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Stephen Sondheim: A Little Night Music

Stephen Sondheim Format: Audio CD

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Editorial Reviews

A Little Night Music, a bittersweet tale of romantic longing and furtive liaisons unfolding over a single midsummer’s evening in the Swedish countryside, remains among composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s most admired and best known works, as well as one of his most commercially successful. The musical, inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s classic film Smiles of A Summer Night and featuring a book by Hugh Wheeler, logged in 601 performances during its first Broadway run in 1973. Back then, New York Times theatre critic called the lavish Harold Prince-directed production “heady, civilized, sophisticated and enchanting.” The sumptuous score even yielded an enduring adult pop hit in the rueful “Send in the Clowns,” brought to Top 40 and adult contemporary radio via Judy Collin’s elegant, contemplative interpretation on Elektra Records.

New York magazine has called this new, more intimate, chamber-style production, developed at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory by acclaimed director Trevor Nunn, “stunning, ...devastatingly good.” Nun himself describes his daringly pared-down approach as “a good deal more Chekhovian in its intentions.” Oscar-winning actress Catherine Zeta-Jones (Chicago) makes her long-awaited Broadway debut in the lead role of Desiree, originated in ‘73 by Glynis Johns. The Hollywood Reporter called Jones’ performance “captivating” and her rendition of “Send In the Clowns” a “revelation...she handles the poignant and comic aspects of her character with equal aplomb “ USA Today concurred: “Zeta-Jones brings great warmth and vitality to the role and makes it easier to see why Desiree's old lover, Fredrik — the male lead, played with suave brio by Alexander Hanson — would vie with a blustering dragoon for her affections.” The New York Times hailed Jones show-stopping co-star Angela Lansbury, without a doubt the hardest working octogenarian on Broadway, as “indomitable and invaluable,” calling her performance as a wise and omniscient former courtesan “quite delicious.”

The Times also praised the intricacy and delicacy of Mr. Sondheim’s score, “which sets a deep-blue wistfulness to three-quarter time.” Nunn’s austere, reconceived staging, says the Hollywood Reporter, “does a wonderful job of accentuating the emotional complexities and endlessly witty dialogue of Hugh Wheeler's book.” London’s Daily Telegraph gave this Broadway transfer an equally enthusiastic assessment: “Far from another star vehicle, this thoroughly British affair is good, old-fashioned entertainment at its sparkling best.” Perhaps most importantly, Sondheim himself, who is also represented on Broadway this season with a bilingual staging of West Side Story, reacted positively in a recent New York Time interview: “You get to concentrate on the piece of work,” he says of the current staging, which features eight musicians and a five-voice chorus. “I’m just pleased that somebody wants to do it, and that it gets a chance to be seen again... It’s a greater pleasure when these pieces get another outing.”

As theatergoers -- and listeners to this newly recorded cast album --will surely attest: the pleasure is decidedly ours. This new Broadway production is scheduled to run at least through June 2010.

Product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
Language: : English
Product Dimensions : 4.96 x 5.63 x 0.79 inches; 7.55 Ounces
Manufacturer : Nonesuch
Original Release Date : 2010
Date First Available : February 27, 2010
Label : Nonesuch
ASIN : B003A6C6XU
Number of discs : 2

Best Sellers Rank: #126,774 in CDs & Vinyl (See Top 100 in CDs & Vinyl)
- #44 in Italian Pop
- #78 in Swedish Pop
- #1,604 in Musical Soundtracks & Scores

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William S. Oser

A Wonderful Recording of Steven Sondheim's Masterpiece

Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2013

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This recording of A little Night Music is the one that gives the best sense of the piece. No one recording has the best cast, the best readings of each of these roles are spread out over several different cast albums. No question, hands down the original cast was the best overall, not one weak link, yet there are many who regard Dame Judi Dench's performance of Desiree in a now hard to get English cast album as superior to Glynns Johns. I know of no one who questions the supremacy of Hermione Gingold as Madame Armfelt, the perfect balance of comedy and stateliness, yet Angela Lansbury's very different take (all world weary Damoiselle, less comic relief) is a gem from a great star. All of the roles in this production are decently taken, especially Alexander Hanson as one of my two favorite Fredericks, and PS Classics have given us enough dialogue so that we understand how the show plays and all the musical numbers are complete in their dramatic context. The one quibble I have is that the new orchestrations are thin compared to the originals and I wish Phillip and Tommy had been able to come up with the extra money to use them. It was not as bothersome in the theater, but repeating listenings (and this recording is worth repeated visits) make me wish for the missing richness. Final score among recordings: Original Broadway Cast is and always will be #1, in spite of what is missing, this recording a clear #2, a pirate recording of a great performance from LA Opera with Victor Garber a superb Frederick, Laura Benanti as the best sung Anne I have ever heard, Zoe Caldwell as Madame Armfelt and Judith Ivy as a decent Desiree is the other worth recommending. All of the other recordings are to my way of thinking not essential.

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DR BOB WV

THE SOUL OF A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC CAPTURED

Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2017

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When I compared this original cast revival of A Little Night Music with the original cast recording of A Little Night Music, I realized that the original cast recording captures the mind and heart of the musical, but this revival cast recording captures the soul of the musical. The inclusion of large chunks of the profound "Life Truths" dialogue leading up to each number is especially powerful. As a 70 year old, I was deeply moved because I saw a Little Night Music on the stage with the original cast when I was considerably younger and less mature. Now hearing this revival cast recording,which I did not have the privilege of seeing, but by listening to the dialogue as well as songs, I realized the brilliance and genius of Stephen Sondheim in new an profound ways.

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filmmaker1225

As complete a version of the score as you'll get on CD

Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2020

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The original, which came out at the time the play was mounted on Broadway, is greatly abbreviated. This one is as complete as I've heard, and as one of Sondheim's best, it's more than worth your attention.

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DWG

Really good but not perfect.

Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2010

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I saw the show on Broadway so was eager to get the CD. Was surprised to see that it was on two discs - the show wasn't particularly long - what could it be? What a great surprise, much of the actual dialog has been included along with the music. If the listener wasn't lucky enough to get to Broadway, this really makes a difference. And it helps re-visualize the moments for those who saw the show.
The packaging is great and there's a booklet with the entire libretto. This adds to the overall experience and also helps the listener with the one flaw in this recording. In a few spots the voice/music mix is poor, and I'm surprised they didn't correct it. Some of the lyrics are lost to overly-loud instruments and, at times, too much bass that slightly distorts. I had to go back to the libretto to confirm what was said.
Still, this is one of Sondheim's best and the CD does a fair job of recording it. A good addition to a Broadway collection....and possibly the last CD with Ms. Lansbury's presence.

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mrmusicals

Two Stars

Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2017

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Not The Best Version Of This Sondheim Great. Was Underwelmed.

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Robert F. Powers

SPARKLING CHAMPAGNE-MISSING JUST A LITTLE BIT OF SPARKLE.

Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2010

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Comparing a new cast recording to the classic original is a bit unfair but with "A Little Night Music" the comparison is inevitable. This new production is very well sung but well sung can be a problem when there is no conviction, no passion or humor and there is one hurdle all subsequent productions, including this one, can never leap over....."Send In The Clowns." Stephen Sondheim painstakingly tailor-made to fit hand in glove the limited vocal range of Glynis Johns, the original Desiree, and her enchanting, tremulous vocals on this beautiful but melancholic song is impossible to surpass. If you have the chance, play Catherine Zeta-Jones version-then Ms Johns' and you will hear the difference. Zeta-Jones sings it well but Glynis Johns, lived it, breathed it and perfectly conveys the heartbreak and sorrow of the lyrics.

Angela Lansbury. God bless her, makes the most of her thankless role as Madame Armfelt and she is saddled with the snoozy but intricate number "Liaisons". One mis-step of the tricky syllable placements and the song can be a nightmare. I was in the audience back in 1973 when Hermoine Gingold was plodding through the song when suddenly she lost the syllables, she even lost the consonants and her eyes opened wide as she forgot what she was singing-the conductor quietly prompted her and she somewhat recovered but a 5 minute song that night lasted almost twice as long. The audience was polite and understanding but there was no applause and the actor playing Frid the butler pushed her so fast in her wheelchair offstage, I feared she may have whiplash.

But if the truth be known I did enjoy this recording, I didn't even mind the drastically reduced orchestra but I can't forgive the recording for not finishing the opening "Night Waltz" but just fading into dialogue between Madame Armfelt and Her grand-daughter, Fredericka.

Overall a pleasant recording and "A Weekend In The Country" was especially well done but I much prefer the original cast recording with Glynis Johns' glorious "Send In The Clowns".

Just a little curiousity-on the original cast recording, Victoria Mallory plays Anne. On this recording the actress playing Anne is Ramona Mallory. Coincidence? Daughter?

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Joseph A. Garcia

Sondheim's masterpiece

Reviewed in the United States on July 6, 2018

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Well worth listening to

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Chuck

great recording!

Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2016

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Fantastic cast plus lyrics to all music.

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NickG

Lacklustre production

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 24, 2018

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With all the sexual shenanigans that go on, unless this show is handled properly it can sometimes seem like a farce. Unfortunately this recording suggests not "Whipped Cream and Knives" as Sondheim described the show, but more "Carry on in the Country". The reduced orchestration doesn't help either. It sounds as if it was recorded in a cupboard. Apart from Angela Lansbury, who seems to be performing in a different production, the cast is lacklustre and Alexander Hanson seems to think he is Rex Harrison, with his half-sung, half-spoken singing.
This was the first Broadway production since the original in 1973 and should have been better. There are 16 different producing names/organisations above the title, no wonder it is such a hodge-podge.
Stick with the original 1973 recording, or better, the 1990 New York City production which alas was not commercially recorded but is available - if you look for it - from some specialist dealers. Regina Resnik was Madame Armfeldt in this production with Sally Ann Howes as Desiree. Both are excellent and give outstanding performances. Seek it out!

One person found this helpful

lou

Another brilliant musical revival of another amazing Stephen Sondheim musical I ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 29, 2014

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Another brilliant musical revival of another amazing Stephen Sondheim musical I was overjoyed with the quality Angela Lansbury is a brilliant Madame armfeld and Catherine zeta- jones and Alexander Hanson where a fantastic Frederick and Desiree it was really speedy delivery Sondheim has done it again he really is the master of the great white way ( Broadway).

Roger Rebec

Good but There are better Recordings Available

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 21, 2010

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There have been six recordings of "A Little Night Music" that I can recall: the Original Broadway Cast (Columbia); the Original London Cast (RCA Victor); the Film Soundtrack (Columbia); a Studio Cast recording based on the Chichester Production (TER/Jay); the Royal National Theatre Cast (Tring); and this new Broadway Cast (Nonesuch/PS Classics). Of these, the Film Soundtrack and the Royal National Theatre Cast recording are not currently available. Of the available recordings, the Original Broadway and London Casts use Jonathan Tunick's wonderful orchestrations. That does not, however, rule out those using reduced orchestrations. Both the TER/Jay and this one do not present undernourished performances.

For me, the essentials in making a good recording of this show are an engaging Desiree, a dashing Frederik and a commanding Madame Armfeldt. Desiree has to give us a moving "Send in the Clowns" and pass the test of "The Glamorous Life". Frederik has to be commanding in the "Now, Later, Soon" trio and appealing in the rest of his songs. Madame Armfeldt has to convince us in "Liaisons" and bolster "The Glamourous Life" with her contribution.

On this new recording, Catherine Zeta-Jones is sadly disappointing as Desiree. Her dialogue where we hear it convinces, Her "Send in the Clowns" is strongly sung but it doesn't tear your heart to shreds as Glynis Johns, Sian Phillips and Judi Dench do in their recordings. She falls at the hurdle of "The Glamorous Life". If the actress manages the cross rhythms correctly, a wealth of illuminating sub-text emerges in lines like "I'm performing in Rotvik and don't ask where is it please". This is sadly not the case here and the number comes across as unfunny and the weakest in the show. Listen to how much more entertaining this song is with Mesdames Johns, Phillips and Dench in the driving seat.

As Frederik, Alexander Hanson is ideal casting. As recorded, he does sometimes stretch his timing and stricter adherence to Mr Sondheim's score might be better but he manages to sound young enough to captivate Anne and old enough to fascinate Desiree and always sounds romantically appealing.

Where Madame Armfeldt is concerned, there is the matter of "Liaisons", a "handbag" moment with the ghost of the wonderful Hermione Gingold to eradicate. Gingold was perfect casting for this role, imperious, haughty, totally convincing as a courtesan who had captivated most of the European aristocracy in her day. Angela Lansbury is a very different Madame Armfeldt, gentler and quietly intent on improving her granddaughter's upbringing. Her contribution to "The Glamorous Life" is valuable but it does not, unfortunately, stop it sinking beneath Zeta-Jones' heavy handedness. She makes "Liasions" work in a totally different way from Gingold but her greatest contributions to the new recording come with the snippets of dialogue we are allowed to hear on disc for the first time. Hugh Wheeler's book is extremely witty and Madame Armfeldt is blessed with a lot of very funny lines and Angela Lansbury makes the most of all of them. She also manages to break your heart with her dialogue on "A Wooden Ring".

The performances of the rest of the cast are important too but, if these first three parts aren't played well, the piece won't work as it should. On this new recording, we have a good Henrik, a slightly shrill Anne and a Petra who makes very heavy weather of "The Miller's Son", which simply fails to soar into flight. The Count and Countess are played well although it is only right to point out that Diana Rigg made a shining contribution to the Film Soundtrack recording and that Maria Aitken (RCA Victor), Patricia Hodge (Tring) and Susan Hampshire (TER/Jay) provide deep insight into this lady's character. The role of Count Carl-Magnus is sung extremely well on all the recordings. The quintet are probably best on the Original Broadway and London Cast recordings, with the Broadway Cast winning points with a particularly memorable "Remember".

So, you want a CD of this score, which do you buy? Here is a summary of the strengths and weakness of all.

The Original Broadway Cast (Columbia) is the safest all round recommendation. Not everyone likes Glynis Johns but her limited vocal ability is in rhythm, on pitch and very moving. This recording also has "Night Waltz II" and, as a bonus track, Chloe Franks' performance of"The Glamorous Life" from the film.

The Original London Cast (RCA Victor) isn't quite as good. Joss Ackland was wonderful on stage but his singing was the least of his performance and that is what the CD highlights. Jeam Simmons sounds very like Zeta-Jones in her performances of "The Glamorous Life", and "Send in the Clowns" with the same results. Diane Langton gives one of the best performances of "The Miller's Son" on record.

The Film Soundtrack recording (Columbia) has never been available on CD. It has Diana Rigg and a new version of "The Glamorous Life" which is included on the Original Broadway Cast CD as an extra.

The Studio Cast from TER/Jay is probably the finest all round performance from a singing point of view. Janis Kelly is magnificient as Anne. Sian Phillips is very good as Desiree. Elizabeth Welch as Madame Armfeldt gives a gentle "Liaisons" but does not get quite to the heart of the matter. The reduced orchestrations do not detract and we get the whole of the overture. This is the only recording to do this. Not even the two disc version of the new Broadway Cast does this.

Then there is the Royal National Theatre recording (Tring), sadly and criminally, no longer available. Judi Dench does not describe herself as a singer but she admits to knowing how to put a song over. Her "Send in the Clowns" is heart-wrenching but the sub-text she provides every times she opens her mouth adds enormously to our understanding of Desiree. Sian Phillips provides an intelligent reading of Madae Armfeldt and it would have been good to have heard more of her had space permitted. This recording has several surprising little bonuses. At the director's request, Stephen Sondheim combined the film versions "Glamorous Life' with the original and the result is wonderful. Mr Sondheim also allowed the insertion of a verse of "My Husband, the Pig!" to be inserted into "In Praise of Women". Patricia Hodge makes a tremendous job of this and makes you wonder why it didn't resurface in the new production. We also get to hear the musical interlude "The Dinner table", another nice addition. As Anne, Joana Riding does border on the shrill but her performance does make it very easy to distinguish between Anne and Petra, which makes "A Weekend in the Country" easiker to follow.

Finally, there is this new one. I will admit that, despite all I have said against it, I wouldn't want to be without it! Every time I have played it, I have always enjoyed it but I, generally, enjoy the five recordings available on CD more overall.

So which do you buy? If the Royal National Theatre recording were available, this would be my first recommendation and I'd still urge you to seek it out used through Amazon's sellers. If this isn't viable, my next choice would be the Original Broadway Cast with Glynis Johns and Hermione Gingold. In third place, because of the all round high quality of the singing, would be the TER/Jay Studio Cast Recording. This new recording and the Original London Cast also have some very strong plus points. How many recordings of this wonderful score do you want?

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bettydecent

always delivered as instructed

Reviewed in Canada on May 13, 2020

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I liked this item THANKS for the great service

Jerry S Waldman

Five Stars

Reviewed in Canada on October 31, 2016

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an improvement over the original cast album , also more music , sondheim at his best

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Stephen Sondheim: A Little Night Music

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