I'm fascinated by the process of poetry set to music, but I'm afraid that Gordon's ability, although plentiful, makes too many of these pieces sound musically the same. Where LaChiusa's unique style still managed to tell the story, (i.e. "The Wild Party", "Marie Christine", "Hello Again"), Gordon doesn't have any story line to hang on to, thus the similarities of the musical sound in the pieces. It reminded me a lot of Adam Guettel's "Myths and Hymns", which I found difficult to listen to at times as well.

The singers are all very good, although Adam Guettel's vocals seem less trained and on target. However, when you are singing on the same CD with the likes of Audra McDonald, Theresa McCarthy and Dawn Upshaw from the world of opera, and Judy Blazer and Darius de Haas from musical theatre, you are bound to suffer by comparison.

The three stars rate the time, effort, and talent that went into the recording. It's probably not one that will finds its way into my CD changer time after time.


Where did all the decent singers go?   May 7, 2001
 3 out of 8 found this review helpful

It is such a tragedy that such beautiful music such as this CD is ruined by inadequate singing on behalf of the performers. There is ONE exception to this, of course, and that being Audra McDonald. Darius De Haas and Theresa McCarthy are both excellent musicians in an artistic sense, but they lack any sort of vocal substanance needed to carry off these difficult songs. Unsupported and in need of clarity are how I would describe their performances. Dawn Upshaw must posses some of the most glorious high notes ever to be heard, unfortunately, she swoops and scoops all over the place and manipultes her vowels in such a way as to distract the listener. Since when did this become acceptable? Adam Guettel is not a singer and I never understood why he insists on attempting to sing anyway. I still remember the first time I heard "Come to Jesus" with he and Audra. He paled so much in comparison... In conclusion - if you can stand the singing (which is very hard, I still can't force myself to listen to McCarthy attempt to sing track 4, or maybe 5)then this CD is excellent. Gordon tends to be very elementary in his compostions, so there are many hummable tunes due to his repititious themes. As a fan of art songs and Dawn Upshaw/Audra McDonald, I've been looking forward to this CD. If you are fans of them as well, and don't mind paying [the price] for about 4 good songs, then have a go at this CD!!


Incredible   June 2, 2001
 3 out of 4 found this review helpful

This is an incredible CD, from the sparkling orchestrations which are chamber but in the way they are mixed everything dances out at you, to the vocal interpretations which are so innovative for a recording of this type...settings of poetry but sung by regular, albeit, extraordinary regular people (except people like Dawn Upshaw and Audra McDonald who have already established themselves as major vocal artists)so that the songs feel personal. There is about this CD an incredibly meaningful air...moving, magisterial, powerful...straight from "Heaven" to "Joy" Gordon takes us on an inexorable journey through life towards transcendence and he and his brilliant players and performers succeed...Nonesuch does it again...Superb! Kudos all around. Gordon is a REAL composer, with a deep understanding of poetry as well as a fabulous gift for writing words himself!


Don't Walk, run ...run ...run ...to your stores   May 8, 2001
 2 out of 6 found this review helpful

A huge fan of Donald Katz's "Home Fires" in which Mr. Gordan and his family are the central characters in a moving biographical tribute to an American Family, I have followed the story of this talent ever since. What I have to say of this incredible cd is nothing less then INCREDIBLE. Though there are some major comparisons to the likes of Stephan Sondheim, I am sure Mr. Gordan does not mind in the lease, but in the ened, he is all his own. Do not walk to get this cd, run to get it ....run like there is a wild fire following you to your nearest cd store ....If you don't love it, if you aren't moved by every lyric and strong and chord, then all I can say is, your not a real musical theater fanatic.