tom Jones' deep voice in combination with the back vocals of "The Sounds of Blackness" gives a rocking rendition of the church hymn "The vaults of heaven". It can't be found on the European version and Tom's voice shows it hasn't aged. Way to go.

11. For the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, Webber wrote, together with his long-time lyricist Don Black, this last song, "Amigos para siempre or Friends for life". It's a nice duet between Sarah Brightman and Jose Carreras, their voices sore when bound together. The melody itself is neat, especially when the orchestra takes the lead.

Besides the fact that some of the performers here were not the best for my taste, there is also the fact that some of Lloyd Webber's shows are omitted in this version, most notably, "Tell me on a Sunday". Also, unlike its European counterpart, this compilation isn't aligned chronologically, so we have 1970 Superstar being the first song, 1993 Sunset Blvd comes the second, followed by The Phantom from 1986 and so on. None the less, this CD is excellent as an introduction to Lloyd Webber's music and one can continue with his cast recordings from there. It's also very handy as a single disc compilation for the American fans.

Super good CD.......2004-12-31

The songs on this CD are great. If you also play piano, the book of the same title goes perfectly with the CD. You can following along with the music and learn the songs on the piano.

The Premiere Collection: The Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Original Cast Compilation)

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Musical Pleasure
The Premiere Collection
beautiful
Fair Album with 1 starlight and 0 aspects
Superb collection

The Premiere Collection: The Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber (Original Cast Compilation)

Manufacturer: Mca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gold: The Definitive Hits Collection
The Very Best Of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection
Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Premiere Collection Encore
Michael Crawford Performs Andrew Lloyd Webber
The Andrew Lloyd Webber Collection

ASIN: B000002O5W
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

Phantom Of The Opera
Take That Look Off Your Face
All I Ask Of You
Don't Cry For Me Argentina
Magical Mr. Mistoffeles
Variations 1-4
Superstar
Memory
Starlight Express
Tell Me On A Sunday
The Music Of The Night
Another Suitcase In Another Hall
I Don't Know How To Love Him
Pie Jesu

Amazon.com essential recording

There are many, many Andrew Lloyd Webber albums out there, including cut-and-paste compilations and songbooks from individual artists, most notably Sarah Brightman, Michael Crawford, and even Jose Carreras. The Premiere Collection is probably as authentic as you can get in a hits album, however. In addition to the most popular selections from the original casts of Evita, Cats, and Jesus Christ Superstar, the 57-minute album includes two selections from Tell Me on a Sunday (also recorded by Bernadette Peters as Song and Dance), the title tune from Starlight Express, the "Pie Jesu" from the Requiem, and a snippet from the Paganini Variations, thereby allowing you to hear the good stuff without having to spring for the complete albums. Note that the three selections from Phantom of the Opera are the 1986 pop singles instead of the cast recordings, meaning Steve Harley rather than Crawford sings with Brightman on the title tune and Cliff Richard subs for Steve Barton on "All I Ask of You." (Crawford does sing "The Music of the Night," of course.) This 1989 compilation was too early for Aspects of Love or Sunset Boulevard, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is ignored, but these omissions are rectified in the follow-up album The Premiere Collection Encore, and the American-slanted version, The Very Best of Andrew Lloyd Webber: The Broadway Collection. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Musical Pleasure.......2007-07-03

I enjoy all of this music, listening frequently. Some not original cast members, so less than 5 star. Product exactly as advertised.

The Premiere Collection.......2007-01-17

My sister had this and it got destroyed. She wanted an other, This was the only place I have found it!! Very hard to find! I have been to every music store in my area. She loved it!! And was so happy to have it again. Anyone who loves Andrew Lloyd Webber will love this. As it has many songs from some of his most famous plays with the original cast. Great item.

beautiful.......2006-12-21

This CD is a great compilation of some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hits. If you are just looking for a "quick fix" for your Broadway craving, this is a great value.

Fair Album with 1 starlight and 0 aspects.......2004-07-09

I think this album is F-A-I-R because it has one starlight express song and zero aspects of love songs. This is why i liked the album The reason i said that this is a fair album is that I like Starlight Express better. Song i like are "The Phantom of the Opera", "Take That Look off Your Face", All I Ask of You", "Don't Cry For Me Argentina", "Mr. Mistofflees," "Superstar," "Memory", "Starlight Express", "Tell Me On A Sunday", "Music of the Night", "Another Suitcase in Another Hall", and "I Don't Know How To Love Him". I dislike the following songs:" Track 6" and the last one because the last one was hard to understand and track 6 is instrumental.

Superb collection.......2003-08-11

... It is a collection of the best of ALW's creative efforts, and a collection of great performances. Anyone who loves "Broadway" should have this disk in their collection.

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Average customer rating:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
Top Shelf
TERRIFIC CD'S
Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
Great Compilation!

Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
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ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
Swanee- Al Jolson
When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
My Man- Fanny Brice
Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
Body And Soul- Libby Holman
Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
Night And Day- Fred Astaire
Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
You're The Top- Ethel Merman
Summertime- Anne Brown
September Song- Walter Huston
My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence