Customer Reviews
Superb! - By: C. Wright, 18 Aug 2007 
I own the film soundtrack & this original cast recording version. I've seen the show 4 times now & this CD brings back the memories; the Overture does give you goose bumps & from this recording you get the flavour of the theatre experience.
When sung well, as they are in this case, 'Music of the Night' & 'All I Ask of You' are very moving. Sarah Brightman is the star of the original show as her voice is truly moving. I've always been skeptical about Michael Crawford, although his signing is excellent, I don't think brings the true gravitas of the character of the Phantom alll that well.
I do like his interpretation of 'Music of the Night' though.
I've always preferred a Phantom that doesn't have too much of a 'Choir-Boy' type voice; Crawford gets close to this for me but never quite crosses the line. I saw performance once in London & it was a Stand-in Phantom & his voice was too high, I'm afraid!
Speaking of which, go & see Earl Carpenter, currently starring in the West End in London as the Phantom. He is the master. The last time I went with my wife-to-be & he was perfect; his portrayal of 'Music of the Night' that night was the best I've ever seen or heard, anywhere including New York (the Broadway cast were no slackers either, they were excellent).
So, which is best, the film or this soundtrack? My answer is they are both excellent, but are both very different portrayals of the songs. Get them both because it's worth it.
Fabulous!!! - By: Ms. Rachel Young, 12 Jul 2007 I saw a recent production of the Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre in London....this album takes me right back...the overture gives me goosebumps!!! I would recomend this album to anyone who is a an of the Phantom of the Opera!!
Phantom of the Opera review - By: Feebz, 07 Jun 2007 This album is an original cast recording of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical production of the phantom of the opera based on the book by Gaston Leroux.
It tells the story of a once great composer, who after an accident, was left with a deformed face. He wears a mask & hides in the depths of the Paris Opera House. He is known as the "Phantom of the Opera" as he scares the performers & demands wages & a seat at every performance.
However the supposedly heartless Phantom fallls in love with his pupil Christine Daaé. She begins to like him but when his face is revealed to her she is struck with horror.
She is then reunited with her childhood friend Raoul de Chagny. She fallls in love with him and, as expected the Phantom is furious.
He resorts to anything even murder, to get Christine back. However it just makes her more frightened of him. Despite his evil ways, you feel sorry for the Phantom at the end.
The music written to explain the story is amazing. When listening to the album you're transported to Her Majesty's theatre, as it feels as if you are in the audience. I think this is the main aim with recordings of musicals, & this one certainly achieved it.
This album includes many famous songs that are familiar to people worldwide. When first released the Phantom of the Opera made many music hits with its songs. Some songs are "phantom of the opera", "wishing you were some how here again", "music of the night" & "masquerade" to name a few.
Although it is a long album it is worth buying because the story is very easy to follow. The music immediately draws you in & leaves you feeling entertained. If you have watched the performance, this album is a great opportunity to remind you of the songs.
My favourite CD of all time. - By: Londoner, 13 Apr 2007 This reallly is my favourite collection of songs of alll time. Need I explain? The music speaks for itself. I grew up with the CD in the car as a baby, in the time of recorded tapes, & saw the production on my thirteenth birthday. I still listen to it now (although on CD!), & am planning a return to the theatre.
Andrew Lloyd Webbers works are alll fantastic, but in my opinion this one shows his true talent & merits. The complexity of the melodies, & various singers in every song amaze me every time I listen - in particular to "Prima Donna".
A true classic in the history of music. I recommend this CD to everyone who has an interest in truly wonderful music, obviously with a focus on musicals & west-end productions. Certainly growing up with this music has made me far more appreciative of fabulous music & the arts than many of my friends!
I imagine this CD will be with me forever. A bargain if ever I saw one.
ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT!!! - By: K. Powell, 23 Feb 2007 Cannot honestly say how much I LOVE the CD! Michael Crawford & Sarah Brightman are perfect in the roles of Phantom & Christine, & make it so believable.
I have been to see the stage show recently, & a few of the lyrics have been changed since (quite a lot in 'Think of Me' & a few in 'Down Once More' at the end)
If you loved the show, the CD is a must!!
