**An Interesting Listen...**
Alexandra | St. Mary's City, MD | 09/27/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This double CD of the classic children's story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry leaves you feeling oddly satisfied. Luckily, this recording covers the entire musical, so it's not as confusing as it might be. The main star in this recording is undoubtedly Daniel Lavoie of Notre Dame fame. He plays the Aviator, and plays it extrememly well. His polished and smooth voice plays well in any ear, and this CD also shows that he is an excellent actor as well. His co-star, Jeff, is extremely talented for a boy his age. Some of the better numbers are: "Pres D'Elle", where Jeff sings of his longing for the Rose with his high voice. "Adieu" is also a pretty ditty. But yet of course, we cannot forget Mr. Lavoie with his "Ephémères" is his big number. And finally, there is the moving duet: "On Aura Toujours Rendez-vous." I would suggest this musical to anyone who has an interest in Daniel Lavoie or Notre Dame de Paris!!
"
One of the most beautiful soundtracks you will ever hear!
Une Femme de Renaissance | Je vis sur scène, bien sûr! | 09/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Wow! I honestly can't say enough about this CD. For a start, I'd like to say that Le Petit Prince is one of the greatest and most beautiful stories in existence. Richard Cocciante being one of the most wonderful and tallented composers on Earth, it is a match made in heaven.
I first heard about this while researching Notre Dame de Paris (another fabulous musical), and I'm so thankful that I did! Le Petit Prince is the only soundtrack I have ever listened to that has made me cry the first time I heard it. The music is powerful, yet sweet and gentle at the same time. The lyrics are breathtaking (that is, for those who actually speak French; I would recommend this soundtrack to anyone regardless, but it makes all the difference if you can understand the language). The recording provides enough dialogue for listeners to follow the Little Prince's journey. The story is sweet, witty, touching, inspiring, and ultimately evokes a profound sadness and nostalgia, all of which comes through in Cocciante's music.
I have to say that, incredibly, my biggest surprise was not Daniel Lavoie, who plays the pilot. I already knew Daniel Lavoie to be a beautiful performer, and he does not disappoint on this recording. He seems to caress each note with his tender, resonating voice, and delivers his songs with powerful and breathtaking emotion. However, my greatest joy actually came from little Jeff, who plays the title character. His perfect technique and astoundingly pure voice is enough to compete with even the great Daniel Lavoie, and his sensational "Près d'Elle" brought me to tears. The rest of the cast is more than capable of backing up their two superstars, and each performer gives a brilliant performance.
I cannot possibly convey the magic of this piece to words. I would recommend this soundtrack to any music-lover, French-speaking or otherwise. It is a wonderful soundtrack to play for children, and even more sentimental for adults. This is a gift that you will cherish forever. "N'oublie pas mon secret: On ne voit bien qu'avec le c?ur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux. C'est le temps que tu a perdu pour ta rose qui fait ta rose si importante." Enjoy!"
Track Listings (47) - Disc #1