Search - Elmer Hawkes :: The Hunchback Of Notre Dame (1997 Studio Cast)

Some great, some good, some bad

06/24/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"When it's bad, it's lousy -- but when it's good, it's terrific. Songs like "Philosopher of the Streets," and "The Silence of the Dawn" really drag the piece down with overly-simplistic melodies and odd lyrics.But then you hear "Alchemy," a haunting ballad sung by Frollo (Dared Wright) as he attempts to understand his his feelings for Esmerelda (Susan Rubin), or "A Star in One Man's Universe," another beautiful ballad sung together by Frollo, Phoebus (Mark Light-Orr) and Quasimodo (Chip Phillips), and all is forgiven. These two pieces alone make the CD worthwhile.My favorite cut is "Making My Own Way By," Esmerelda's introductory piece. Susan Rubin's voice is a treat.You'll have to wade through some rough cuts to get to the highlights, but the CD is still a worthwhile purchase. And certainly this is a more emotionally mature version than that made by Disney, much truer to the story and the times."

Lacks the depth, darkness and tragedy of the novel

Marina J. Neary | Stamford, CT United States | 12/28/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I got this CD because I am such a fan of the original novel. Yes, there are some decent (not great) soundtracks, but none of them have the darkness of the novel. The melodies are superficial feel-gooders. My favorite piece is "Alchemy". I wish the rest of the pieces were more like it."

Very beautiful music! I love it!

I. M. Hinman | USA | 11/21/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very well done musical with beautiful songs for each character. I especially like "A Star In One Man's Universe," "Making My Own Way By," and "Philosepher of the Streets." Beautiful choral work also.

I reccommend it to any musical lover!

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