Sweeney Todd Johanna Reprise

[morosco]

Posted: 12/12/18 at 7:13pm

The number starts with sound of the Westminster Chimes (described as the chimes of "St. Dunstan's" in the libretto). On the original cast recording the 4th note is up an octave but it's not like that in the written score or any other recording or production I've seen. Anyone know the story as to why? I like the original with the 4th note going up an octave.  

Original:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PrTkcfFGkk


All other recordings:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PNz5rd7yhM

Updated On: 12/12/18 at 07:13 PM

[JBroadway]

Posted: 12/12/18 at 7:25pm

This feels like one of those Yanny/Laurel, Black dress/gold dress things. I'm pretty sure the 4th note IS down the octave in the OBCR, but I've been playing it over and over, and sometimes I do hear it as up the octave like you do. 

Forgive me if I'm misusing this term, but I believe this might me an example of overtones? I think there is some kind of resonance in the reverberation that makes both the lower octave and the higher octave audible.  I'm sure I'm misusing terms all over the place, but my point is that I think somehow both notes are present at the same time. Try listening for the lower octave on the OBCR and you might hear it too. 

[morosco]

Posted: 12/12/18 at 7:41pm

Thanks JBroadway. Now I'm fascinated because of your response.

What about you others? What does the 4th chime note on the original cast recording sound like to you? Up or down?

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 12/12/18 at 9:17pm

It sounds down on both to me.

[NOWaWarning]

Posted: 12/12/18 at 10:08pm

I can hear both tones on the OBCR

[broadwaybabywannabe2]

Posted: 12/13/18 at 10:57am

OBC 4th note is higher from what i hear...i wonder why the difference?

[morosco]

Posted: 12/13/18 at 12:35pm

To my ears the 4th chime note on the OBC recording sounds exactly the same as the 5th chime note.

Auditory illusion?

[morosco]

Posted: 12/13/18 at 4:26pm

That fourth chime note sounds higher to me here on this fan recording of the original cast/production.

https://youtu.be/ISp5sjaSnl0?t=5330

And here from the taped tour it sounds more like an overtone?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGxx_5Qolq8