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Elegies - A Song Cycle by William Finn
William Finn, Carolee Carmello, Betty Buckley
Elegies - A Song Cycle by William Finn
Genres: Pop, Soundtracks, Broadway & Vocalists
 
  •  Track Listings (18) - Disc #1

William Finn's career in the musical theater is pretty remarkable considering that he doesn't write traditional show tunes--much less traditional shows. But Finn has a gift for catchy melodies and his emotionally engaging ...  more »

     
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CD Details

All Artists: William Finn, Carolee Carmello, Betty Buckley
Title: Elegies - A Song Cycle by William Finn
Members Wishing: 2
Total Copies: 0
Label: Varese Sarabande
Release Date: 6/24/2003
Album Type: Cast Recording
Genres: Pop, Soundtracks, Broadway & Vocalists
Styles: Vocal Pop, Classic Vocalists, Musicals, Traditional Vocal Pop
Number of Discs: 1
SwapaCD Credits: 1
UPC: 030206218923

Synopsis

Amazon.com
William Finn's career in the musical theater is pretty remarkable considering that he doesn't write traditional show tunes--much less traditional shows. But Finn has a gift for catchy melodies and his emotionally engaging work has a way of intimately connecting with audiences (during the initial run of Elegies, hardened New Yorkers could be seen trying to hide their tears). Though no storyline links these songs, they are united by the underlining idea of loss; in turn funny, tender, witty, biting and quietly devastating, they form a unified tapestry. Musically, Finn can turn out perky little numbers and powerful ballads--"Anytime (I Am There)" could conceivably be a hit if some contemporary pop diva did it. Led by Betty Buckley and Carolee Carmello, the cast is completely in sync with the material. Some of the narrative-heavy pieces recall Michel Legrand's sung-through work (and there are Legrand-like flourishes on "Monica & Mark"), but in the end Finn is very much his own man: There's nobody quite like him in the American musical-theater world, and Elegies just brings more evidence of that. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

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CD Reviews

A Light Beyond Death
Stewart | Columbus, OH USA | 01/04/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)

"I was initially concerned that an entire score about the passing of loved ones would be painful and dreary. And don't get me wrong, I like painful and dreary, but not for an entire cd. So I was greatly relieved when I listened to Elegies for the first time. I had already heard Anytime (I am There), Infinite Joy, and Turning on the Infinite Joy cd, so it's lovely to hear that the rest of the score lives up to those numbers, with the possible exception of the song about the dogs. The cast is vocally strong, and their passion comes through on the recording. Standouts are Keith Byron Kirk on "Mr Choi and Madame G", and with Carolee Carmello on "Goodbye", Betty Buckley on "14 Dwight Ave., Natick Massachussetts, Carolee on "Anytime" and "Passover", Michael Rupert on "Mark's All-Male Thanksgiving" and Christian Borle on "Turning". Overall, Elegies celebrates the lives of the departed with joy and light, and most importantly, the idea that life goes on."
My first William Finn CD - - GREAT!!!
Bryan Bessner | 08/30/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is my first William Finn CD. Honestly, I haven't heard yet Falsettoland, Mach of F., A New Brain, and Infinite Joy. I am hearing William Finn's songs for the first time. I have to say that the CD is a mix bag of songs, some are perfectly hummable, some are on the "irregular" side (focusing on intent and meaning). However, the power of the songs cannot be denied. It is nice to hear though that despite the diversity of the songs, they are very connected with each other. For instance, the shift from Looking Up, to "mister choi", and later on towards "mark's all-male thanksgiving" is very clear. The emotions and the sincerity of the songs are supported by the honest delivery of the singers like Carollee Carmello, Keith Byron Kirk; Michael Rupert, and Betty Buckley. Though Betty Buckley may sound shrill on some parts of Infinite Joy, it is quite forgivable. After all, she is a very good character singer. Her version of "Only One" is a must-hear for all teachers who are on the verge of questioning their profession's worth. The CD liner notes put it correctly, the songs express celebration of life."
Best CD you'll buy this year!
Andrew | detroit, michigan USA | 06/26/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)

"William Finn's new songcycle is the most incredible compilation of songs written in my recent memory. There is not a song work skipping on this CD. It will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. Finn's songs are just right, never tear-jerking or corny. Exceptional songs on this CD are "Mister Choi & Madame G," Carolee Carmello's beautiful and hilarious renditions of "Passover" and "Anytime," Betty Buckley's moving "Infinite Joy" and my personal favorite, the hilarious and just sooo cute "My Dogs." It seems silly to say which songs are my favorite because they are each so good. If you have any appreciation in music of any kind, this CD should be added to your collection."