09 September 2003
All right, so most of you will have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about in this post. Just a warning.
The 1989 Canadian cast recording of "The Phantom of the Opera" was my introduction to this wonderful musical. My parents actually went to Toronto when I was in fifth grade (at least, I think it was fifth grade) and saw them perform. They brought home this CD as a souvenir, along with a few pins of the Phantom's mask and a program.
I became obsessed with this CD. First of all, it was the first time I had ever heard of a Christine in anything. Second, the story is just plain powerful--Christine is the object of the Phantom's obsession while also being courted by Raoul, a Vicomte. Third, the music is beautiful. "Think of Me" and "All I Ask of You" are simply gorgeous, gorgeous songs. And "Down Once More" is passionate, made so with the interlacing trio of voices.
So what if the orchestra is somewhat cheesy for this version? I grew up with this one, and today I heard the original London cast recording with Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. Couldn't match it, not at all! Comparatively, Sarah's voice is so much thinner and nasal than Rebecca Caine's. The same goes for Michael Crawford matched with Colm Wilkinson, who has such a full voice.
This is why I am so sad right now: I left this CD back home. Why did I do such a stupid thing as this?!
The 1989 Canadian cast recording of "The Phantom of the Opera" was my introduction to this wonderful musical. My parents actually went to Toronto when I was in fifth grade (at least, I think it was fifth grade) and saw them perform. They brought home this CD as a souvenir, along with a few pins of the Phantom's mask and a program.
I became obsessed with this CD. First of all, it was the first time I had ever heard of a Christine in anything. Second, the story is just plain powerful--Christine is the object of the Phantom's obsession while also being courted by Raoul, a Vicomte. Third, the music is beautiful. "Think of Me" and "All I Ask of You" are simply gorgeous, gorgeous songs. And "Down Once More" is passionate, made so with the interlacing trio of voices.
So what if the orchestra is somewhat cheesy for this version? I grew up with this one, and today I heard the original London cast recording with Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. Couldn't match it, not at all! Comparatively, Sarah's voice is so much thinner and nasal than Rebecca Caine's. The same goes for Michael Crawford matched with Colm Wilkinson, who has such a full voice.
This is why I am so sad right now: I left this CD back home. Why did I do such a stupid thing as this?!