The Phantom of the Opera (Highlights) - Original Cast (CD 1989)

Over the years, I have accumulated a number of CDs spanning a wide range of music genres. If asked to choose a select few as my favorites, Highlights from The Phantom of the Opera would appear near the top of the list. Taken from the original cast recording starring Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, Highlights from The Phantom of the Opera features the most well known and best loved excerpts from this musical adaptation of the famous novel by Gaston Leroux.

To be sure, Andrew Lloyd Weber s music is the true star here. Exquisitely conveying every emotion and sentiment expressed in the story, the music magically transports us to the Paris opera house in which the Phantom lurks. For those who have been fortunate enough to attend a live performance, Highlights from The Phantom of the Opera will help you relive the occasion.

If you haven t seen the Phantom performed live, though, don t worry. You can still enjoy the beautiful music presented here, and even follow the story of the Horribly disfigured Phantom. Forever hiding his face behind a mask, the Phantom dwells beneath the Opera House and dares to fall in love with the beautiful performer Christine. When another man also expresses his love for her, the Phantom enters into a tragic rivalry that will culminate in murder.

There are 13 tracks on the album:

1. Overture (2:07)
A haunting organ solo opens this gothic-sounding rendition of the Phantom s theme. Joined by orchestra, this nicely sets the atmosphere for the musical. A truly brilliant composition and one you will enjoy again and again.

2. Think of Me (3:09)
Christine (Sarah Brightman) does the vocals for this love song while her suitor Raoul (Steve Barton) accompanies. Brightman s vocals are superb and nicely backed up by the orchestra.

3. Angel of Music (2:20)
Christine engages in a slow back and forth with Meg in a soft and slow piece. She s singing about the Phantom whom she calls The Angel of Music . No one else believes he exists, of course. This is a very pleasant track that gradually picks up its pace and culminates with an orchestral crescendo and Brightman reaching a stunning high note.

4. The Mirror (Angel of Music) (1:57)
Crawford emerges as the Phantom, Christine s mysterious tutor guiding her unseen from the shadows to open the piece. He opens with a rant against Raoul. As he finally appears to Christine, the two engage in a beautiful duet. Brightman s high notes here perfectly capture her excitement upon seeing her Angel of Music for the first time.

5. The Phantom of the Opera (4:17)
The Phantom s theme in fast tempo forms the backbone of this piece that has Christine and the Phantom again in a powerful duet as the Phantom exerts his control over her. The music here is very fast paced and features brilliant vocals from both Brightman and Crawford, especially at the end when the Phantom commands Brightman to sing for him. You won t be able to keep yourself from tapping your toes to this one.

6. The Music of the Night (5:12)
This track truly showcases Lloyd Weber s genius. Opening with soft piano and gentle vocals by Crawford, it perfectly conveys the Phantom s anguish over the misfortune life has handed him. Using subtle strings and woodwinds, the music gradually builds in intensity and tempo to match the depths of the Phantom s feelings. Pure genius and very powerful music.

7. Prima Donna (3:48)
An assembly of cast members is musically attempting to convince the leading lady that she is the star attraction in this track. It ends with the phantom s theme and a demand by him that Christine get the top role.

8. All I Ask of You (6:46)
Raoul expresses his feelings to Christine, opening this soft duet. There are extraordinary vocals by Brightman once again joined with Barton who, good as he is, clearly plays a secondary role to her. The orchestra carries a beautiful background theme for this wonderful love song.

Unknown to Christine and Raoul, a heartbroken Phantom hears their every word and Crawford takes over with a desperate, emotional solo. As the two lovers gently express their feelings to each other, an enraged Phantom makes his presence known against a crashing background of the Phantom s theme.


9. Entr Acte (2:40)
An orchestral intermission piece representing all of the major themes.

10. Masquerade (5:27)
A fast tempo choral and orchestral presentation as the show goes on despite the Phantom s threats. In the background, Brightman and Barton s vocals depict the engagement of Christine and Raoul. Closes with the Phantom s theme.

11. Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again (3:05)
Christine s touching solo as she pines about the Phantom, who has not appeared to her since her profession of love for Raoul. Once again featuring Brightman s outstanding vocals, the music perfectly captures the emotion of the moment.

12. The Point of No Return (4:57)
Crawford performs solo with soft orchestral accompaniment as the Phantom plots his revenge upon the Opera company and Raoul. Christine joins in and the solo becomes a duet as the Phantom exerts his power once again over Christine. Some very powerful vocals against a stirring theme.


13. Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer (13:35)
Opens with the Crawford singing All I Ask to Christine in a stunning crescendo, then segues to the Phantom s theme as his victim is discovered. Swirling themes simulate the descent of Christine and the Phantom into the catacombs. As the opera company searches for the Phantom, he pours his anguish and pain out to Christine. As Raoul discovers the pair, the Phantom forces Christine to choose between a life with him or the death of Raoul. Full of wonderful vocals and orchestral reprisals of the major themes, this is a fitting culmination to the album.


Words simply cannot describe this wonderful album. One can try to explain it, but it simply has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. Highlights from The Phantom of the Opera features some of the most powerful, compelling, and beautiful music ever recorded. Music has a magical power to capture and convey emotion, and this is exactly what Highlights from The Phantom of the Opera does. You re sure to enjoy this one-of-a-kind musical presentation of a classic story of love and redemption.