This is the only complete recording of the Broadway score of Nine Stories, a Tony Award-winning musical and a smash hit film destined to win the Oscar. — All-star cast includes Jonathan Pryce, Elaine Paige, Liliane Montevec... more »chi, and Ann Crumb.
Recorded with a full symphonic orchestra for the first and only time.
Features hit songs Unusual Way, Be Italian, Simple, A Call From The Vatican, and more.« less
This is the only complete recording of the Broadway score of Nine Stories, a Tony Award-winning musical and a smash hit film destined to win the Oscar.
All-star cast includes Jonathan Pryce, Elaine Paige, Liliane Montevecchi, and Ann Crumb.
Recorded with a full symphonic orchestra for the first and only time.
Features hit songs Unusual Way, Be Italian, Simple, A Call From The Vatican, and more.
CD Reviews
Nine Out Of Ten
Jim Bredeson | Richmond, VA | 02/06/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If you know this show, you know it is great. The original recording left much to be desired in record quality, which this album transcends. Raoul Julia was fabulous on the the original and Jonathon Price raises the bar with his version of "Only With You". The real shining star is Elaine Paige...she is heartbreaking on "Unusual Way" and reminds us why we love her. For a real treat go to track 12 and turn it up really loud. "The Bells of St. Sebastian" has never sounded so full and alarming. This concert recording is a must for any Nine,Yeston or Fellini fan. The Price is worth it!"
Please actually listen to the CD before reviewing..
Jim Bredeson | 06/04/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Luisa was played by Ann Crumb. If she can't sing. I don't know who can. Saying that she can't sing is like saying Patti LuPone can't sing.I personally like this version a lot better than the broadway one. Jonathan Pryce did such a good job as Guido that I had to buy this version even though I own the Broadway version.Elaine Paige, albeit not in her top in this recording, did not play the role at the actual show (said so in the booklet) but stepped in to play the part for the original singer who couldn't make the recording of the CD.Give this record a chance. It's different than the way the Broadway casts interpret/present it, but doesn't mean it's bad."
One of my favorites!
Jim Bredeson | 12/06/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am a bit surprised at the negativity I see here, because this is one of my favorites! I will admit though that I have not heard any other cast recordings of Nine. I think Jonathan Pryce does a nice job, I get such an image in my head listening to him! I also love My Husband Makes Movies and Unusual Way! When I first got this CD, I wasn't crazy about it, but now I really love it! Maybe you just need to give it a chance!"
A Wonderful set of performances, an incredible score
Jeremie Petit | Nice, France | 03/23/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have to strongly disagree with the previous review. I have not heard the Original Broadway Cast (but I'll do), but for the moment, this cast recording is one of my prefered, by far. I think Jonathan, even if he's not a legit singer in any way, gives the character of Guido a lot of humanity. He's given me an excellent feeling of the character. Really, I love this recording (of course, Elaine Paige is for something in the quality of this cast recording... She's fantastic)."
Complete, full orchestra, Dolby sound AND an expert cast
J. Chacin | 05/28/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I came across this recording of the musical NINE first - before the original Broadway. I was able to catch the revival in previews, and still consider this to be the best example of the score out there. My reasons: The London concert (Studio) cast was recorded with a large orchestra (it's one of the famous ones, the name totally slips my mind right now)- the score sounds full and incredibly lush due to this. The unique opportunity of a concert/studio recording also allowed the creators to augment the cast with a larger ensemble, who sounds amazing as well. While the original Broadway recording was not originally digital, this recording touted Dolby technology (one of the first to endulge in that technology), needless to say the sound quality is superior to the original Broadway. The cast is up to your own taste - In my opinion Jonathan Price is wonderful here, really engaging emotionally with the material (not the sexy man one might expect or appreciate from Guido, here Price is more mousy and sentimental, but still affective), Elaine Page is in GREAT voice, and Ann Crumb is lovely (I was a fan from Aspects of Love, so I'm a bit biased). The Biggest plus here though (and this is the biggy for me): the full score (including incidental music) was recorded. This is the tricky part - RCA Victor released the 'highlights' version in the US (the one available here), while JAY Records released the full, 2 disk, recording in limited markets. It includes a great deal of material that for someone like me, who finds it essential for as much of the score to be recorded for posterity and study, it's fascinating and a wonderful experience to be able to delve into the material that much deeper. This additional material is as much a part of the score as the big, popular songs, and some as incredibly affecting. For a long time it was incredibly hard to get your hands on it (once you knew it existed), but if you are interested you can go to Jay.com - or itunes and emusic both have it for digital download.
On a side note - about that revival. Was very unimpressed. I found the production cold, and static (poor Chita hardly got a chance to move!), and I was getting a headache form everyone's different versions of an Italian accent. The Scott Pask set was lovely, and the costumes and Jane Krakowski were wonderful (they twirled her in a bed sheet from above - BRILLIANT)."
Track Listings (15) - Disc #1