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	Fiddler on the Roof (1964 Original Broadway Cast) Jerry Bock, Sheldon Harnick, ... RCA Victor Broadway, 1989 average customer review:based on 36 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

At the heart of the story are the efforts by Tevye to deal with the way God keeps presenting him with challenges, from needing to take care of a lame horse ("If I Were A Rich Man"), to getting his oldest daughter engaged to one man ("To Life") only to see her marry another ("Sunrise, Sunset"), and finally to leave the only home he has ever known to travel to America ("Anatevka"). Throughout it all Tevye tries to remain true to the traditions of his community ("Prologue--Tradition") and his faith ("Sabbath Prayer"). The cast features Beatrice Arthur as Yente the matchmaker ("The Rumor"), Austin Pendleton as Motel the tailor ("Miracle of Miracles"), Bert Convy as Perchik the student ("Now I Have Everything"), Joanna Merlin as the eldest daughter Tzeitel ("Matchmaker") and future opera star Julia Migenes as the second oldest daughter Hodel ("Far from the Home I Love").

I understand now from those who should know that Mostel butchers the pronunciation of anything not said or sung in English, but I have to admit that does not really detract from my enjoyment of this album; I do not pay attention to pronunciation when listening to opera either, so I am at least consistent. This CD version features two previously unreleased tracks, the "Wedding Dance" music (including the famous bottle dance) and "The Rumor," both of which are welcomed additions. Bottom line: If you own a dozen musicals on CD, then this is one of the ones that has to be in your collection

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A musical lesson in tradition

This score, though considered by most to be beautiful and moving, is rarely given credit for its true artistry and thematic significance. FIDDLER is a musical about a man, Tevye, struggling with the challanges that come with attempting to hold firm to one's traditions in the ever changing society. The music reflects this dichotomey. Songs that characterize events in the play in which tradition is upheld, such as "Tradition," "Sunrise, Sunset," and "Sabbath Prayer" have a hebrew feel to them. Other songs--such as the song sung by the young tailor, Motel, who wishes to marry Tevye's even though it was not arranged for him to do so--are in "Broadway style." In the song "Far from the home I love" Tevye's middle daughter explains her turmoil when she must chose between a traditional life at home or an uncertain life with the revolutionary she has fallen in love with. The song oscilates between major and minor keys, making the song sound traditionally Hebrew at one verse and more typically "broadway" in the next. The thematically significant score is also a delight to listen to. The melodies soar, the lyrics charm, and the orchestrations are top notch.

Though this cast may not have the most soothing voices, their voices fit perfectly with the characters. When you listen ot a track on this CD, you don't hear Zero Mostle sing "If I Were a Rich Man," you hear Tevye. The actor's abitilty to tranfer their characterization to the CD is amazing, making this recording the best to have. FIDDLER is one of the most beloved musicals of all time; listen to this recording and you will understand why.

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Better than the London Cast, for sure!

I have both the London Cast and the Broadway Cast. One thing is certain.. if you are to hear it first time, then buy the Broadway cast. Ony after that you should consider getting the London Cast!This is THE Fiddler On the Roof! Go for Mostel, not Topol.


A classic by any other name would not be so memorable

Ok, I'll admit, Fiddler on the Roof is not modern day listening. It's old and out of date, but it is nonetheless a classic. People don't buy this CD for the feeling of a 90's hit Broadway musical, such as RENT or AIDA; they buy it for the sheer warmth that classical give off. The songs are catchy in the way that Oldies are. Who could resist singing along to "Matchmaker" or humming to "If I Was a Rich Man"? This CD is worthy of praise for being one of the most memorable, classic musicals of all time. I can practically gaurantee that any real musical enthousiast would love this score.

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Curiously satisfying somehow... but film version still wins

Once you have seen the film version of "Fiddler on the Roof," with its perfect cast, excellent performances and moving songs, any other recording of the show is bound to falter at least a little in comparison. Not even this recording of the original Broadway cast is exempt. Zero Mostel's... unique form of humor works well in some of the songs, most notably "To Life," and he is a decent Tevye. But other times, he just gets on your nerves, with his intentional (and annoying) bungling of the Yiddish phrases in "If I Were A Rich Man" and his just plain, to quote another reviewer, "braying" during the "Sabbath Prayer." Maria Karnilova, as Golde, does indeed have a very shrill voice, which doesn't help "Do I Love You," beautifully sung in the film but barely seviceable here. In the hands of such as these, you start to notice just how unremarkable Sheldon Harnick's lyrics and, to a lesser extent, Jerry Bock's music can be when in the wrong hands. In addition, the faster, bouncier orchestrations take away much of the power of the final mournful ballad "Anatevka."

And yet, as crazy as it sounds, this recording is somehow satisfying. I have no idea why, but I liked it. It makes no sense, but it happened. I enjoyed it, was barely moved by it, but enjoyed it. But when all is said and done, the film version wins hands down. Topol truly captures the essence of Tevye in a way not even Mostel can match, and the "heavier and deeper" orchestrations of the songs make them that much stronger, memorable and moving, (though there is still plenty of humor to be had). So, as legendary as this Broadway musical is, the film version is much better.

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reviews: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, page 6, 7, 8

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