Avoid the CD. This DVD is what you want!
There are segments of this sensational 2009 Proms concert posted on youtube, which served as my introduction to John Wilson and his brilliant orchestra of hand-pick virtuoso musicians. As an American, I never heard of John Wilson before I stumbled upon these youtube clips. But I could easily tell that John Wilson and these musicians and singers not only understand, but also fully appreciate this material. I was hooked instantly.
Everyone is in top form and having a lot of fun here. You never get the sense of listening to staid and stuffy interpretations played by classical musicians who are "slumming" between performances of Mahler symphonies. And as the audience begins to realize they are witnessing something truly special, you can't help but be caught up in the joy and excitement yourself. You may quibble over the choices of a couple of the solo singers (Yes, I'm talking about Sarah Fox and Sir Thomas Allen) and wonder whether or not their vocal styles really fit the...
DVD IS OVER TWO HOURS, NOT 90 MINUTES!
The Amazon product description says this DVD is 90 minutes, which is incorrect. Actual running time (as stated on DVD case) is 124 minutes. This is by far the best and most exhilarating concert I've ever seen. Who would think the "Broadway Melody" number from Singing In The Rain would be a knockout, (the audience breaks out in applause in the middle!) but it is. If you like this type of music even a little, do yourself a favor and order this.
A Magnificent Concert--God Bless John Wilson & MGM!
This DVD is full of MGM musical magic. John Wilson has done a magnificent job bringing to life music from the classic MGM musicals exactly as they originated (with singing chorus & vocals). This is quite an accomplishment as much of the original material had been destroyed. It's obvious the man loves his work. Simply watch as he conducts. He's like a kid in a candy store. The orchestra outdoes itself enjoying the challenge of the MGM arrangers with audience and players amazed that something from 1943 sounds as good today as it did then. There are points where the audience can't help but burst into applause. There is such joy in the delivery it surrounds and takes you to a unexpected musical high. Thank God they captured this on DVD. When it was shown on PBS it was cut. This is the complete concert. The singers do a fine job with a couple of exceptions. But if you know this material as well as I do you can't help but long to hear the voices of Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Fred...
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