Les Miserables / London Cast

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
After Les Misérables became a huge hit in London, it moved to Broadway, bringing along two stars from the London production, Colm Wilkinson as the heroic Valjean and Frances Ruffelle as the despondent Eponine. Filling out this 1987 cast are Randy Graff (Fantine), Terrence Mann (Javert), David Bryant (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Michael Maguire (Enjolras), and Leo Burmester and Jennifer Butt (the Thénardiers). Whether you prefer the London cast or this one just might depend on which one you heard first, though minor revisions to the show since its London debut make the Broadway version more familiar to current audiences. In fact, the 10th anniversary concert might have the best overall cast of the lot, while the three-disc symphonic recording is a must for completists.

Regardless of cast, Les Misérables has become a sensation. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score is filled with beautiful ballads ("Bring Him Home," "I Dreamed a Dream") and rousing anthems ("One Day More," "Do You Hear the People Sing?"), and Victor Hugo's classic novel of a student uprising in pre-revolutionary France provides a compelling story line that continues to thrill audiences all over the world. --David Horiuchi --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Les Miserables / London Cast, Music, Les Miserables, Original Cast Recordings, Pop, Showtunes / B'way

Les Miserables Original London Cast
Average customer rating:

Absolutely Amazing

Superior to the Broadway Cast -- sort of.

One of the greatest versions of Les Mis

THIS IS THE SECOND BEST!

Great for what they had to work with

Les Miserables Original London Cast
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Red Ink
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Les Miserables Complete Symphonic Recording

ASIN: B0002E5L5S
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Tracks:

Prologue: Work Song
Prologue: Valijean Arrested/Valijean Forgiven
Prologue: What Have I Done?
At The End Of The Day
I Dreamed A Dream
Lovely Ladies
Who Am I?
Fantine's Death: Come To Me
Fantine's Death: Confrontation
Castle On A Cloud
Master Of The House
Thenardier Waltz
Stars
Look Down
Little People
Red & Black
Do You Hear The People Sing?

Tracks:

Love Montage: I Saw Him Once/In My Life/A Heart Full Of Love
Plumet Attack
One Day More!
On My Own
The Attack
A Little Fall Of Rain
Drink With Me
Bring Him Home
Dog Eat Dog
Soliloquy
Turning
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
Beggar At The Feast
Finale

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely Amazing.......2007-04-12

This great soundtrack does well to one of the best musicals of all time. The recording is clean and vibrant and the original London cast shines. Any fan of Les Mis will do well to own this and anyone who wants a touch of class should get it too. It offers up love songs, songs of rebellion, drama, comedy, and runs the gamut of emotions. A fantastic piece. If I had one small problem it is that track 1 (Work Song) cuts out about 1/2 second early, though I believe this is do to the transitioning and closeness of recording of tracks 1 and 2. It's a small grievance that most probably will not notice.

Superior to the Broadway Cast -- sort of........2006-09-07

I'd owned the Original Broadway Cast of Les Miserables for over a year before I bought the London Cast. What finally convinced me to buy the London Cast was the casting -- many of Broadway and the West End's top stars are on this recording (though this musical is what most of them owe their success to).

We can look back in hindsight to the early 80's and see the spectacular cast: Patti LuPone (Eva in Evita, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd), Colm Wilkinson (Phantom in Phantom of the Opera), Michael Ball (Count Fosco in Woman in White, Alex in Aspects of Love), and Rebecca Caine (Christine in Phantom of the Opera) all stand out. There is nothing like hearing Caine's lush, effortless, crystalline soprano on the song only found on the London recording, "I Saw Him Once." For no other reason than for that additional song, this recording is worth purcashing, even if you already own the Broadway Cast. Not that all of the cast is superior to the Broadway version -- the definitive performances of some of the supporting roles (Enroljas, the Thenardiers, and I also prefer Terrence Mann's Javert) come from that recording. The main supporting roles, however, truly outshine their alternate cast on this one (although Judy Kuhn as Cosette is fantastic!).

The orchestrations are definitely inferior to the Broadway version, however. Many are taken at a slower tempo and played with less gusto. This is particularly evident in "Red and Black," if my memory serves me correctly. Some of the lyrics are sung in an odd way by the man playing Enroljas, as if he's overdramatizing, but that's only one track of thirty-odd tracks. Another minor irritation: Cosette's songs are cut short and placed into a five minute "love montage" which can be found in their full versions on the Broadway cast with the also-great Judy Kuhn.

This is the show that skyrocketed some of these performers to stardom -- Ball, Caine, Wilkinson -- and cemented others' places: LuPone, for example. It's a superb cast recording of one of the greatest musicals in history.

Buy it.

One of the greatest versions of Les Mis.......2006-03-05

I love this version of Les Mis. I am a real fan. I have played it dozens of times. The energy and the music are just wonderful. You'll love it. Performances are terrific. Musical clarity is excellent.

THIS IS THE SECOND BEST!.......2005-10-21

I have reviewd the symponic and 10th anniversary.So.............THIS CD IS THE SECOND BEST ! THE 1rst BEST IS THE 10th ANNIVERSARY! ALUN ARMSTRONG IS THE BEST THENAIRDIER ACTOR EVER!
BUY THIS AND THE 10th ANNIVERSARY!

Great for what they had to work with.......2005-09-10

After the anniversary edition, the begins to pale, but I love it nonetheless. Everyone should listen to it, and preferable listen to it first, before all the other versions. Learn to love the original, and go from there.

Les Miserables (1985 Original London Cast)

Average customer rating:

Not the Best
This is the original for me
One Of The Best !
Worst of 4 versions
Some problems... but overall, a good album

Les Miserables (1985 Original London Cast)
Alain Boublil , Claude-Michel Schonberg , Patti LuPone , Rebecca Caine , Colm Wilkinson , and Frances Ruffelle
Manufacturer: Relativity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Cats (1981 Original London Cast)

ASIN: B000006ONF
Release Date: 1998-05-19

Tracks:

Prologue: Work Song
Prologue: Valijean Arrested/Valijean Forgiven
Prologue: What Have I Done?
At The End Of The Day
I Dreamed A Dream
Lovely Ladies
Who Am I?
Fantine's Death: Come To Me
Fantine's Death: Confrontation
Castle On A Cloud
Master Of The House
Thenardier Waltz
Stars
Look Down
Little People
Red & Black
Do You Hear The People Sing?

Tracks:

Love Montage: I Saw Him Once/In My Life/A Heart Full Of Love
Plumet Attack
One Day More!
On My Own
The Attack
A Little Fall Of Rain
Drink With Me
Bring Him Home
Dog Eat Dog
Soliloquy
Turning
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables
Beggar At The Feast
Finale

Amazon.com

This recording captures the 1985 London cast that transformed an obscure French musical based on Victor Hugo's gargantuan novel of pre-Revolutionary France into a worldwide phenomenon throughout the late-'80s and '90s and became one of the best examples of the era's trend of blockbuster musical spectacles. Yes, Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schoenberg's score tends to recycle its themes, but the beautiful melodies and stirring anthems rarely fail to captivate and touch its audience. Colm Wilkinson is the heroic Valjean, Patti LuPone is the tragic Fantine, Michael Ball is the love-struck Marius, and Frances Ruffelle is the despondent Eponine, with Roger Allam (Javert), Alun Armstrong and Sue Jane Tanner (the Thénardiers), Rebecca Caine (older Cosette), and David Burt (Enjolras) filling out the excellent cast. Fans will want to take note that this recording includes some material that was revised when the show crossed the pond to Broadway--"Little People" was lost altogether, while the "Love Montage" was significantly rewritten. Les Misérables sounds especially vivid in its 1998 remastering, and a synopsis and full lyrics are included. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Not the Best.......2007-06-29

I agree with many of the comments made by others. But let me give some of my own. The London production is an early production of the Les Mis and like all early productions, composers and producers improve the product as it goes to new locations. The New York album is for me infinitely better than the London album. The slowness of the songs in the London production are incredably annoying. The singing is at times pedestrian. Many voices are smaller or less interesting than those in the New York production. The orchestration was enlarged and improved in the New York production. For some songs the orchestration is totally changed. In all there is no comparison. I also love the anniversary production and as a recording would prefer that none. I have not heard the complete ORchestral recording and can not comment on it.

Let me also agree with most of what was said about Ms. Ruffelle as Eponine. She is a disaster and almost distroys the New York album. Strangely she is less annoying in the London album because her singing softer and therefore less annoying. I disagree with those who say she can not annunciate. I also disagree that she has a horrible voice. I think she has a decent pop voice. It just Does not BELONG in this musical. It sounds like a pop singer thrown into the 18th century. She is miscast and totally out of place. I did not know she was a pop singer until I read the comments below. But you could guess it by her style and phrasing. I can not think of any album almost destroyed by a miscasting since I heard the Deutche Gramaphone version of West Side Story with the strange casting of Jose Cararas as Tony. It killed the entire albmu. Luckily, Eponine is a smaller part and it does not totally destroy the LOndon or New York version. I just want to know WHY SHE GOT THIS PART....and then why she further got the part in New York. If someone has the story, PLEASE tell it.

This is the original for me.......2006-10-07

Having seen Les Mis in London twice as a kid, the OLC version is simply the only worthwile version for me. While you could argue that some of the later versions are technically better, they just sound wrong and off-tempo to me.

One Of The Best !.......2006-07-31

Simply put, Les Miserables is one of the greatest musicals ever written for the stage. Both the London and Broadway versions of this classic best each other in terms of superiority, but you can't really go wrong with either.

The marvelous London cast includes Colm Wilkinson as Jean Valjean, Roger Allam as Javert, Patti LuPone as Fantine, Michael Ball as Marius, and Frances Ruffelle as Eponine.

Best Songs include:

At The End Of The Day
I Dreamed A Dream
Come To Me
Master Of The House
Stars
On My Own
A Little Fall Of Rain
Bring Him Home
Empty Chairs At Empty Tables

If I had to choose between the two, I'd lean towards the Broadway version ... though it's hard to pass up anything Ms. LuPone does.

Worst of 4 versions.......2006-07-18

Les Miserables is definitely one of the better musicals out there. Among the four (Original London, Original Broadway, Complete Recording, and 10th Anniversary) most popular versions, however, this is the least appealing. The tempo is slow, providing for some boring listening, plus the casting of some actors is questionable. Among the most annoying cast members is Frances Ruffelle, who should not be in musical theater at all. She has a bad voice, she can't enunciate well (major speech problems there), and worse, she has bad singing technique (cannot sustain long lines and high notes -- incorrect breathing). She doesn't even deserve to be compared to Lea Salonga (who is a million times superior over her Ruffelle). I'd second the thought that if Salonga were old enough to audition for this role in the early 80s, Ruffelle would not even been remotely considered. And no, Ruffelle was NOT invited to join the Dream Cast, even though the concert was going to be held in London; Cameron's asistant, in fact, had to persuade Lea Salonga to give up recording the Miss Saigon Complete Recording just to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime 10th Anniversary event.

As some reviewers have mentioned, this album is a good buy if one wants to trace the evolution of this mega-musical. If you want the best buck for your money, however, get the 10th Anniversary version (it's live -- it has the dream cast, plus excitement in the air just fills the entire recording). An excellent second choice would be the Complete Symphonic Recording.

Some problems... but overall, a good album.......2006-07-16

The London Cast has issues, it's been criticised as "too slow", and it is the next step up from the French concept album, so the show was still being sorted out. Some of the performers are unremarkable, but the majority are amazing. It is a nice album, but the best overall cast is the Tenth Anniversary Cast. I'd recommend this as a CD to see how the show evolved. I'd also take it over the Broadway and International cast recordings.

However, one thing I noticed when I was reading through the reviews was that if Lea Salonga had been old enough to audition, she would have won the role of Eponine. Uh... NO. Frances Ruffelle was the first choice for the Dream Cast and couldn't make it so Lea was the second choice. Frances is simply amazing and the bucketload of awards Lea won for 'Miss Saigon'? That was Frances back in 1989 for Les Mis.

Average customer rating:

The Title Is Accurate.

Great Musicals

Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Encores from Encores!
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ASIN: B00005LN5W
Release Date: 2001-08-07

Tracks:

Candide: Overture - Orchestra
Fiddler On The Roof: Prologue - Tradition - Zero Mostel And Company
Hello, Dolly!: Dancing - Carol Channing And Company
Cabaret: If You Could See Her - Alan Cumming
Ain't Misbehavin': Honeysuckle Rose - Ken Page/Nell Carter
Guys And Dolls: Sue Me - Faith Prince/Nathan Lane
Sweeney Todd: The Worst Pies In London - Angela Lansbury
Ragtime: New Music - Mark Jacoby/Marin Mazzie/Steven Sutcliffe/Brian Stokes Mitchell/Audra McDonald/Company
Titanic: Lady's Maid - Original Cast
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying!: Rosemary - Matthew Broderick/Megan Mullally
Les Miserables: Bring Him Home - Colm Wilkinson
Falsettos: Unlikely Lovers - Lewis Cleale/James Sasser/Farah Alvin/Kristin Woodbury
Parade: All The Wasted Time - Brent Carver/Carolee Carmello
The Sound Of Music: Do-Re-Mi - Rebecca Luker And Company

Customer Reviews:

The Title Is Accurate........2002-02-21

I'll be honest - I mainly bought this CD for one song - the new recording of William Finn's "Unlikely Lovers" from Falsettos.

In fact, there is a sticker on the front of the Great Musicals CD which states the following - "Unlikely Lovers from Falsettos is new to CD."

This isn't really correct. This particular recording of that wonderful second act song is new, but the song itself was previously recorded and released on the original cast recording of Falsettoland many years ago. I have also read a review of another (unauthorised?) CD recording made in Michigan of Falsettoland.

Anyway, this new recording is so powerful and emotional, I'm glad I bought the CD.

Readers might be interested to know that the 2001 recording of U. Lovers was made at Joe's Pub in January - the same place where Finn's Infinite Joy was recorded.

To the best of my knowledge, U.L. wasn't performed in the live show. I believe this as in an interview, Finn stated that the only song from Falsettos they were to perform in Infinite Joy was The Baseball Game (wonderfully conveyed by Stephen DeRosa on the CD). Also, in this new recording of U.L., unlike the recordings on Infinite Joy, there isn't any audience reaction. I suspect that the cast made this recording before or after audience arrived.

Loved this new version. It's accompanied by a solo piano. Lewis Cleale has a more traditional male voice (light baritone?) than Michael Rupert's higher, head, some might say "character" sound. Both are more than pleasant on the ear.

Also, on this recording, there's an a cappella section towards the end of the song; on the lyrics "...let's pretend..." Quite affecting.

As for the rest of the album, well all the tracks are gems in one way or another. Particular favourites of mine include -

"Lady's Maid" from Titanic. With it's "up down up" three note/syllable melody structure (millionaire, constable, engineer) it is immediately catchy, and is a great example of an "I'm about to start a journey, so wish me luck as I go" type of show song.

"All The Wasted Time" from Parade. Loved the almost folk influenced sound and the soaring voices; including Carolee Carmello who is heard on Infinite Joy.

"New Music" from Ragtime. It 'builds' beautifully and is a great example of the work of a contemporary song writing team - the highly talented Flaherty and Ahrens.

I suppose the thing is, that many musical theatre buffs will already have many of these songs on CD. However, you many not have THESE recordings - e.g. - the "If You Could See Her" from Cabaret is from the 1998 version, the "Do-Re-Mi" from (what else?) The S.O.M. is the 1998 recording.

If one was being picky, the following points might be made -

For a CD celebrating RCA's 100th anniversary, this collection is somewhat 'top heavy' - 9 of the 14 tracks - almost 65% were recorded in 1992 or later.

Also -

With a number of the American based performers, even when they are portraying non-Americans, their native accent is still recognisable. This is particularly noticeable on track 14 - "Do-Re-Mi" ("...Here, I'll make it easier for you...") and, to a lesser extent; track 2 - "Prologue - Tradition" from Fiddler ("...trying to scratch out a pleasant simple tune...")

But when one is dealing with material and performances of this level, such points are minor quibbles.

All in all, a very fine CD which has made a welcome addition to my collection.

Average customer rating:

Les Miserables

An average review for the average listener

BEST BROADWAY MUSICAL EVER

An AMAZING Broadway hit -- Would make Hugo proud, I believe

A Musical So Good It Deserves More Than 5 Stars...

Les Miserables
Original London Cast Recording
Manufacturer: Relativity
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Musicals | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000003C4U
Release Date: 1990-03-12

Tracks:

Work Song - Roger Allam, Colm Wilkinson
Valjean Arrested/Valjean Forgiven - Ken Caswell
What Have I Done? - Colm Wilkinson
At the End of the Day - Patti LuPone
I Dreamed a Dream
Lovely Ladies - Colm Wilkinson
Who Am I? - Patti LuPone, Colm Wilkinson
Come to Me - Roger Allam, Colm Wilkinson
Confrontation
Castle on a Cloud - Zoe Hart
Master of the House - Alun Armstrong, Sue Jane Tanner
Thenardier Waltz - Alun Armstrong, Sue Jane Tanner, Colm Wilkinson
Stars - Roger Allam
Look Down - Ian Tucker
Little People - Ian Tucker
Red and Black - Michael Ball, Dave Burt
Do You Hear the People Sing? - Dave Burt
I Saw Him Once - Zoe Hart
In My Life - Zoe Hart, Colm Wilkinson
Heart Full of Love - Michael Ball, Zoe Hart, Frances Ruffelle
Plumet Attack - Alun Armstrong, Frances Ruffelle
One Day More!
On My Own - Frances Ruffelle
Attack - Dave Burt
Little Fall of Rain - Michael Ball, Frances Ruffelle
Drink With Me - Clive Carter
Bring Him Home - Colm Wilkinson
Dog Eats Dog - Alun Armstrong
Javert's Suicide: Solilquy - Roger Allam
Turning
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables - Michael Ball
Wedding Chorale
Beggars at the Feast - Alun Armstrong, Sue Jane Tanner
Finale

Amazon.com

After Les Misérables became a huge hit in London, it moved to Broadway, bringing along two stars from the London production, Colm Wilkinson as the heroic Valjean and Frances Ruffelle as the despondent Eponine. Filling out this 1987 cast are Randy Graff (Fantine), Terrence Mann (Javert), David Bryant (Marius), Judy Kuhn (Cosette), Michael Maguire (Enjolras), and Leo Burmester and Jennifer Butt (the Thénardiers). Whether you prefer the London cast or this one just might depend on which one you heard first, though minor revisions to the show since its London debut make the Broadway version more familiar to current audiences. In fact, the 10th anniversary concert might have the best overall cast of the lot, while the three-disc symphonic recording is a must for completists.

Regardless of cast, Les Misérables has become a sensation. Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg's score is filled with beautiful ballads ("Bring Him Home," "I Dreamed a Dream") and rousing anthems ("One Day More," "Do You Hear the People Sing?"), and Victor Hugo's classic novel of a student uprising in early-19th-century France provides a compelling story line that continues to thrill audiences all over the world. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

Les Miserables.......2007-07-17

I saw a wonderful production of 'Les Mis' in London in 2007, and thoroughly enjoyed it. I was so pleased to find the original Broadway CD on Amazon. I relive the show every time I play it.

An average review for the average listener.......2007-05-08

Looking for a Les Mis album but don't want to get caught up in a debate over so and so being better on London or Broadway or some other show?

I read the book, saw the play, bought this album. Those are my qualifications. As such..

I loved this CD. The sound quality was great, every song was worthwhile, and there was no major problem that would prevent anyone from enjoying their listening experience (despite what you might read on some of these other hyperventilating reviews).

In short: Like the book? Haven't seen the play? Or maybe you have. Either way - Get this CD. You won't regret it.

BEST BROADWAY MUSICAL EVER.......2007-03-25

I HAVE SEEN LES MIZ 6 TIMES, INCLUDING ONCE IN LONDON, AND AS RECENT AS LAST MONTH ON BROADWAY. NOTHING COMPARES TO THIS ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM. THE VOICES ARE RICH AND THE LYRICS CLEAR. THE INSTUMENTALS ARE DYNAMIC AND IT IS EASY TO FOLLOW THE WHOLE STORY LINE AND PICTURE EACH SCENE AS YOU LISTEN.

An AMAZING Broadway hit -- Would make Hugo proud, I believe.......2007-01-08

I began with the abridged version, then listened to the rest on free listings. This musical gives you the story in not only detail but atmoshpere. The songs are heartbreaking, uplifting, terrifying, inspiring, everything the novel was and more. Having read Hugo's long masterpiece is not a pre-requisite to enjoying this fine piece of music, though it does give the listener a feeling of having shared an inside joke.

A Musical So Good It Deserves More Than 5 Stars..........2006-12-31

Okay, so I'm not a "kid" persay, but seeing how I first saw Les Miz when I was 14, am 15 now, and so I figured it would do.
This musical was probably the best thing that I have ever seen. This CD puts together all the wonders and beauty of the musical through the amazingly brilliant (and talented) cast. I have encountered many people who have started out with saying that Broadway is for the weak, but I can safely say that I have shown them the light by playing them this CD. I fall asleep to it, and wake up to it nearly everyday, I listen to it on my iPod while reading the book by Victor Hugo and watch the movies, and while my family think it's a little obsessive of me, I can't help but get it out of my head. Frances Ruffelle (Eponine)'s voice seems to spark something in all those who listen. The best tracks by far have to be:

On My Own
In My Life
A Heart Full of Love
Drink With Me
Lovely Ladies
I Dreamed A Dream
At The End Of The Day
Empty Chairs at Empty Tables

And that's only the first songs I have on first of many iTunes playlists. Among the other CDs of Les Miz that appear, I must recemmend as well the Complete Symphonic Recording. Although it is more expensive, it has all the songs that appear in the musical. This CD has the main bulk, but does not have those little songs that bring each character into more detail. Also, if you feel daring, I recemmend the French Albums. It gives the story more of a feeling of home, since it is France (The Country that speaks French) that the tragically beautiful tale takes place. All in all, this was my first CD of it I got, and I have to say that the music and cast leave a lasting impression. Buy it, and see for yourself.

Les Miserables - The Complete Symphonic Recording

Average customer rating:

Great, definitely go with this and TAC
Awesome
Bought it used - thank God!
magnificent!
Mixed Feelings

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

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Modesty Blaise
Teach Yourself Counselling
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Understanding Variation: The Key to Managing Chaos (2nd Edition)

ASIN: B000003BVK
Release Date: 1990-05-22

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Tracks:

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

Customer Reviews:

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Les Miserables" is a marvelous musical; a stunningly faithful interpretation of Victor Hugo's masterpiece, with an inspiring storyline and unforgettable characters. There are 2 reasons for buying a Les Mis CD - (1) you've seen a performance and want ONE CD to remind you of it or (2) you've become a les Mis junkie (like me) and want multiple versions so you too can hold forth on the rival merits of Andy Warlow vs Michael Maguire, Patty LuPone vs Ruthie Henshaw, Frances Ruffelle vs Kaho Shimada vs Lea Solonga. If you are in the first category, you really want the Tenth Anniversary Concert. The TAC has the complete storyline (albeit slightly abridged), it was recorded live (so there's an unique intensity and chemistry between performers), and from top to bottom it has by far the best cast.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Average customer rating:

Best of Broadway: The Impossible Dream

Manufacturer: Reader's Digest
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00006312Y
Release Date: 2002-03-12

Tracks:

Man Of La Mancha: The Impossible Dream (The Quest)
Les Miserables: I Dreamed A Dream
The Band Wagon: Dancing In The Dark - The Stardust Voices
The Boys From Syracuse: This Can't Be Love - The Romantic Strings Orchestra
The Sound Of Music: Edelweiss
Mexican Hayride: I Love You - The Romantic Strings Orchestra
The King & I: Hello, Young Lovers
South Pacific: This Nearly Was Mine
Jesus Christ Superstar: I Don't Know How To Love Him - Mary Carewe
Of Thee I Sing: Of Thee I Sing
South Pacific: Younger Than Springtime
Follow Thru: Button Up Your Overcoat - The King Sisters, Frank Devol & His Orchestra