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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This double CD is, in my opinion, the best interpretation of Jesus Christ Superstar - the vocalists are amazing, Steve Balsalmo is the best Jesus (the Gethsemane on this CD is amazing,) Zubin Varla provides an incredibly powerful voice as Judas, Joanna Ampil has a strong Mary Magdelene, David Burt provides a brilliant Pontious Pilate (the song Pilate & Christ on this CD sounds amazing) and Alice Cooper portrays a pretty good Herod. (I also thought Annas was particularly good, though not as original as the interpretation provided in the 2000 version.) The instrumentation on this interpretation is very good - I particularly like the drum line which seems more imaginative than in other versions. The only slight snag is that I don't like the ending of Everything's Allright, I prefer the fade-out as with the 2000 version because it creates such a better fade in to This Jesus Must Die. Overall, very good: particularly Judas & Pilate.
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
Jesus Christ Superstar was Andrew Lloyd Webber's first big success and the second musical he did with, in my opinion, his best lyricist, Tim Rice. The show evoked much controversy when it first appeared in 1970, since the story of the Christ's final days is mainly told from the Judas' point of view and not always according to the Gospels. Hence Mary Magdalene mentions that she is in love with Jesus and after the last supper the Apostles are a bit drunk.
Jesus Christ Superstar is considered as a turning point in modern musical-theatre. It presented something entirely different from past musicals: the plot was new and distinct, the lyrics did not sound shallow and the characters were precisely defined. Also, the piece was entirely sung-through so that the music and the plot became one. All the new musicals afterwards will use some of the new characteristics Superstar introduced leading to almost complete abandonment of the styles that the 50-is and the 60-is used in musicals.
Over the years there were quite a few recordings, however, this one can be considered definite. Both Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice overlooked its making acting as producers, Lloyd Webber making the orchestrations. The cast was mainly assembled from the revival production that run in London from 1996 until 1998, but this recording is known as the studio cast, since Alice Cooper was called in for the role of King Herod. The score is certainly one of the best Webber has ever written; the pure rock sound of the orchestra is simply amazing. When compared to the older recordings, this one has a more polished score and the sound, i.e., the use of the guitars, drums etc, sounds more modern and appropriate. Tim Rice's lyrics are suitable and witty, fitting perfectly with the score.
The cast on this recording made a fantastic job. Steve Balsamo as Jesus is a perfect match in both physical and vocal sense. His voice range is amazing and ranges from smooth and soft to extremely high. The way he holds his voice and hits the notes in "Gethsemane" left me with my mouth opened. One can feel the pain, sadness and unwillingness to finish his task and be crucified. His performance is absolutely amazing. The same thing can be said for Zubin Varla, who plays Judas. His voice is appropriately husky and his solos bring the house down. A clear distinction can be seen between his and Balsamo's voice. Joanna Ampil as Mary Magdalene is reasonable, although she sounds a bit too pathetic for my taste. Alice Cooper is hilarious in his "King Herod's Song", exactly as it is meant to be. The supportive cast was also wisely chosen, David Burt is strong and yet uncertain Pilate, the malice felt in Peter Gallagher's Caiaphas is just perfect. The orchestral performance is spotless. The score ranges from rock numbers to wonderful and touching ballads. The full libretto with cast photographs is included in the booklet.
In the end, I would recommend this recording of Jesus Christ Superstar not only to anyone interested in the very best that the modern musical-theatre has to offer, but also to fans who are looking for the definite recording.
Jesus Christ Superstar is considered as a turning point in modern musical-theatre. It presented something entirely different from past musicals: the plot was new and distinct, the lyrics did not sound shallow and the characters were precisely defined. Also, the piece was entirely sung-through so that the music and the plot became one. All the new musicals afterwards will use some of the new characteristics Superstar introduced leading to almost complete abandonment of the styles that the 50-is and the 60-is used in musicals.
Over the years there were quite a few recordings, however, this one can be considered definite. Both Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice overlooked its making acting as producers, Lloyd Webber making the orchestrations. The cast was mainly assembled from the revival production that run in London from 1996 until 1998, but this recording is known as the studio cast, since Alice Cooper was called in for the role of King Herod. The score is certainly one of the best Webber has ever written; the pure rock sound of the orchestra is simply amazing. When compared to the older recordings, this one has a more polished score and the sound, i.e., the use of the guitars, drums etc, sounds more modern and appropriate. Tim Rice's lyrics are suitable and witty, fitting perfectly with the score.
The cast on this recording made a fantastic job. Steve Balsamo as Jesus is a perfect match in both physical and vocal sense. His voice range is amazing and ranges from smooth and soft to extremely high. The way he holds his voice and hits the notes in "Gethsemane" left me with my mouth opened. One can feel the pain, sadness and unwillingness to finish his task and be crucified. His performance is absolutely amazing. The same thing can be said for Zubin Varla, who plays Judas. His voice is appropriately husky and his solos bring the house down. A clear distinction can be seen between his and Balsamo's voice. Joanna Ampil as Mary Magdalene is reasonable, although she sounds a bit too pathetic for my taste. Alice Cooper is hilarious in his "King Herod's Song", exactly as it is meant to be. The supportive cast was also wisely chosen, David Burt is strong and yet uncertain Pilate, the malice felt in Peter Gallagher's Caiaphas is just perfect. The orchestral performance is spotless. The score ranges from rock numbers to wonderful and touching ballads. The full libretto with cast photographs is included in the booklet.
In the end, I would recommend this recording of Jesus Christ Superstar not only to anyone interested in the very best that the modern musical-theatre has to offer, but also to fans who are looking for the definite recording.
23 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
What really annoys about this recording is the failure to match up to the material. The work is great - the performance and production is poor to say the least.
So what went wrong? My biggest single criticism is the cast. In the original recordings it sounded as if the singers wanted to be rock stars - now they sound like they want to be in a musical. Mary is particualry poor in this version - she has lost the tenderness and naievety that made the 70s version so likeable. Alice Cooper at least gets the attitude right in his Herod, but I'm just not sure that Herod's Song suits him.
As for the remastered music - well it sounds clunky, and the mix has either faded down or lost some of the wonderful instrumental parts (what happened to the wandering guitar that thread its way through Jesus Must Die?).
I'm off to look for an earlier version. It may not be as digital, but hopefully it will have the soul of the piece.
So what went wrong? My biggest single criticism is the cast. In the original recordings it sounded as if the singers wanted to be rock stars - now they sound like they want to be in a musical. Mary is particualry poor in this version - she has lost the tenderness and naievety that made the 70s version so likeable. Alice Cooper at least gets the attitude right in his Herod, but I'm just not sure that Herod's Song suits him.
As for the remastered music - well it sounds clunky, and the mix has either faded down or lost some of the wonderful instrumental parts (what happened to the wandering guitar that thread its way through Jesus Must Die?).
I'm off to look for an earlier version. It may not be as digital, but hopefully it will have the soul of the piece.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Steve Balsamo as Jesus is incredible...
this cd is truly fantastic simply because the voice of Jesus is Steve Balsamo, he is a musical genius, check out his gethsemane on youtube and you will be blown away, this show... Read more
Published 1 month ago by horace femm
Excellent!
I'd forgotten how good this piece really was - and sorry I didn't purchase it sooner! I'd highly recommend it to anyone.
Published 2 months ago by Carol-Ann
JCSS CD
An early version of this show with many fine vocalists. The lyrics have changed slightly in recent productions and tours but are still excellent for assisting learning the show. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mrs Ruth Hogg
Peerless Production
This has to be the ultimate recording of arguably the best musical of all time. The entire cast is outstanding, but of particular note is Steve Balsamo, who, as others have said,... Read more
Published 6 months ago by A. D. A. Davis
Super superstar
This is the 3rd copy of this particular version of Superstar, it's the only
one my husband will listen to. Read more
one my husband will listen to. Read more
Published 14 months ago by Malongley
why is it taking so long?
I'm going away next week and that was supposed to be a present, it has been over a week since i paid for this item and i haven't received it yet. Why is it taking so long?
Published 16 months ago by ...
sounds good, but boring
I am very disappointed. It sounds good, but boring. It is not a rockopera, it is just a well made musical. I'm going to get the original soundtrack.
Published 16 months ago by kissa
first thoughts
I have only listened to this once but I confirm the excellent quality of the performance, essential for an Andrew Lloyd Webber collection
Published 24 months ago by J. R. Wicks
the best cast recording of Jesus Christ Superstar I have ever listened...
This recording is not my only one CD, because in former times I sampled only the Highlights of many musicals. Read more
Published on 19 Oct 2009 by Claustro
Listen and weep!
Steve Balsamo is one of the most talented singers of his generation. His version of Gethsamane is truly breathtaking. Buy this CD for this track alone and I defy you not to weep! Read more
Published on 22 Sep 2009 by Hellen
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