Kad, the track I'm listening to of Babette (which includes a prelude called Max Jacobs) is 7 minutes and 49 seconds, I think that might be the whole thing.
"Contentment, it seems, simply happens. It appears accompanied by no bravos and no tears."
I've listened to the OBC about twenty times in the past two months and I swear, the new recording, in the Mildred beginning of Veronique, "Pardon me...."
that is Madeline Kahn's voice, and don't let anyone tell you differently.
But elsewhere, I think that KC's stronger and more agile voice stands out.
^ Not sure if you're serious, but what you hear on these tracks is exactly what Kristen delivered live onstage the night we saw the show.
For those who haven't seen the revival yet, wait till you hear what Kristen does with "Never"!!! That number in Cheno's hands is as great a showstopper as was ever created onstage. The applause would NOT die down when she finished her last note. It's a moment in the theater I'll treasure forever.
Listening to these tracks, even doubters will understand why the Tony should be hers.
She is simply amazing on these tracks. I cannot wait to have the full album. I know Peter Gallagher got so-so reviews here, but I really like his renditions of his songs. I seriously enjoyed his performance and thought it complimented Chenoweth's perfectly.
Seeing this show was the highlight of my recent visit to the city. All the nominees are hugely talented.
If the award were to go to Chita, I wouldn't be disappointed. She is a goddess, and I loved her performance too.
But Chenoweth has had this role in her sights for decades. And she delivers.
Talk about grueling lyrics and dialogue. Rapid fire. Requiring great timing. And she's got it all. Whether she's speaking a line, or delivering it in song.
Wow it sounds amazing! Gallagher actually sounds pretty solid, and dare I say the reduced orchestration isn't really that detracting. Cheno sounds hand in glove in the best possible way.
Still not sure if I'll be purchasing the new recording though. I love the original so much but this really does sound top notch and the extra material is hard to pass up.
Wonderful. I've never been a huge Kristin fan, but she sounds amazing and you cannot deny her flexibility. I love her "Veronique." That orchestration is gorgeous! Can't wait for the cast recording.
Every so often there was a rare moment of perfect balance when I soared above him.
Listening to this again brings back great memories from that evening in the theater a few short weeks ago.
And it solidifies my belief that she really should win.
Not just because I liked the show so much, but because of the sheer complexity of her character. Not only in the dialogue, but in her musical performances as well.
I just love Chita, and if she were to win, I'd be happy too. But I do believe Chenoweth deserves it. A standout performance.
Out of context, the songs might sound a little strange. But if you see the show and how they play out within the context of the show, it was a great musical.
I haven't seen the other performances and won't hazzard a comparison. But I do love the way KC extends the joke of Mildred Plotka suddenly becoming "French" throughout all of of "Veronique" and is still letting bits of Plotka slip out in "Babbette."
That's acting, not just singing (which the lady also does very, very well).
I don't think this album will supplant the original recording for me (which i have both on CD and vinyl), but it is very well-done. These versions of "Babbette," "Never," and "I've Got It All," will certainly be added to my Broadway playlist.
"...everyone finally shut up, and the audience could enjoy the beginning of the Anatevka Pogram in peace."
My biggest problem with the recording is that while I'm listening to it being performed, I want to see it being performed. When I look up at my computer screen it is just dark.
When you listen to a whole album on Spotify, then you don't purchase the CD, and the artists (Taylor Swift) receive only a fraction of what they would have received for a sold CD.
Pandora already pays fully half of its annual revenue to the artists and their record labels. So, even though Pandora is the most popular streamer with the most loyal listeners, they can't turn a profit, or at least a meaningful profit. And the agency administering the royalty collection, SoundExchange, wants still more from them.
But don't worry because Congress is supposed to take up this royalty payment problem later this year. Then it will take four years of debate before its solution becomes law and the President agrees.