lucesprit
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My take on Les Mis recordings: in favor of the OBCHi all, I'm new here. I'm rather new to the Les Mis musical too, though not to the book, which I've known since childhood. I've been nursing my Les Mis obsession for some time now, and thought I'd log in and join, and also give my two cents regarding various stuff.
As for my Les Mis history: I've listened to the OBC, CSR, TAC, and a few bits and pieces from the OLC, in that order. Sadly, I haven't had the chance and good fortune to watch it on stage yet.
My absolute fave recording is the OBC. In my view it's as near-definitive, and nearly perfect, as any of the major recordings get. Though it was also the first recording I've listened to, so that may be the reason that it stuck as my fave.
I just voted for the OBC in the recordings poll thread below, and it seems that I'm the first to do so here, out of more than a few people. Also, from what I've heard elsewhere, I just don't get why a lot of people seem to be the most disappointed with the OBC cast out of the other major recordings, for some reason. This bothers me a bit.  So I thought I'd give an overview of why I think it doesn't deserve this reputation.
In my opinion, the OBC has it all in terms of performance. The quicker tempo makes for an exhilirating experience, and the music is crisp and clear.
The actors are simply wonderful; I don't think I'd have changed anyone if I had to select them for my dream cast. Maybe just David Bryant.
Colm Wilkinson is absolutely awesome in the lead here; strangely, from the little I heard of his earlier performance in the OLC, his singing there sounded really flat and raspy, quite lacking the powerful timbre of his performance in the OBC and later the TAC.
The OBC also had the amazing Terry Mann as Javert. I love Terry Mann. While Quast is definitely THE ONE Javert, he is not the ONLY. Quast literally personifies Javert, acts and sings him superbly to a T. He also infuses much more emotion into the character, shouting some of the lines ("It is either Valjean - or Javert!!!") that Mann only sings flatly. But Quast's singing is also often a bit off-rhythm, he strangely stresses syllables at random, and that ruins it a bit for me. On the other hand, Mann is perfect in this respect, as can be heard in his flawless rendition of "Stars", where Quast (in both CSR and TAC) was kinda lacking. So Mann is a very close second that often becomes first for me, depending on my mood.
I've also seen that people are complaining about some stuff in the OBC like: the overacting Fantine; the wailing/screeching Eponine; and the overly-Americanized Thenardiers. Frankly, I just can't see any of this as being bad; rather, on the contrary, these are among the best things about the OBC, in my opinion.
Randy Graff is THE one and only DEFINITIVE Fantine for me, though admittedly LuPone and then Henshall may come close seconds. Byrne in the CSR was a bit annoying and didn't sound right. Graff really does act the role like none of the others does, and it comes out simply heart-wrenching and powerful.
Similarly, Ruffelle is THE Eponine (something I was glad to see that others are feeling as well), and it's exactly that unique voice of hers and its occasional "whiney" quality, that make her so. Even if she hadn't been the one who originated the role in the OLC and OBC, she'd still be the best in my opinion. Salonga is fantastic and powerful, but is just not quite Eponiney. Shimada is okay, and often even cute with the accent and those soft whispers, but she is also lacking in comparison with Ruffelle.
And the American Thenardiers? This is actually a great advantage in my view, as I don't seem to enjoy the cockney interpretations as much as I do Burmester's and Butt's in the OBC. Barry James does a great cockney rogue, and he certainly grows on you after a while. But Burmester's quirky edge and fun acting give the character an amazing "glint in the eye", so to speak. He absolutely shines as the comic scoundrel in MOTH and BATF, and as the dangerous and debased villain in "Attack on Rue Plumet" and DOD. As for Alun Armstrong, well, I don't really have an impression for better or for worse, he was kinda boring.
About the same goes for the Thenardiesses(...essesses)  . Jennifer Butt was appropriately shrewish and mean, and had a strong voice and great acting. I was so disappointed to see that many of her best bits were not included in the OBC OST. Conversely, Gay Soper of the CSR sounded like a dying bird or something, with those high-pitched screeches. A particularly painful bit to hear was her harangue in "Castle on a Cloud". As for Jenny Galloway, I don't remember enough of her performance to comment on it.
As for the rest, all of them crooks. David Bryant is somewhat bland, but strangely enough, I actually find myself liking him better than the excellent Michael Ball. Maybe it's just that Bryant sounds more innocent and dreamy than Ball. More Mariusy at times.
Cosette is definitely Kuhn, not much to say there. She's better than Caine and MUCH better than Shayne.
Enjolras is a tough call. But I think I'll stick with the OBC here too. Warlow in the CSR is terrific, but Maguire is more solid.
Braden Danner is my fave Gavroche! He is delightful! Though, I did like the CSR's more upbeat instrumental accompaniment for "Little People" than the OBC's version of that song.
Anthony Crivello was awesome and funny as Grantaire in the OBC (not so much in the TAC though).
Norman Large is THE definitive bishop of Digne, as the bishops in the other recordings were boring and underacted in comparison.
Oh, and there was Jesse Corti (?? I think) as Courfeyrac in the OBC, who was just awfully cute, sounding all the time like he has this really severe case of head cold.
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Orestes Fasting
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For once I'd be interested to hear people arguing in favor of a recording that wasn't their first. The first one you hear shapes your entire vision of the show; of course you'll have a soft spot for it. I adore the OLC in most respects (Patti LuPone and David Burt being the exceptions), but fully admit that's because it was my only exposure to LM for a long time. Like Bossuet's old coat, I've gotten comfortable with it and mold myself around its character and quirks and deformities, and I'll wager you did the same with the OBC. All these interpretations are The Definitive ones for you, just as Roger Allam is my definitive Javert and Rebecca Caine is my favorite Cosette.
As for the OBC... I find the production just a little too slick, and prefer slower tempos. (On some songs. One Day More is far better up-tempo, and for some reason I twitch when Empty Chairs is taken too slow.) As for the performances... I find that Wilkinson and Ruffelle have more character on the TAC and OLC respectively, I dislike Terrence Mann, Americanized Th�nardiers don't work for me (though I like Butt's interpretation more after seeing her live), Randy Graff's screechiness and overacting annoy me, the brassiness and general American-ness of Judy Kuhn's voice irritate me beyond belief, and David Bryant sounds half-dead. The high points of the recording are really Michael Maguire and Anthony Crivello, who both sound loads better on the OBC than the TAC.
....and if you think that sounds harsh, never ask me what I think of the CSR.  Really, there are various things I find acutely annoying about all the English-language LM recordings, and none of them are present on the foreign ones. Granted, some of the foreign ones have their own problems, but at least they can all find Cosettes who don't want to make me reach for the earplugs.
And yes, among the 20 or so Les Mis recordings I own, the OLC occupies and always will occupy the most special place in my heart. Because it was my first. I realize you feel the same way about the OBC and that's cool, I just doubt you're going to convince anyone of its merits just by saying "X is the definitive actor/actress in the role of Y for me." I'll argue to the death of me that the Paris revival cast is the best LM recording, but at the end of the day (hur hur), the OLC is Les Mis for me and me only. I can point out objectively certain things I like about it, but I can't convince anyone else to share the emotional impact it has on me.
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Superstar83
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I've been really wanting to hear the OBC for a long time now, and after reading your review, even though it comes across as slightly biased, makes me want to buy a copy.
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Jordan
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I'm currently bidding for the OBC on ebay... If I win, I'll let you know my thoughts.
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Timmy_Wishes he was Quast
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Havong rcently got my hands on a copy of the OBC i enjoyed it more than my others. BUt i don't agree with everything our honourable friend mentions in the first review.
Initially i would like to say that i find Jenny Galloway to be the THE M.Thenardier. No question. her performance is delightful, and her physical dominace a pure vocal power bring her up turmps. But this is not to say i don't like Jennifer Butt's interitaion. I just don't find it to be as close to how I PERSONALLY imagine M.Thenardier.
Thenardier himself however, now thats even more difficult. I would prefer a hybrid of all three. However having experinced Barry James LIVe i would say he edges ahead, to me he obtained the perfect balance between humour and evil.
Quast, for once i am no longer impressed. I tend to look at two songs for THE javert elements. The Confrontation and Suicide. Quast holds his own on both, but Rodger Allam's unique sound, and Mann's contrast is perfect. I think i'd like to see Mann and Quast live. Then and only then i could make my decision. However currently they are on a parr.
Colm. NO. Sorry people. I have to go with Morris. Don't ask me why BUT i love him more. Its just the way i feel.
Ruffelle. Yes. She is much better on the OBC than the OLC. But either way i find her amazing. Though Shimida is not without her appeal.
Ball wins.
AND Cosette. Well...Caine wins. Every other cossette in my opinion sounds strained and sometimes screech. Caine floats through her entire performance. Kuhn grates on me.
Warlow. Period.
Fantine. She is my major undecided. Every version brings something new to the role.
Now i am done. BUT i would like to point out i do not fight the corner of my first recording. I first got the TAC, and do not defend it rigidly. In fact i beleive it was majorly flawed. But there you go.
P.S sorry for spelling errors but it is late...and i cannot be botherred to go back and correct!
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convict24601
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Nice one, Timmy.
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Aimee
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| GayBoy wrote: | | I'm currently bidding for the OBC on ebay... If I win, I'll let you know my thoughts. |
I won the OBC on vinyl a while back and it was signed by the whole B'way cast. I still haven't listened to it.
Me bad!
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Sairin
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I think the OBC is probably my least favourite of the cast recordings. I don't like the performers one bit (I have a slight soft spot for Randy Graff as my first Fantine, but still recognise that she approaches the role in completely the wrong way), but beyond that, I have a whole bunch of other reasons.
First - I *hate* the CSR. With the exception of Quast, Shimada and Warlow I find the performers wholeheartedly repellent, Quast puts in a much better performance on the TAC, Shimada is far better in Japanese and Warlow, while blessed with a lovely pair of chords, isn't much of an actor. But I think the CSR is useful, while the OBC is superfluous. Why? Because it's complete. For those who don't have other ways and means, the CSR is the only way for them to get hold of the entire show, and that is worth having no matter how much you dislike the performers. The OLC is a valuable piece of history, as it shows the show pre-changes. So it's between the OBC and the TAC, as two recordings with similar cuts. Now, the TAC is longer, has a sixty-piece orchestra and far superior sound quality, also the added benefit of being live. So I still think all these are much more worthwhile than the OBC, regardless of whether or not you like the performers.
(I dislike the vast majority of legally recorded performers in English, just so you know.)
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LesMisForever
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| Sairin wrote: |
(I dislike the vast majority of legally recorded performers in English, just so you know.) |
It is good to have you back Sairin. But, i am sure you will change your opinion once your beloved JOJ will legaly record his version  .
I think Sairin is little bit harsh.
My favourite remains TAC. Apart from Enjolras ( and Cosette to a lesser extent, eventhough i don't really care who sings Cosette. 90% of time i skip her songs) i love the cast, and they are my favourite in their respective roles. Maguire is not bad Enjolras at all, but i prefer Warlow, who is more convincing as a leader IMO.
My second favourite is CSR, BUT only from Paris onwards. I can't stand Fantine on the CSR.
OLC as Sairin said is nice piece of history.
OBC is my least favourite. It has nothing special about it. Furthermore it has an awful Marius IMO. I do like Randy Graff, but her shouting in "Come to me" is really bad.
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Bex
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...hmm...well the first recording i heard was OLC...it was...alright...not my fav though...
TAC...i think it's fair to say this is obvously a concert...some of the cast sound a little uncomfortable at part...I think Quast found the limitation f acting a struggle and that comes accross in his performance...same with Colm...
OBC...hmm...it's very different to every interpritation i have heard...yet certain parts of it...for me...miss the mark...i dont feel that spine chillingness of the ending as i do in other recordings...and its small things like that which for me...MAKE a recording an experience rather than just a cd.
Finally CSR...i love this recording...it has a it of everything as it was recorded al over the world...and encompasses some of the greatest les mis cast members in les mis history. Barry James...what a legend!! Quast...The Lord of Javert...Kaho...what an inspiration, she doesnt even speak english, yet i find it hard to fault her performance. Ball...well...to me, although he gets on my nervous a little...he is marius...and so on and so on...
if somebody was to ask for the ONE les mis recording, to me it would ave to be the CSR...it has a great...practically faultless cast...and it's complete!
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digitalxdoll
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My favorite recording is the OLC. I think all the cast are great (i might change a few performances) but there is no one who is terrible, IMO.
Colm is great, he is at his best on this recording (along with TAC).
I really like Allam's Javert, yes i prefer Quast but i think Allam does a good job also.
Patti LuPone's Fantine leaves alot to be desired but better than Randy Graff in my view.
Michael Ball is great though sometimes annoys me if i listen to him too much. But my two favorites have to be Frances Ruffelle (who is the best Eponine i have heard or seen live) and Rebecca Caine (who is so much better than Judy Kuhn and Tracey Shayne, IMO)
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Jekkienumber24601
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Warlow isn't much of an actor? have you heard Jekyll & Hyde. Even with his voice he envokes th best emotion acting I've ever heard. hands down, best Enjorlas, best Jekyll best at everyhting GO ANTHONY WARLOW!
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Bex
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oh what recording is he on? i keep meaing to buy a J&H album...and i want the one with him on it as he's fantastic...
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Mademoiselle Lanoire
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The 1995 Studio Cast one-the one with the black, white, and red cover.
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Sairin
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| Jekkienumber24601 wrote: | | Warlow isn't much of an actor? have you heard Jekyll & Hyde. Even with his voice he envokes th best emotion acting I've ever heard. hands down, best Enjorlas, best Jekyll best at everyhting GO ANTHONY WARLOW! |
Wow, you need to experience more actors.
I have heard Jekyll & Hyde, and while he was much better on there, that's because he had what was in my opinion pretty simplistic material. I believe Enjolras to be a very difficult part to act simply because of the nature of the character, and I think on the CSR at least he didn't act through his voice all that well.
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Timmy_Wishes he was Quast
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I have yet to experience ANY one who has convinced me that they are enjolras.
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Colle
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None of the actors I have seen play Enjolras have impressed me, John Andrew Clark and Matthew Shepard. I have heard the current U.S. tour Enjolras, Victor Wallance(I think) is good and hopefully I will see him in the role. As for recording Enjolras, I like both MaGuire and Warlow equally, both show a lot of passion.
As for my favorite recording, the TAC and the CSR are my favorites. TAC was basically my first recording, so it has a special place in my heart, plus I like Ruthie and Lea. As for the CSR, I like the fact that it is a recording of the whole show as it was at the time, and I like the orchestration. Sorry to say that the OBC is my least favorite, it probably has something to do with the orchestration; it might have been kind of a let down to me after hearing the TAC and CSR. Frances Rueffelle is my least favorite recorded Eponine, she is not awful but there are times I don't like the sound of her voice(it seems a little too whiney). Lea I thought was wonderful(I love her characterization). Kaho took a little getting used too, but I like her just as much as Lea now and I think she has the best "pretending."
It is interesting that I did get to hear Randy Graff's IDAD before Ruthie's. I have been a figure skating fan most of my life, and in 1993 I remember a skating competation in which a skater named Karen Kadavey skated to Randy's IDAD. I think Randy is good, but when I heard Ruthie's it became my favorite recorded version of the song.
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