Victor/Victoria (1982 Film Soundtrack) [Original recording remastered] [Soundtrack]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Largely moribund since the mid-'60s, the Hollywood film musical has only occasionally piqued the interest of an ambitious filmmaker in the decades since. Nineteen eighty-two's transgender-themed, depression-era romp once again teamed director Blake Edwards with longtime musical collaborator Henry Mancini (whose work here alongside lyricist Leslie Bricusse netted him a Best Song Score Oscar^®). But the real news was Edwards's casting of screen musical legend Julie Andrews--his wife--in the typecasting-be-damned lead role of the down-on-her-luck singer who eventually triumphs by passing herself off as both sides of a female impersonator cabaret act. Mancini's score is as playful as the premise, lampooning everything from stuffy operatic clichés to the "hot jazz" of '30s Parisian cabaret with his deft melodic touch, while he and Bricusse serve up a spare, if nigh-perfect slate of songs to match. Highlighted by Andrews's diva-mocking "Cherry Ripe," sultry takes of "Le Jazz Hot" and "The Shady Dame from Seville," and the show-stopping "Crazy World," the soundtrack also gets masterful turns from fellow musical-comedy legend Robert Preston on the campy "Gay Paree" and an outtake of "You and Me"(a duet with Andrews) as well as Lesley Ann Warren's ditzy delight, "Chicago, Illinois." This remastered 20th-anniversary edition is also fleshed out by 10 previously unreleased cues from Mancini's evocative orchestral score and a rehearsal take of "Shady Lady from Seville." --Jerry McCulley

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

Tracks:

Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
People- Barbra Streisand
Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
Come Follow The Band
Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

Memory- Betty Buckley
I Am What I Am- George Hearn
Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
With One Look- Glenn Close
On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
Seasons Of Love-
Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway

Average customer rating:

Great movie, great soundtrack!
A good score by the great Mancini
Only Bright Spot: Henry Mancini
LOVE IT
the ultimate Julie Andrews musical

Victor/Victoria (1982 Film Soundtrack)
Henry Mancini , Leslie Bricusse , Julie Andrews , Robert Preston , and Lesley Ann Warren
Manufacturer: Rhino / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Victor/Victoria
Thoroughly Modern Millie (1967 Film Soundtrack)
Darling Lili (1970 Film)
Victor/Victoria (1995 Broadway Production)
Victor/Victoria (1995 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000066RM3
Release Date: 2002-06-18

Tracks:

Main Title (Crazy World)
Cherry Ripe - Julie Andrews
Alone In Paris
Gay Paree - Robert Preston
You And Me
You And Me/The Idea
Enter Leclou
A Sub For Lover
King's Can Can
Le Jazz Hot - Julie Andrews
Medley: Le Jazz Hot (Bows)/The Unveiling
You And Me
I'm Horny
Chicago, Illinois
The Shady Dame From Seville - Julie Andrews
Cat And Mouse
Chicago, Illinois - Lesley Ann
The Big Lift
Elegant
Drag Blues
You And Me - Julie Andrews
Bedroom Radio
Carzy World (Le Matelot Club)
You And Me
Crazy World - Julie Andrews
Medley: Crazy World/Sad Victoria
King's Can Can (Reprise)
The Shady Dame From Seville - Robert Preston
Finale (Shady Dame/Le Jazz Hot/Crazy World/You And Me)
You And Me (Original Soundtrack Album Version) - Julie Andrews
The Shady Dame From Seville (Rehearsal) - Robert Preston

Amazon.com

Largely moribund since the mid-'60s, the Hollywood film musical has only occasionally piqued the interest of an ambitious filmmaker in the decades since. Nineteen eighty-two's transgender-themed, depression-era romp once again teamed director Blake Edwards with longtime musical collaborator Henry Mancini (whose work here alongside lyricist Leslie Bricusse netted him a Best Song Score Oscar ^®). But the real news was Edwards's casting of screen musical legend Julie Andrews--his wife--in the typecasting-be-damned lead role of the down-on-her-luck singer who eventually triumphs by passing herself off as both sides of a female impersonator cabaret act. Mancini's score is as playful as the premise, lampooning everything from stuffy operatic clichés to the "hot jazz" of '30s Parisian cabaret with his deft melodic touch, while he and Bricusse serve up a spare, if nigh-perfect slate of songs to match. Highlighted by Andrews's diva-mocking "Cherry Ripe," sultry takes of "Le Jazz Hot" and "The Shady Dame from Seville," and the show-stopping "Crazy World," the soundtrack also gets masterful turns from fellow musical-comedy legend Robert Preston on the campy "Gay Paree" and an outtake of "You and Me"(a duet with Andrews) as well as Lesley Ann Warren's ditzy delight, "Chicago, Illinois." This remastered 20th-anniversary edition is also fleshed out by 10 previously unreleased cues from Mancini's evocative orchestral score and a rehearsal take of "Shady Lady from Seville." --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Great movie, great soundtrack!.......2007-03-13

This is one of my favorite movies, and I'm not sure why it took me so long to think to look for the soundtrack! I've had it for about a month now, and I love it.

Julie Andrews and Robert Preston are flawless (as usual), and it's just a lot of fun~particularly the rehearsal of Preston doing "The Shady Dame From Seville". I'm also a big fan of their duet "You and Me". All of the songs are wonderful showcases for Andrews' voice, showing her range and also various styles~from Cherry Ripe to Le Jazz Hot. What an amazing singer!

This would be a wonderful addition to to your CD collection for the musical prowess of Julie Andrews alone, but the soundtrack is a must for any fan of the movie.

A good score by the great Mancini.......2007-01-27

This musical presents some of the best songs by Henry Mancini, sung by
the fabulous Julie Andrews. The song "Crazy World" is featured two times,
one vocal, and the other, excellent, by the orchestra. A great purchase.

Only Bright Spot: Henry Mancini.......2006-05-23

Henry Mancini gave us so much of our consciousness of the 1960s and 1970s, and yet was "out" almost as soon as he was "in."

His work became synonymous with much-despised "elevator music" in the later 1960s. This stereotype (or monotype, for his earliest works) can mislead.

For example, "Lujon" [not in this collection] was used in a movie just last year to exemplify mystery and an exotic atmosphere.

Mancini died way too young. While some would argue that he'd become a self-parody, his innate gifts compromised by relentless commercialization, you cannot take away his lasting gift to our culture. He was an original, and he captured an essence of our collective experience.

By 1982, Mancini was in very late career and doing a lot more TV material. In this soundtrack, you can discern his contribution most strongly in "Chicago."

He;s still 'got it,' for sure, but his time is running out by 1982...

LOVE IT.......2005-10-27

I really only got this for one song but I love this whole thing. So for once I was pleasantly surprised. Everyone should have it.

the ultimate Julie Andrews musical.......2004-03-05

VICTOR/VICTORIA is most probably Julie Andrews' most-accomplished and effective movie musical performance. Singing the sparkling songs by Henry Mancini and Leslie Bricusse, Miss Andrews is beautifully showcased.

VICTOR/VICTORIA is based on the little-known German fim 'Viktor und Viktoria', and recounts the story of a penniless opera singer, stranded in Paris, called Victoria Grant. Victoria makes a friend in nightclub entertainer Toddy (Robert Preston - THE MUSIC MAN, MACK AND MABEL) who suggests that she masquerade as a gay polish female impersonator. The ruse works, and 'Victor' is the toast of Paris, until Victoria falls in love with a handsome Chicago mobster called King Marchan (James Garner). Adding complications is King's ditzy moll Norma (Lesley Ann Warren - CINDERELLA, THE HAPPIEST MILLIONAIRE).

The score for VICTOR/VICTORIA runs the gamut from the showstoppers ("Le Jazz Hot") to the torchy ballads ("Crazy World"). Other standout numbers include Robert Preston's charming "Gay Paree" as well as Lesley Ann Warren's racy and raucus salute to "Chicago Illinois".

Tracks:

On A Clear Day
A Cock-Eyed Optimist
Hello, Young Lovers
Here I'll Stay
My Fair Lady Shuffle: Overture/Wouldn't It Be Loverly/Let A Woman/Just You Wait/Poor Professional...
Getting To Know You
Living In The Shadows
Bewitched
I Have Dreamed
My Funny Valentine
Camelot Suite: Camelot/The Simple Joys Of Maidenhood/How To Handle A Woman/If Ever I Would...
Crazy World
If I Loved You
Edelweiss
The Sound Of Music

Customer Reviews:

5 STARS AND THEN SOME !!.......2006-02-10

Oh Julie, the songs you sang on this CD are superb. I wish you could still give us that joy. If you can only sing in the low registers, give us jazz!! You can do it I just know you can!!

Pretty Sad, .......2005-10-27

Hollywood veteran Julie Andrews has had a glorious career, but not without its downsides. Her legend is built on "The Sound of Music" and "Mary Poppins" and other glorious roles. Her abilities as a singer were never impressive or great, her voice often sounded weak, but she always knew how to sing around her very limited vocal range. On this collection she performs some of the greatest Broadway tunes ever written and even though she does a good job, her voice just doesn't hold up against many of these tunes. Her warmth is felt all over the album, in "Here I'll Stay" she wraps her gentle, but narrow, voice around it and in "My Funny Valentine" she sticks to the lower register of her voice. However, in the re-recording of her classic "Sound of Music" and in "On a Clear Day You Can See Forever" her voice fails her, it often sounds thin and airy and it's actually quite sad to listen to. When all is said and done Julie Andrews remains a great talent, and most of that talent is largely due to her amazing capability as a performer and her genuine warmth.

I FELL IN LOVE WITH JULIE ALL OVER AGAIN.......2005-06-25

As a young kid growing up in the Philippines I remember my Dad playing his state-of-the-art Aiwa tape recorder back in the 60s and hearing Julie Andrews' voice - truly the voice of an angel! Now, hearing these songs again with adult ears I fell in love with her voice all over again !

A Great Julie Andrews CD.......2002-01-27

If you are a fan of Dame Julie's and musicals, this is the cd for you. It is a compilation of songs from prevously released albums; The King and I, The Music of Richard Rodgers, Here I'll Stay, and Victor/Victoria, Original Broadway Cast Recording.
I found the material to be very well put together giving the listener selections from My Fair Lady, Camelot, The Sound of Music, Victor/Victoria and others. What more could you want?
As for Ms. Andrews, she is superb. There is simply no one like her. I have heard comments that prior to the infamous throat surgery she was unable to handle the difficult material and hit those high notes. This is just not true. All you have to do is listen to these songs recorded in the early 90's to know that she still had a marvelous voice. Lets hope that one day she will be able to sing and record again. If not, these may be her last recordings so treasure them.

The My Fair Lady suite is wonderful and Ms. Andrews definitely hit the high note at the end of "I Could Have Danced All Night".
Her version of "Edelweiss" and "The Sound of Music" are lovely.
Also worth listening to is "Living in the Shadows" written for the Broadway production of Victor/Victoria so you won't find it on the movie soundtrack. The lyrics are by Leslie Bricusse who also penned "Crazy World", which is another great selection on this cd.

Overall this is a cd worth having in your collection, so buy it today. Otherwise you are missing out.

Climbing Every Mountain with Mary Poppins.......2002-01-22

Julie Andrews and her music have been an inspiration to me
every since I stepped into a theater and watched Mary Poppins
(many years ago). I admire her talent and her voice on this CD. I know it is not as clear a voice as she used to have but I still enjoy listening to her. I listen to this CD when I want a "pick me up" and am proud to have it as part of my collection.

Average customer rating:

Relive you movie experiences

The Ultimate Movie Music Collection
Erich Kunzel
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000BFH26Y
Release Date: 2005-10-25

Tracks:

The Imperial March: The Empire Strikes Back
Main Theme: Jurassic Park
Main Title: Shakespeare In Love
Themes: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Main Title: The Last Of The Mohicans
Theme: The Godfather
Unchained Melody: Ghost
Theme: Goldfinger
We're Losing Him: Somewhere In Time
Space Camp
Opening And Closing Titles: Henry V
Theme: The Thorn Birds
Suite: Moonwalker
The Time Of Your Life: A Bugs Life

Tracks:

Batman Theme: Batman
Bicycle Chase: E.T. The Extra Terrestrial
Suite: Independance Day
Love Theme: Romeo & Juliet
Theme: Back To The Future
End Credits: Contact
Theme: Breakfast At Tiffany's
Main Theme: Star Trek
May It Be And Themes: Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Ring
Love Theme: Cousins
Sean's Theme: Minority Report
I Will Wait From You: The Umbrellas Of Cherbourg
Theme: Rocky
The Sand Volcano: The Mummy
The Raider's March: Raiders Of The Lost Ark

Tracks:

Theme: Mission Impossible
Casablanca Suite
Book Of Days: Far And Away
Love Theme: Superman
Tara's Theme: Gone With The Wind
Don't Mess With: Z
Main Title: The Mask Of Zorro
Finale: Victor / Victoria
Carol Ann's Theme: Poltergeist
Love Theme: Star Wars: Episode ll: Attack Of The Clones
Main Theme: Willow
Main Title: Star Trek ll: The Wrath Of Kahn
MAin Theme: On Golden Pond
Theme: A Summer Place
Theme: Chariots Of Fire

Tracks:

Iceberg!
Back To Titanic
Main Themes: Hook
Theme: Pink Panther
Lara's: Doctor Zhivago
Theme: Love Story
Right Stuff
Theme: Jaws
When You Believe: The Prince Of Egypt
Smile: Modern Times
The Apollo 13 Mission
Re-Entry And Splashdown: Apollo 13
Main Title: Beetlejuice
War: Pearl Harbor
Cavatina: The Deer Hunter
Throne Room And End Title: Star Wars: Episode lV: A New Hope

Customer Reviews:

Relive you movie experiences.......2006-01-24

This collection of movie themes, will allow you to relive the chilling experiences from practically all (4 CDs)of the great movies. Great movies would not be great without great music. The Cincinnati Pop with Eric Kunzel are unbeatable recordings. Every minute is more beautiful and inspiring to the next. If you love Pops music, this is the begin all, end all.

Victor/Victoria (1995 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

Great but best song missing
Stick To The Movie, THAT was a treat!
Victor/Victoria
Not Quite
Julie Andrews is fine, but some of the score is just embarassing

Victor/Victoria (1995 Original Broadway Cast)
Henry Mancini , and Leslie Bricusse
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Victor/Victoria (1995 Broadway Production)
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ASIN: B0000041E4
Release Date: 1995-12-05

Tracks:

Overture
Paris By Night
Scene: Chez Lui
Scene: Small Square
If I Were A Man
Scene: Toddy's Flat
Trust Me
Scene: Cassell's Nightclub/Le Jazz Hot
Scene: Backstage At Cassell's
Scene: Left Bank Cafe
The Tango/Paris By Night
Scene: Paris Hotel Suites/Paris Makes Me Horny
Scene: Paris Hotel Suites
Crazy World
Louis Says
King's Dilemma
Cat And Mouse
Apache
You & Me
Scene: Small Square/Paris By Night (Reprise)
Scene: Paris Hotel Suites/Almost A Love Song
Chicago, Illinois
Scene: Chicago Symphony
Living In The Shadows
Scene: Paris Hotel Suites
Living In The Shadows (Reprise)
Victor/Victoria

Customer Reviews:

Great but best song missing.......2007-01-27

This soundtrack is amazing Julie andrews blows me a way... The only thing that is wrong is that Le jazz hot is not on this album...

Stick To The Movie, THAT was a treat!.......2006-07-25

Get's one star in appreciation of the technicians who had to record the cd. What a mess! Never should have been made. Even Julie is way past the point of playing this onstage. She half talks her way through her songs, her voice clearly not what it was when she made the film. Sorry Julie, should have left it alone.

The rest of the cast is not on a par with the film. Tony Roberts in place of Robert Preston...not on his best day. Leslie Ann Warren was riotuosly original in the film, Rachel York trying to copy her, is not. And Michael Nouri? Dismal.
The songs added to the score for the stage.......forget it.
Not even worth mentioning any more. Goes into the WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? file.
As for Julie refusing her Tony nomination because the rest of the show was overlooked? C'mon Julie, there was a reason for that, the show SUCKED!

Victor/Victoria.......2006-07-24

other reviewers of this product have all highlighted that the music and lyrics are not quite up to scratch, and I have to agree. They are by no means of the same callibre as Rodgers and Hammerstein, Kander and Ebb or the great Cole Porter. But, the performers in this show work hard to make sure that the dodgy rhymes work. Especially Rachel York in 'Paris Makes Me Horny'.

This CD does nothing for this show. It highlights it's problems but does nothing to prove that it has standing as a true Broadway Show. I would suggest that anyone interested in this item should turn their attention to the DVD version of the full length musical staged at the Marquis Theatre, New York. This DVD shows how good the show actually is - there are moments when you roar with laughter, and you forgive the lack of showstopping numbers.

The inimitable Rachel York steals every scene.

Not the greatest show in Broadway history, but certainly not the worst.

Not Quite.......2006-07-23

The show isnt a flop, just not a hit. The Music and rhymes seem a bit forced. I'm sorry but, Andrews does not impress me in this role. The music isnt bad, but the lyrics are unavoidable. For collectors (like myslef) and Andrews fans this is a good one to get, for those looking for some catchy show tunes, this is not quite it. If I had to pick a best song on the album it would be "Living in the Shadows"

Julie Andrews is fine, but some of the score is just embarassing.......2005-08-30

"Victor\Victoria" is a charming 1982 film that starred the wonderful Julie Andrews as a woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman. Andrews' co-star was the equally wonderful Robert Preston, who played her witty gay chum who helps her become a popular drag queen...sort of.
In 1995, Andrews' husband, the director Blake Edwards, decided to turn the film that he directed and his wife starred in, into a splashy musical comedy with music by Henry Mancini of "Pink Panther" fame and lyrics by Leslie Bricuse of "Willy Wonka" fame. Of coruse, Andrews would make her return to Broadway in the show after a long absence. It was a surefire success...not.
Although Andrews does her best to hit those high notes, that lovely soprano that she was so famous for can't be used often. For most of her songs, Andrews uses her lower voice, which is just as wonderful as her higher singing voice.
Tony Roberts, who plays the Robert Preston role (Preston had passed away several years earlier) is also fine. Michael Nouri, as Andrews' romantic interest is very charming and Rachel York, as a slightly dumb chorine from Chicago, is great. Gregory Jbara is as always, delighftul.
Now that I've gotten through the good things- basicaly the cast, it's time to review the one problematic element of the show- its score.
The show opens with the nice "Paris By Night" which replaces a rather medicore song from the film. However, once Roberts' character meets Ms. Andrews, one of the stinkers of the score is sung- "If I Were a Man." There is no melody to this song and the lyrics aren't particulary anything to write home about. Ms. Andrews tries her best though. Roberts' "Trust Me" and Andrews' "Le Jazz Hot" are fine, in fact excellent, but poor Rachel York, one of the standout cast members, gets the terrible "Paris Makes Me Horny." What could be a great comic number is turned sour thanks to Mr. Bricuses' awful lyrics-
Paris is so sexy
Riding in a taxi
Gives me apoplexi
The three ending words do not rhyme at all, although they may seem to. There's also-
Also Oslo
Oslo really was slow
Also, this pushing it. They don't rhyme.
Andrews' "Crazy World" from the film is very nice though. Her cheesey, "Louis Says", the second act opener, is not so spectacular. Nouri's "King's Dilemma" has some questionable lyrics, although he makes the medicore number very good. My favorite song from the score is "You and Me", however. Andrews and Roberts are really sensational in it. Next is Andrews and Norui's not so lilting romantic ballad, "Almost a Love Song", which seems memorable. However, after a few measures, the melody looses its tunefulness. Andrews' "Living in the Shadows", however, is excellent and has a haunting melody. Some lyrics don't come off so well sung, but on paper, they're fine. The big finale of a title song is also very nice. Some lyrics again, are questionable.
So, I've picked on the lyrics of the score the most. However, they are the most troublesome element of the show. Mancini's music also doesn't shine every song.
The CD packaging is nice, with a synopsis and an essay by composer\Andrews' friend, Andre Previn.
If you're a Mancini or Andrews fan, I'd recommend this. If not, there are some nice songs, but it's not worth every penny.

Average customer rating:

Great Voices
Exquisit!
Superb, but too short!
You must own this recording!!!!
Fabulously cast Pag

Leoncavallo: I Pagliacci
Robert Shaw Chorale
Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana
Verdi - Otello / Domingo, Studer, Leiferkus, Vargas, D. Graves, Schade, D'Arcangelo, Chung
Giordano: Andrea Chénier
Mascagni: Cavalleria Rusticana
Verdi: Rigoletto

ASIN: B000007TKE
Release Date: 1998-07-28

Tracks:

Prologue: Si Puo? Si Puo? - Leonard Warren
Act One: Eh!...Son Qua! Son Qua! - Robert Shaw
Act One: Un Grande Spettacolo A Ventrire Ore - Jussi Bjorling
Act One: Un Tal Gioco, Credetimi... - Robert Shaw
Act One: Don, Din, Don, Din... - Robert Shaw
Act One: Qual Fiamma Avea Nel Guardo...Hui! Stridono Lassu - Victoria De Los Angeles
Act One: Sei La! Creadea Che Te Ne Fossi Andato - Victoria De Los Angeles
Act One: So Ben Che Difforme Contorto Son Io - Victoria De Los Angeles
Act One: Nedda!....Silvio! A Quest'ora Che Imprudenza! - Robert Merrill
Act One: E Fra Quest'ansie In Eterno Vivrai - Robert Merrill
Act One: Non Mi Tentar! - Robert Merrill
Act One: E Allor Perche, Di', Tu M'hai Stregato - Robert Merrill
Act One: Cammina Adagio E Li Sorprenderai - Robert Merrill
Act One: Recitar! Mentre Preso Dal Delirio - Jussi Bjorling
Act One: Vesti La Giuba - Jussi Bjorling
Act One: Intermezzo - RCA Victor Orchestra
Act Two: Ohe! Ohe! Presto - Robert Shaw
Act Two, The Play: Pagliaccio, Mio Marito - Victoria De Los Angeles
Act Two, The Play: Ah! Colombina, Il Tenero... - Paul Franke
Act Two, The Play: Di Fare Il Segno Convenuto Appressa - Robert Shaw
Act Two, The Play: Arlecchin!...Colombina! - Jussi Bjorling
Coraggio! Un Uomo Era Con Te - Jussi Bjorling
No, Pagliaccio Non Son - Robert Shaw
Suvvia, Cosi Terribile - Robert Shaw

Customer Reviews:

Great Voices.......2004-02-16

This classic performance has been aptly described as "the most smoothly and richly sung Pagliacci on records," and has for decades been the preferred version among those who put a premium upon great voices.

Pagliacci (1892), the only lasting success of Leoncavallo, has long shared honors with Cavalleria Rusticana (1890), the only lasting success of Mascagni, as the two most popular short operas in the standard repertoire. "Cav and Pag," sometimes familiarly known as the "ham and eggs" of Italian opera, have also long been joined at the hip as the world's most popular operatic double-bill. Both are verismo operas (Italian realism or naturalism featuring earthy characters from ordinary walks of life, fierce passions, and resulting violence) set in the south of Italy, with simple plots turning on sexual jealousy which results in murder. (Many have the misapprehension that they are both one-act operas; Cav is, but Pag, though short, is actually in two acts.)

Caruso popularized the opera, making Canio virtually his trademark role, and since his time most of the major tenors of Italian opera have sung the role. Today, you can have your pick of complete Pagliacci recordings by Gigli, Bjorling, Tucker, Di Stefano, Del Monaco, Corelli, Bergonzi, Pavarotti, Domingo, Carreras, and others. The larder is well stocked.

This monaural studio recording was made by RCA in Manhattan in 1953 and originally issued on LP by RCA. In 1989 EMI issued a CD version of it, which I bought upon its release and would recommend that you avoid; it is thin, hard, and overbright--not a successful transfer. EMI wisely remastered it in 1998; this one sounds fine and is a significant improvement over the earlier EMI issue. The sound is monaural, of course, and is inevitably dated, but it is clear, natural, and well focused.

What makes this version so distinguished, what makes it stand out in a field so full of competitors, can be expressed in two words: great voices. Talk about prodigally luxurious casting: four of the greatest voices of the day, and indeed of the twentieth century, are the principals here. The rich, resonant, plush baritones of Leonard Warren and Robert Merrill; the luminous, radiant soprano of Victoria De Los Angeles, arguably the most beautiful lyric soprano voice of her time; and above all--for this is primarily a tenor's opera--the uniquely beautiful and incomparably brilliant and thrilling tenor voice of Jussi Bjorling, considered by many good judges the pre-eminent tenor since Caruso in the standard Italian and French repertoire. Bjorling's Canio eschews the extra-musical emoting--the gulps, sobs, and blubbering--indulged in by some tenors in this role; instead, he manages to convey the requisite passion entirely in his singing. It wouldn't be much of an exaggeration to say that these four opulent voices had no true peers even in the abundantly endowed operatic world of the 1950s, and they certainly have no peers today: no one could now assemble such a cast for Pagliacci.

The studio orchestra and chorus are both excellent. Renato Cellini conducts a taut, dramatic, well-shaped performance that permits his singers to make the most of their resources. And what magnificent resources they are! All four principals are in splendid voice; all are caught here in their prime. (One oddity worth noting: it is Warren, as Tonio, rather than Bjorling, as Canio, who sings the opera's final line, "La commedia e finita!" This was the original form of the opera's ending.)

Exquisit!.......2004-02-07

This was the very first opera recording I had of this work. I bought it way back when, and it was originally released under the "Seraphim" label. I even wrote the price on the box (at that time, a huge $5.98). It was part of the Great Recordings of the Century series, and with the opera itself was included a side of arias sung by Bjoerling. Of course, at the time I bought this recording I knew nothing of the opera, excepting the famous "Vesti la giubba" (from recordings of Caruso), and the Prologue (but not sung by a great baritone of the opera, but Jim Nebors of Gomer Pile fame). I was instantly entranced. The story really grabbed me, and hearing it was a real revelation. The drama was very much alive, for me, and I find it hard to imagine people claiming it is really a very dead recording. The recording was a mono recording back then, and is often the case when remastered for CD, there are flaws in the sound quality. At times, one actually does think the opera was recorded with wool in front of the mikes, a sound quality not found in the originally released records. The only "uninvolved" singer of the lot is de Los Angeles. I have always found her very emotionless. She is very pretty, and has a very mellow caressing sound, but for some reason it reveals very little in the way of character, even in her very famous Butterfly recording. Her Faust and Barbiere di Seviglia did little for me either. Yet, in live performances, she was enchanting. I really suspect that it was the way her voice records. It is so mellow it records fairly faithfully as far as sound is concerned, but lacks her real fire that was there in life. Still, her singing is beautiful, and I loved it for beautiful singing. Bjoerling was simply wonderful, and every note was filled with emotion. Personally, I much rather hear him sing this role than Pavarotti (who is wonderfully vocally, but has little acting to his style). Domingo is closer in dramatic truth. Of course, Bjoerling sings with all the traditions of the time, high notes and all that are now removed in most recordings. He even speaks the final words of the opera (a very long tradition of doing so) when in the score they belong to the character of Tonio. Personally, I don't mind the high notes, even if they are not in the score. For me, it seems, one really has to go back in time to find singers who knew how to sing this role (Canio) and give life to it dramatically through their sound. I agree the recording of Gigli is incredible. Some sobs should be there, after all, this is verismo, and even Caruso used some sobbing now and again. Yet, one usually is treated to either nothing at all, or something quite over done. This recording is based more on the music and less on affects. Leonard Warren was the voice that stunned me. I had never heard of him, and of course, by the time I bought this recording he was long dead. I knew nothing of his tragic death right on stage. It was his voice that grabbed me. He made the prologue something special. I actually listened to it first hearing about five times before I even listened to the rest of the opera. There was a haunting quality, particularly in the passages where he tells us that the story we are about to see is about real people. The orchestra is wonderfully exciting. The score is cut, though some of the cuts in the second act are not that important. The music cut often just meanders or gives the impression of instruments tuning up. Some of the choral parts, though, were not a wise choice to cut.

I rate this recording so highly because it is worthy of it. It is exciting, and it is an old recording. For those interested in things being "authentic", this is not your recording, as like I said, it follows traditions of the time. The sound quality isn't the best, so those expecting modern studio sound, you will be disappointed. For those interested in a great performance that is well sung, and is exciting, even if somewhat dated, then this is a great recording. It is still my very favorite recording of this work, and it always will be.

Superb, but too short!.......2003-07-12

I love this cast, everything is supberb. But they have removed some pages of the score, which is very disappointing.
I recommend the Pavarotti/Freni-version if you would hear it completely.
And aren't the sopranos a BIT flat on the "Din-don"-chorus?

You must own this recording!!!!.......2002-05-17

This recording is a must have. Bjoerling is at his vocal and dramatic peak on this recording. All his arias ("Un Grande Spetacolo", "Un tal giocco" "Vesti la Giubba", and "No! Pagliaccio non son!") are all flawlessly sung. Leonard Warren's performance of the sinister Tonio has never been matched. Warren sings the difficult "Prologo" with great ease and aplomb. A virtual voice lesson. De Los Angeles is exquisite as Nedda and her "Qual Fiamma Avea Nel Guardo...Hui! Stridono Lassu (Song of the Birds)" will melt your heart. Another luxury this recording holds is the magificently rich baritone voice of Robert Merrill as Silvio, Nedda's village lover, who sings the treacherously high tessitura of this role magnificently. Renato Cellini does a wonderful job of conducting the RCA Victor Orchestra. Do yourself a favor and make this recording yours. You won't regret it.

Fabulously cast Pag.......2002-03-13

I tend to disagree with the other reviewers (especially the one that thinks Leonard Warren is a tenor, but also the one that thinks Bjoerling has a lyric tenor), perhaps because I am besotted with the (spinto) voice of Jussi Bjoerling. I spend an entire afternoon comparing Bjoerling's final aria (No, Pagliacco non son) with the others in my collection. Cura can't compare. Caruso is strikingly similar but doesn't have the vocal colour. How anyone can hear this performance and say he is uninvolved defeats me. The second half of the aria has every emotion (fury, depression and hate) so clearly delimited. The final curse with its faultless notes above the staff integrated into the line (even Caruso can't do this) is heartbreaking.

Tracks:

Act I, Scene 1: Ah! Ah! Ande La Tarea! - Orfeon Donostiarra/Juan Gorostidi
Act I, Scene 1: Mi Querer Es Como El Hierro - Jose Maria Higuero/Ines Rivadeneyra/Orfeon Donostiarra/Juan Gorostidi
Act I, Scene 1: Ramicos De Claveles! - Orfeon Donostiarra/Juan Gorostidi/Juan De Andia/Juan De Andia/Ines Rivadeneyra/Anna Maria Higueras
Act I, Scene 2: Abuela, No Viene! - Victoria De Los Angeles/Ines Rivadeneyra
Act I, Scene 2: Solo Tengo Dos Carinos - Victoria De Los Angeles/Ines Rivadeneyra
Act I, Scene 3: Ande La Tarea! - Orfeon Donostiarra/Juan Gorostidi
Act I, Scene 3: Vivan Los Que Rien! - Victoria De Los Angeles
Act I, Scene 3: Malhaya El Hombre, Malhaya! - Jose Maria Higuero
Act I, Scene 4: Salud!...Que? Que Pasa? - Ines Rivadeneyra/Victoria De Los Angeles
Act I, Scene 5: Paco! Paco!...Mi Salud! - Victoria De Los Angeles/Carlo Cossutta
Act I, Scene 5: Dime, Paco - Victoria De Los Angeles/Carlo Cossutta
Act I, Scene 6: Paco!...Mi Chavala! - Victoria De Los Angeles/Carlo Cossutta/Ines Rivadenyra/Orfeon Donostiarra/Juan Gorostidi
Act I, Scene 6: Ande Vas? - Ines Rivadeneyra/Victor De Narke/Victoria De Los Angeles/Carlo Cossutta
Act I, Scene 6: Malhaya La Jembra Pobre! - Jose Maria Higuero/Victor De Narke/Victoria De Los Angeles/Carlo Cossutta
Act I, Scene 6: Intermedio - Orquesta Nacional De Espana/Rafael Fruhbeck De Brugos/Orfeon Donostiarra/Juan Gorostidi...
Act II, Scene 1: Ole!...Ay! Yo Canto Por Soleares! - Orfeon Donostiarra/Juna Gorostidi/Gabriel Moreno/Victor Monge
Act II, Scene 1: Danza - Orquesta Nacional De Espana/Rafael Fruhbeck De Burgos
Act II, Scene 2: Alli Esta! Riyendo - Victoria De Los Angeles
Act II, Scene 2: Ay Que Mundo Y Ay Que Cosas! - Gabriel Moreno/Orfeon Donostiarra/Juan Gorostidi/Victoria De Los Angeles
Act II, Scene 3: No Te Dije? La Ves? - Victor De Narke/Ines Rivadeneyra/Victoria De Los Angeles/Orfeon Donostiarra/Juan Gorostidi
Act II, Scene 3: Malhaya La Jembra Pobre! - Victoria De Los Angeles/Ines Rivadeneyra/Victor De Narke/Anna Maria Higueras/Carlo Cossutta...
Act II, Scene 3: Intermedio - Orquesta Nacional De Espana/Rafael Fruhbeck De Burgos
Act II, Scene 3: Danza - Orquesta Nacional De Espana/Rafael Fruhbeck De Burgos/Orfeon Donostiarra/Juan Gorostidi
Act II, Scene 3: Carmela Mia! - Carlo Cossutta/Anna Maria Higueras/Luis Villarejo/Victor De Narke
Act II, Scene 3: Qie Gracia! - Luis Villarejo/Orfeon Donostiarra/Juan Gorostidi/Victor De Narke/Carlo Cossutta...
Act II, Scene 3: Yo No Vengo A Cantar! - Luis Villarejo/Carlo Cossutta/Ines Rivadeneyra/Luis Villarejo/Victor De Narke/Ines Rivadeneyra...
Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas: El Pano Moruno - Victoria De Los Angeles/Gonzalo Soriano
Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas: Seguidilla Muriciana - Victoria De Los Angeles/Gonzalo Soriano
Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas: Asturiana - Victoria De Los Angeles/Gonzalo Soriano
Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas: Jota - Victoria De Los Angeles/Gonzalo Soriano
Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas: Nana - Victoria De Los Angeles/Gonzalo Soriano
Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas: Cancion - Victoria De Los Angeles/Gonzalo Soriano
Siete Canciones Populares Espanolas: Polo - Victoria De Los Angeles/Gonzalo Soriano

Tracks:

El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Intro - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part One: The Blackbird - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part One: The Dandy And The Procession - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part One: The Girl - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part One: The Corregidor - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part One: Dance Of The Miller's Wife - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part One: Minuet - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part One: The Grapes - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part One: Fandango - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part Two: The Neighbours' Dance - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part Two: The Miller's Dance - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part Two: The Arrest - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part Two: Nocturne - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part Two: The Corregidor's Dance - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part Two: The Confrontation - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part Two: The Miller's Return - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Sombrero De Tres Picos: Part Two: Final Dance - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: Intro And Scene - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: In The Cave - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: Song Of Plaintive Love - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: The Apparition - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: Dance Of Terror - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: The Magic Circle - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: Midnight - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: Ritual Fire Dance - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: Scene - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: Song Of The Will-o'-the Wisp - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: Pantomime - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: Dance Of The Game Of Love - Victoria De Los Angeles
El Amor Brujo: Morning Bells - Victoria De Los Angeles
Soneto A Cordoba - Victoria De Los Angeles/Anne Challan
Psyche - Victoria De Los Angeles/Anne Challan/Jean-Claude Gerard/trio A Cordes Francais

Customer Reviews:

De Los Angeles IS Salud.......2006-07-29

The role of Salud in Falla's La Vida Breve is the role which brought the great Victoria de Los Angeles to international fame, ever since she sang it on a BBC Broadcast in the late 40s. This recording, boasting a total Spanish cast, gives a heartfelt and totally idiomatic reading. De Los Angeles totally convinces as Salud, singing with great sympathy and gives an incredibly touching portrayal of the gypsy girl. She IS Salud and will perhaps never be surpassed in the role. Rivadeneyra gives an intense portrayal as the grandmother and Cossutta's Paco is appropriately shallow as the faithless lover. Rafael Fruhbeck de Burgos conducts with idiom and vigour. Sound quality is wonderful. Highly recommended.

Average customer rating:

Gounod: Faust (Highlights)

Manufacturer: EMI
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

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Similar Items:

Charles Gounod: Faust (Highlights)
Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro (Highlights)
Verdi: Rigoletto (Highlights) / Sutherland, Pavarotti
Mozart: Don Giovanni [Highlights]
Mozart: The Magic Flute (Highlights)

ASIN: B000027FDW
Release Date: 2005-03-01

Tracks:

Act II: Vin Ou Biere - Chor Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens/Victor Autran
Act II: O Sainte Medaille - Ernest Blanc/Victor Autran/Liliane Berton/Chor Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens
Act II: Avant De Quitter Ces Lieux - Ernest Blanc/Victor Autran/Boris Christoff/Chor Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens
Act II: Le Veau D'or Est Toujours Debout! - Boris Christoff/Chor Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens
Act II: Nous Nous Retrouverons, Mes Amis! - Boris Christoff/Nicolai Gedda
Act II: Ainsi Que La Brise Legere - Orch Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens
Act II: Ne Permettrez-Vous Pas - Nicolai Gedda/Victoria De Los Angeles/Liliane Berton/Boris Christoff/Chor Of The Paris Opr...
Act III: Quel Trouble Inconnu Me Penetre?...Salut! Demeure Chaste Et Pure - Nicolai Gedda
Act III: Je Voudrais Bien Savoir...Il Etait Un Roi De Thule (Song Of The King Of Thule) - Orch Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens
Act III: Un Bouquet!...O Dieu! Que De Bijoux! (Jewel Song) - Victoria De Los Angeles
Act III: Il Se Fait Tard, Adieu! - Orch Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens
Act III: O Nuit D'amor, Ciel Radieux - Victoria De Los Angeles/Nicolai Gedda
Act IV: Seigneur, Daignez Permette...Souviens-Toi Du Passe - Victoria De Los Angeles/Boris Christoff/Chor Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens
Act IV: Quand Du Seigneur Le Jour Luira...Seigneur, Accueillez La Priere - Victoria De Los Angeles/Boris Christoff/Chor Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens
Act IV: Deposons Les Armes - Ernest Blanc/Liliane Berton/Chor Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens
Act IV: Gloire Immortelle - Chor Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens
Act IV: Vous Qui Faites L'endormie - Boris Christoff
Act IV: Par Ici, Par Ici, Mes Amis! - Rita Gorr/Ernest Blanc/Victoria De Los Angeles/Liliane Berton/Chor Of The Paris Opr/Andre Cluytens
Act IV: Ecoute-Moi Bien, Marguerite! - Ernest Blanc/Liliane Berton/Rita Gorr
Act V: Alerte, Alerte, Ou Vous Etes Perdus...Anges Purs! - Boris Christoff/Victoria De Los Angeles/Nicolai Gedda

Average customer rating:

Great voices, but this is a poor-sounding transfer.

Leoncavallo: Pagliacci

Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

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Baritones | Voices | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
ASIN: B000002RQJ
Release Date: 1989-06-05

Amazon.com

If Tullio Serafin's Pagliacci is too slow for your taste, try Renato Cellini, who is sometimes a bit brisk. And if you want beautiful voices more than intense characterization, you are not likely to find two more satisfying than Jussi Bjoerling and Victoria de los Angeles--not to mention the two great baritones and the first-class chorus in this production. Any recording with Bjoerling and de los Angeles deserves attention (for example, the La Boheme conducted by Sir Thomas Beecham and recently reissued by Sony). Come to think of it, any recording with Zinka Milanov and Bjoerling deserves attention. And any recording with Giovanni Tebaldi and Bjoerling. This one-disc edition is also suitable for people (there must be a few) who want I Pagliacci but don't want Cavalleria Rusticana. --Joe McLellan

Customer Reviews:

Great voices, but this is a poor-sounding transfer........2004-02-16

This monaural studio recording was made by RCA in Manhattan in 1953 and originally issued on LP by RCA. In 1989 EMI issued a CD version of it (and that's the one that this particular listing is for), which I bought upon its release and would recommend that you avoid; it is thin, hard, and overbright--not a successful transfer. EMI wisely remastered it in 1998, at mid-price, and in 2003 issued the 1998 remastering again at budget price. The 1998 remastering sounds fine and is a significant improvement over this 1989 EMI issue. The sound is monaural, of course, and is inevitably dated, but it is clear, natural, and well focused.

What makes this version so distinguished, what makes it stand out in a field so full of competitors, can be expressed in two words: great voices. Talk about prodigally luxurious casting: four of the greatest voices of the day, and indeed of the twentieth century, are the principals here. The rich, resonant, plush baritones of Leonard Warren and Robert Merrill; the luminous, radiant soprano of Victoria De Los Angeles, arguably the most beautiful lyric soprano voice of her time; and above all--for this is primarily a tenor's opera--the uniquely beautiful and incomparably brilliant and thrilling tenor voice of Jussi Bjorling, considered by many good judges the pre-eminent tenor since Caruso in the standard Italian and French repertoire. Bjorling's Canio eschews the extra-musical emoting---the gulps, sobs, and blubbering--indulged in by some tenors in this role; instead, he manages to convey the requisite passion entirely in his singing. It wouldn't be much of an exaggeration to say that these four opulent voices had no true peers even in the abundantly endowed operatic world of the 1950s, and they certainly have no peers today: no one could now assemble such a cast for Pagliacci.

Tracks:

Il Barbiere di Siviglia: Largo al factotum
Il Barbiere di Siviglia: All' idea di quel metallo
Lucia di Lammermoor: Cruda, funesta smania
Lucia di Lammermoor: La pietade in suo favore
Rigoletto: Cortigiani, vil razza dannata
La Traviata: Di Provenza il mar
Simon Boccanegra: Figlia! A tal nome palpito
Un Ballo in Maschera: Alla vita che t'arride
Un Ballo in Maschera: Altzati!...Eri tu
Don Carlo: Per me giunto e il di supremo
Don Carlo: O Carlo, ascolta
Pagliacci: Si pue?
TOSCA: Tre shirri, una carrozza
TOSCA: La povera mia cena fu interrotta
Otello: Vanne!...Credo in un Dio crudel
Falstaff: L'Onore! Ladri!

Customer Reviews:

The Great Mentor.......1999-10-07

Tito Gobbi's renditions remain standards for many operas, from bubbling hilarious Figaro to devilish Iago. A great singing actor Gobbi made each role distinctly his own, his relatively light but incredibly vibrant and colorful baritone capable of sounding ardent or paternal. His Scarpia is quite possibly the best on record, he literally lives this demanding role and brings fateful sinister presence to the charater as no one else.

Gobbi's musical intelligence, breath control and evenly projected sound without a trace of wobble serve as example and inspiration for generations of baritones to come.

Music:

Music

Music