Search - Various Artists :: Highlights From Phantom of the Opera

Michael Heath is brilliant!

viggosloof28 | Dublin, CA | 11/02/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"OK, for six bucks this CD was excellent. It met and exceeded my expectations in almost every way, and I recommend it highly to every true phan, though not if you are just getting into the show.



The music leaves a bit to be desired here, as the "Overture" lacks its usual punch due to the overuse of the synthesizer. Some lyrics are changed around, but that just keeps you on your toes. Also, there are some interesting tempo changes/time wobbles in the middle of certain songs that make me cringe even as an amateur kid in jazz band.



Other than that, however, I was deeply impressed. Raoul was appropriately smooth, though a tiny bit more nasal than his counterparts in other versions. Kira Bronte provides a youthful interpretation of Christine, though seems careful not to stray far from Sarah Brightman's definitive precedent.



And Michael Heath...he deserves a paragraph all to himself. After listening to this CD, I am convinced that he is, by far, the best Phantom of all time (not that I don't absolutely love Michael Crawford, Colm, Wilkinson, Hugh Panaro, etc.). His voice is rich and extremely vibratto, adding profound depth to the Phantom, especially in such songs as "Music of the Night," "All I Ask of You," and "Point of No Return." His "MOTN" actually brought tears to my eyes, when he hit the first really high note ("...let you spirit start to soar...") right on. Every note is technically perfect (for that song, anyway) and is simmering with emotion. I also love his "Finale" and "PONR" (listen up phans: when the Phantom gets cut off by the mask-pull, he never says "...all I ask of YOU...", but he does in this version - you should buy the CD just in order to hear that!)...



But enough of my simpering about Mr. Heath. While this CD leaves quite a bit to be desired, it is better than any I have ever heard (I just wish there was more on the CD). It is a steal for 6 dollars, and may convert some people like me who thought that either Gerard Butler or Michael Crawford was THE best Phantom of all time...I wonder how old Mr. Heath was, and why he was not cast in the movie (if he was young enough for Mr. Schumacher's taste)..."

A $4.99 "Phantom" bargain buffet...

vmzfla | Orlando, Fl. | 01/25/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Thats' how I see this set of "highlights". We go to most $4.99

buffets, we enjoy them but the food is just OK, nothing really exceptional.



This is a studio production that is competent enough but seems to lack flair and enthusiasm. This MASTERS disc has no production information except the listing of the four major singers and the 11 tracks. It could have been made by any small city symphony and ensemble. The balance between orchestra and singers is not allways ideal. There also seems to be a greater use of synthesizers than I remember in original cast recordings, most evident in the overture. I could be wrong! This is no way a substitute for the original cast recordings and I'm sure some of those have flaws too. It is hard to botch up Webber's glorious score so at a bargain price this will do. All your favorite highlights are here. I just want a little more inspiration, thats all."