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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
At Christmastime of 1959, three Louisiana children discover a man with bloody hands and feet. Is he Jesus Christ, or is he the convicted murderer reportedly on the loose? This searing question is the basis of Whistle Down the Wind, Andrew Lloyd Webber's long-awaited new musical, and fans will find it worth the wait. A study of the faith of children contrasted with the caution and fear of adults, the story was adapted from a novel by Mary Hayley Bell and a 1961 film produced by Richard Attenborough, but its setting was transferred from northern England to the American South, giving Lloyd Webber a good excuse to indulge in rock & roll and gospel. Of course, he provides his usual supply of catchy melodies, including the rousing "Vaults of Heaven", the tender title tune, and the peppy children's number "When Children Rule the World". Long time listeners will also recognize elements from earlier shows--the opening-scene anthem (Aspects of Love), the anguished potential saviour (Jesus Christ Superstar), the climactic manhunt (Phantom of the Opera)--leading to a final collision of musical themes and overheated emotions. Whistle Down the Wind stumbled in its 1996 Washington, D.C. run and never made it to Broadway, but is realized here by its 1998 London cast, including Marcus Lovett as the mysterious man, Lottie Mayor as his most ardent believer, Dean Collinson as a James Dean wannabe, and Veronica Hart as Collinson's black girlfriend. The major drawback to this relatively unknown but solid cast is its anomalistic British accents or awkward attempts at American Southern ones. Listeners might have to use their imagination to fill in the story, as the libretto includes all the lyrics and dialogue, but no indications of song titles or track numbers, no stage directions, and no synopsis. --David Horiuchi
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
When I heard about this musical I was worried about it destroying a lovely book. it DOES destroy a lovely book but this recording is so wonderful that it makes up for everything. Typically Andrew lloyd Webber but brought into the 1990's at least. The music is brilliant and the singers do actually act. The music has a destinctly rockish, and it's well orchestrated. The music highlights the dramatic story. A lot of people talk about the bottom drawer technique with this being one big rip of other musicals. it's not. Marcus Lovette is poorer, but Swallow makes up for it several times over and the children are brilliant. This is a dark musical, but the peppy children's song really give a feel good factor, and the sound engineering on this recording really does bring it alive. It's very complete and the nearest thing you could have, without being in the theatre. I bought this on impulse buying, and it's good. Go buy it!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD
This is one of the best andrew lloyd webber releases ever. You can clearly hear the influence of rock legend and meat loaf composer Jim Steinman. The musical starts powerfull with "the vaults of heaven" whitch reminds of the "jurassic park" soundtrack. "I never get what i pray for"is a nice song with a catching little melody. The title song i didn't like that much but "when children rule the world"is one of the best and most simple songs Andrew has ever written. "Tire tracks and broken hearts" is also a super song, just as "no matter what". Boyzone already used this song on their last album. "Nature of the beast" is also a very strong song, but my favorite is "a kiss is a terrible thing to waste". I never saw the show but I really like the cd. my advise:BUY IT!!!!!
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Whistle Down The Wind is one of Andrew Lloyd Webbers better musicals (think Aspects Of Love - oh dear). This is one cute story I can tell you. Its set in a little town in America in the 1960's which is very religious. The towns priest tells the town that Jesus is coming and that they will all be saved. The children it seems, take this too literally for when a murderer escapes from prison and finds refuge in the heroines barn (Swallow, an older teenager), she believes he is Jesus as does her little sister and brother who then spread the word to all the other children. By the middle of the musical 'Jesus' is taken care of by all the children in town. The high light of this musical is definitely the motor bike riding James Dean wannabe 'Amos', who has a crush on Swallow even though he already has a girlfriend - Candy. Even though the man is murderer, the villains of this story are the adults. Thirsty for revenge with evil music to back up their views. There is a battle between the 'boring' adults and the wonderous children.
The music is absolutely memorable and the songs will stay in your head for days. The music is full of life and child like wonder. Most people would of heard 'No Matter What' since there was a single version made performed by Boyzone, but the original song sung by the children is much better and emotional. You can feel the children's adventure and hope in 'Children Of The World'.
The lyrics are fantastic, what can I say? If only tears were laughter. If only night was day. If only prayers were answers, then we would hear god say. There are morals in this musical that teach you to just get on with life since 'If only' are the loneliest words. The most fantastic song is 'A Kiss is a Terrible Thing to Waste'. The most amazing build up, orchestration and lyrics and it is sung by Swallow, the Man, Candy and Amos. It has every emotion fit into one song, if you ever get the chance then I suggest the Metallic orchestra version which is probably one of the best songs that Andrew has ever done.
The performances are absolutely wonderful, especially from the children, Swallows (Lotti Mayor) put on accent sounds a bit over done at times but that's the only thing wrong with it. The children sound beautiful and they hit their notes with complete accuracy. Wonderful little professionals. Candy has a rich and powerful voice. Amos (played by Dean Collinson here) can sound a bit too overdone at times also but over all he is brilliant. Totally does the James Dean thing perfectly.
This double cd comes with a full libretto, all lyrics, characters, actions and parts of the story that is not recorded on the cds. There are bright and colourful pictures and has full actors and actresses list. In every way the packaging is top quality.
I can only say, give it a try, brilliant music, lyrics, performances and story. You would be mad not to give it a listen.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Whistle down the wind cd
Recently saw the musical at the theatre this cd is a brilliant reminder of show has the talked story as well as all the music.
Published on 28 May 2010 by Mrs. Joyce M. Richards
An Impressive cd - so pleased I bought it
Having been to see the current tour of 'Whistle Down the Wind' which I really loved, much to my surprise as I had gone to see Jonathon Ansell and knew little of the show itself. Read more
Published on 20 May 2010 by C. Andrades
WDTW Cast Recording
As I'm going to see the stage show in May, I wanted to hear some of the music from it and this album provided just that. Read more
Published on 15 Mar 2010 by cathyk2002
I Just Didn't Get It
I have been a fan of Lloyd Webber musicals for many years and have without exception found them all to have some merit and when Whistle Down The Wind was released I duly purchased... Read more
Published on 31 Mar 2008 by Mrs. L. A. Smith
JUST GREAT!
'Whistle down the wind' is the best Andrew Lloyd webber musical ever!
I haven't seen it, I have only heard the CD, but thats enough! Read more
I haven't seen it, I have only heard the CD, but thats enough! Read more
Published on 26 Jan 2006 by "signemodig"
A terrible thing to miss...
Having recently seen this musical i advise everyone to go and see it! I was shocked at how good it actually was. Read more
Published on 28 Jun 2005 by "madamaxbutterfly"
A HIGHLY UNDERRATED LLOYD WEBBER'S GEM
"Whistle down the wind" was Andrew Lloyd Webber's first fresh work after "Sunset Blvd" premiered in 1993. Read more
Published on 21 Nov 2004 by Marijan Bosnar
Great CD, shame about the Show
The CD is excellent, if somewhat of a different venture for Andrew Lloyd Webber. After hearing the CD, it inspired me to go out and see the Original London production and cast,... Read more
Published on 16 April 2003
Simply wonderful ...
This is a clearly vastly underrated Lloyd Webber musical, often in the shadow of his other works like "Cats" and "The Phantom of the Opera". Read more
Published on 27 April 2001
So great you'll want to see the show...
I really enjoyed watching this show. The songs are strong, varied and often emotional. As well as the well known title track and the Boyzone covered 'No matter what', it includes... Read more
Published on 19 Jan 2001
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