Highlights From The Phantom Of The Opera: The Original London Cast Recording 1986 London Cast

This has been my favorite cd since I was a little kid. I finally had to buy my own copy when I moved out. Now that I've seen a live performance, I appreciate this recording even more. Michael Crawford is unsurpassable as the Phantom. Not only is his voice superb, but he really gets into the character without being distractingly overdramatic. His voice at the end of "Point of No Return" is absolutely heart wrenching, I can never get through it without crying and sniffling! This recording of "Music of The Night" is unique, with additional verses that you don't hear on the live performances or the movie. Unfortunately, I'm not as in love with Sarah Brightman. I know I'm in the minority here, but I just don't care for her voice or style of singing. Her rendition of "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" is completely unintelligible. I don't think it's the fault of the recording, it just sounds like the words are slurred together. I've read that the role of Christine was written especially for her, but I don't see the appeal. Anyway, it's not awful enough to ruin it for me because I rarely take this cd out of my player! My only other complaint is that it doesn't include Carlotta's hilarious "Poor Fool He Makes Me Laugh." Besides that, you're getting pretty much the whole thing, including a couple instrument-only tracks.

The Phantom of the Opera is full of great music and if you're looking for the popular songs, they're all here on one affordable, convenient disc.But this particular recording is not great. The songs are stacked on top of each other so that they sometimes end or begin too abruptly. It's jagged sounding sometimes, instead of having smooth transitions. Part of this is likely due to the fact that this is a highlights CD, so the songs are cut out of the longer musical fabric of the show (if that makes any sense). This CD only has the main songs, so the music leading into them and the music following them might be cut out. (At least that's how I understand it.)The rough transitions are especially noticeable in the final track, a 13-minute behemoth comprised of snippets of different verses from the show's final scenes. There are some Christine-Phantom songs mixed with angry mob stuff and it's really not put together very well. Again, it's because this is just the highlights. But it sounds pretty bad.The CD comes in a kinda flimsy jewel case and there are no liner notes to speak of. But this is good music. It's Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman and the original cast. If you like Phantom of the Opera, you'll like this CD. If you're curious about the show or just can't afford the  full 2-disc set , this is the CD to get.

Arrived on time and well packaged. Fantastic cd with incredible music. The original with Michael Crawford as the phantom is unbeatable. Don't even think about going with another version. This is THE ONE.

Love this music. Had this CD but let someone borrow it and never got it back. Ordered this CD and listened to it many times.

If you just want to listen to the songs from Phantom Of The Opera I highly recommend this CD, it doesn't follow the storyline, cause it's just a highlights CD, if you want to hear the whole operetta from beginning to end you have to get the complete soundtrack, but this CD had all of the main songs from the Operetta on it like Wishing You Were Somehow here Again, Music Of The Night and the theme song Phantom Of The opera along with others. This is the best production ever, and after seeing a production of this play last year, I know there will never be another one that can match this one. Sarah Brightman and Micheal Crawford are the best!!!...

I had the tape for this, and I loved it! Beautiful music and singing! I needed to get the CD instead, so I did! It’s gorgeous!

This is the 2nd time I have ordered this CD and the 2nd time I have been disappointed! Both CD's were defective. You cannot advance the tracks, it only has "1", if you want to listen to a particular song you are unable to advance to that song. I have held on to it too long and am unable to return...DO NOT PURCHASE THIS CD!!! I am very disgusted and disappointed!!!

History, a love story, opera and outstanding music come together to create a Broadway show and score that takes second seat to no one. The story and its music will hide in the deepest crevices of your soul and you will rejoice as you replay the Music Of The Night. It is dark, its is sad, it is absolutely fabulous!

Bought it for my aunt and to say she is thrilled is an understatement. Superb item from a show which provided so many wonderful memories 10/10

Again love this Opera n love singing to it. The CD came earlier than expected Thanks as per review of the other CD of phantom of the opera the same comments.

A truly wonderful performance by Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. These highlights are the best from the original London production, a must for any Phantom Of The Opera fan.

Knew the package was slightly worn but disc was in good order. Enjoying the music.

Ooh it was like being at the theatre what more can I say fantastic encore....