Search - Richard Cocciante, Luc Plamondon :: Notre Dame de Paris

THE best!

03/03/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This double CD version, (as well as the French concept version), are entirely not to be missed! I can't help encouraging EVERYONE, French speakers or not, to buy THIS version, instead of the English one, which is too cut to pieces, and a bit dull sounding. I have been collecting musicals for... never mind how long, and I can freely call this one The best when it comes to the performances, enthusiasm, passion, and absolutely gorgeous music. Plamondon's lyrics are also good. I didn't speak one word of French when I bought this CD, and the French concept, and I am now learning it, not because I couldn't understand the story (most of the performances are so strong-- Garou, Lavoie, Pelletier, Mervil, Fiori, that they simply tell the story with the singing) but because I've become so enthusiastic with the beauty of the language! Run, don't walk..."

Not a BRAND NEW Recording.

Robert Lopez | California | 06/27/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is NOT NEW. This CD is the ORIGINAL FRENCH CONCEPT ALBUM (sung in French) recorded in 1997 or 1998 and released in France, I believe to promote the show. It used to be sold as an import for about $20.00. Now, it's available for a great price in the USA. I was sad when I found it wasn't a NEW recording of the London Cast, or Vegas Cast but this album is still wonderful. It features Noa(Esmerelda), Garou (Quasimodo), Bruno Pelletier (Grenior), Patrik Fiori (Phoebus), Daniel Lovie (Frollo), Luck Mervil (Clopin) and Julia Zenatti (Fleur). It's bascially the same cast as the DOUBLE DISC LIVE FRENCH VERSION which is, by far the most superior recording of the show. Even though the 2CD is sung in French it's got every song, it's 2 1/2 hours and it's LIVE! Only difference is the Esmerelda's. (On all 3 recordings the Esmerelda's are different. Noa, Helene Segara, and Tina Arena (in English). All three are fine. For those who love the English sung album the Phoebus' are different. In French he is sung by the sensational Patrik Fiori. He sings "Belle" better than Steve Balasmo, but Steve sings "Torn Apart" way better. Although if you buy the double disc Patrik sings soooo much better live, and with those two versions I can't compare. Now on this CD, which is sung completely in FRENCH, features the songs: Age of the Cathedrals, Refugees, Bohiemienne, Court of Miracles, Belle, Your Love Will Kill Me, Ave Maria, Torn Apart, Florence, The Bells, Castaway, I'm A Priest, My Heart I You Will Swear, Moon, God You Made The World All Wrong, Live, Dance My Esmerelda. Ofcourse the songs are sung and written in French but for those of you who know the English sung album, that should help you out. Also, just to let you know it DOESN'T HAVE "The Birds In Cages". But it does have a few new ones like "The Court of Miracles" sung by Clopin and Co. and "Florence" sung by Grenoir and Frollo. Also at the beginning of "The Bells" Grenoir and Frollo sing a small duet which is fierce!The CD comes with nice (some small) pictures of the singers and the lyrics (in French)Even though the CD is not necessarily NEW it's fantastic for those who don't have it. I also HIGLY RECOMMEND the Double disc recording for those die hard fans out there. It's available on AMAZON.COM! :)"

The Original Conceptual Album: An Interesting Piece For Fans

Dick Baldwin | New York | 06/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What sets this album apart from both the complete French Cast version as performed at the Palais de Congres in Paris and the highlight album of the English production is the stunning performance of Noa as Esmeralda. Her rich, expressive voice laden with subtle emotions not found in the other interpretations makes this album a true gem. What is most interesting is that the performances of Garou as Quasimodo, Daniel Lavoie as Frollo, Luck Mervil as Clopin and Bruno Pelletier as Gringoire -- all who also appear in the complete French as well as the English albums -- perform the music as music, not so much as drama, as it was staged and recorded subsequently. Anyone familiar with, say, the original recording of "Evita" as opposed to the show's original cast albums will understand the difference. Had Noa continued in the role, it would have been interesting to see how she developed the Esmeralda character. For anyone unfamiliar with this musical rendition of Victor Hugo's novel, this album should be an eye (and ear) opener. With driving music that beats into heart and soul and stirring vocals, there is a relentless thrust to the ironic tragedy that marked the original novel. The music is sung in French, and you may want to purchase the English cast album along with this one if you do not understand French. But if you are familiar with the story (even though there are several variations), the music, regardless of language, will be readily understood."