Myths And Hymns (1998 Off-Broadway Cast, Originally Saturn Returns) [Cast Recording]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Until this disc, Adam Guettel was best known as the mastermind behind Floyd Collins, the gut-wrenching, boundary-breaking piece of musical theater that never gained the popularity it deserved. Myths & Hymns is another beast altogether, though just as interesting. Guettel has created a song cycle based loosely on Greek mythology and lyrics he discovered in an antique hymnal. These 15 songs are a combination of art song and show tune, but all are interesting. "Icarus" is funky jazz in which the composer duets with Lawrence Clayton. "There's a Land" is transformed from a traditional hymnal into an upbeat romp à la "This Land Is Your Land." "At the Sounding" is an upbeat yet appropriate transition from the somber "Children of the Heavenly King." Joining Guettel on the vocal parts for these works are Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Theresa McCarthy, and a handful of other fine interpreters. Sublime and moving, Myths & Hymns is all about reflecting--to God, a lover, or oneself. And while Guettel's roots run deep into the Broadway tradition (he's the grandson of Richard Rodgers), he's thankfully not afraid of musical experimentation. A great, soulful disc. --Jason Verlinde

Myths And Hymns (1998 Off-Broadway Cast, Originally Saturn Returns), Music, Adam Guettel, Todd Ellison, Aidra McDonald, Darius de Haas, Classical, Classical Music, Classical Vocals, Vocal

Average customer rating:

A magical and affecting song cycle

Beautiful Song Cycle, Almost As Good As Guettel's The Light In The Piazza

Best Song Cycle Ever Written!

A fine new voice in musical theater

"There's A Shout" for this album

Myths And Hymns (1998 Off-Broadway Cast, Originally Saturn Returns)
Adam Guettel , Todd Ellison , Aidra McDonald , and Darius de Haas
Manufacturer: Nonesuch
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
McDonald, Audra | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
General | Classical | Styles | Music
1990s | By Decade | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music
General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Floyd Collins (1996 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

Myths and Hymns

The Light in the Piazza (2005 Original Broadway Cast)

John & Jen (1995 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

See What I Wanna See (2005 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00000IQ5N
Release Date: 1999-03-30

Tracks:

Children Of The Heavenly King
At The Sounding
Saturn Returns
Icarus
Migratory V
Pegasus
Link
Hero And Leander
Sisyphus
Come To Jesus
How Can I Lose You?
There's A Shout
Awaiting You
The Great Highway
There's A Land
Saturn Returns (reprise)

Amazon.com

Until this disc, Adam Guettel was best known as the mastermind behind Floyd Collins, the gut-wrenching, boundary-breaking piece of musical theater that never gained the popularity it deserved. Myths & Hymns is another beast altogether, though just as interesting. Guettel has created a song cycle based loosely on Greek mythology and lyrics he discovered in an antique hymnal. These 15 songs are a combination of art song and show tune, but all are interesting. "Icarus" is funky jazz in which the composer duets with Lawrence Clayton. "There's a Land" is transformed from a traditional hymnal into an upbeat romp à la "This Land Is Your Land." "At the Sounding" is an upbeat yet appropriate transition from the somber "Children of the Heavenly King." Joining Guettel on the vocal parts for these works are Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Theresa McCarthy, and a handful of other fine interpreters. Sublime and moving, Myths & Hymns is all about reflecting--to God, a lover, or oneself. And while Guettel's roots run deep into the Broadway tradition (he's the grandson of Richard Rodgers), he's thankfully not afraid of musical experimentation. A great, soulful disc. --Jason Verlinde

Customer Reviews:

A magical and affecting song cycle.......2006-09-28

I bought this disk on an Adam Guettel shopping spree after seeing and loving his Tony Award winning The Light in the Piazza. I was expecting the same sophistacated, elegant, and lushly romantic score a la Piazza, but was suprised to encounter an earthy mix of contemporary, hip rhythms and folkish, almost ecclesiastical melodies. However, upon my first listening, I didn't like it, didn't get it, and put it back on the self.
Fast forward a year.
I now think Myths and Hymns is the most original, most innovative song cycles of our generation. M and H encumpasses greek mythology and spiritual Americana by combining the stories of Icarus, Pegasus, Hero, Lysander, Sisyphus, and others with the structured yet sprited New England hymnal style music. The result is magical collection of songs that link together both musically and emotionally to create a satisfying listening experience.
The Performers are all in top form, including greats like Mandy Patankin embodying the eturnal suffering of Sisyphus, Theresa McCarthy and her angelic soprano voice, a spirited Billy Porter, and a radient Audra McDonald showing a playful side of Pegasus. However, the best performer by far is Guettel himself. He sings many of his own songs, and gives a soulful, heartfelt, and skilled performance, proving himself with the many talented voices on this cd.
The best songs are:
-At the Sounding: A spirited opening number combining antique lyrics with modern harmonies. It starts the cd of with a bang.
-Saturn Returns: Sung by Guettel, this song masterfully addresses the universal question about meaning in life.
-Icarus: Upbeat, and again sung but Guettel, it tells the story of the ill fated Icarus and adds present day connections to the ancient myth.
-Hero and Leander: The most romantic song on the cd, and my favorite. It is sung by Guettel, and is an understated and poigent declaration of love.
-Sisyphus: Mandy Patankin as you've never heard him before. A very funny song.
-Come To Jesus: A haunting melody that will stay with you long after listening.
-Pegasus: Another upbeat, funny little song, with silly lyrics and obscure references.
Keep an open mind while listening to this cd. It may take multiple listenings to fully appreciate its genious.
Highly reccomended

Beautiful Song Cycle, Almost As Good As Guettel's The Light In The Piazza.......2006-06-25

When listening to The Light In The Piazza, I soon fell in love with the soundtrack and wanted to hear more from Adam Guettel, so I picked up Myths & Hymns. While it is quite obviously different from The Light In The Piazza, it is just as musically brilliant.

What really gives this album that extra glue to hold it together is the star-studded cast singing the songs. There are Broadway favorites like Mandy Patinkin (singing "Sisyphus") & Audra McDonald (singing in "Pegasus"), but one great thing about this is that Mr. Adam Guettel sings a few songs himself (and not half-bad might I add) which include "Hero And Leander" & "Saturn Returns."

From the beautiful title song "Saturn Returns" to the quirky but funny "Pegasus" to the unique song stylings of "Sisyphus," this is certainly a must-have for any music lover. A few cautionary things about this though. This is a song cycle, a group of songs designed to be performed in sequence as a single entity, not really a musical. Also, there really isn't a beat. For instance, you're not going to wake up the following day singing "Come To Jesus" because it is beautifully addictive music that doesn't have a real consecutive rhythm. It is a still a brilliant music and is a must-listen for anyone.

Best Song Cycle Ever Written!.......2006-02-28

I believe that this is the best song cycle ever written and remains as one of my favourite Guettel pieces. The songs on this CD are extraordinary, extremely well written and cleverly assembled. I have also bought the sheet music which confirms his musical genius even further and also contains many songs not on the CD such as Prometheus, Jesus the Might Conquerer, Life is But a Dream and Build a Bridge, all of which are fabulous. This is a must for all music lovers! You won't regret it!

A fine new voice in musical theater.......2003-07-19

"Myths and Hymns" brings a fine new talent to musical theater. Adam Guettel has taken Greek myths and combined them with songs found in an old hymnal to create a unique cycle of songs ranging from funny ("Pegasus" and "There's A Land") to poignant ("Migratory V" and "Hero and Leander") to uplifting ("There's A Shout"). And, for this recording, we get to hear some of the original cast members from "Saturn Returns," the off-broadway show which featured the 16 tracks on this album. Theresa McCarthy, Audra McDonald, Billy Porter and Mandy Patinkin, to name a few.

Some of my favorites are "Hero and Leandro" sung by Adam Guettel, "How Can I Lose You?" sung by Annie Golden and "Awaiting You" sung by Billy Porter. But, the entire album is filled with fantastic music and wonderful voices.

"There's A Shout" for this album.......2002-12-31

I've been on a crusade ever since I was in college, it was to find unique and passionate musical. When I first started my search it mostly consisted of Stephen Sondheim's musicals, but now its getting bombarded with the likes of Ricky Ian Gordon, Jason Robert Brown, Micahal John Lachiusa and of course Adam Guettel. I first fell in love with in love with Adam Guettel's works when I bought FLOYD COLLINS, it mentioned on the back that he was the new Sondheim, so of course I bought it. Well after I listened to that album I was in a desperate search for what ever else he wrote. Then I found MYTHS & HYMNS. Which is not quite a musical, but it is. There such amazing voice on this album such as Audra McDonald, Mandy Patinkin, Theresa McCarthy, Vivian Cherry, Annie Golden, and of course Adam Guettel himself. The music is so powerful at times it can reduce you to tears and so fun at times you can't help from dancing and singing around your room. So if you haven't guessed it yet I highly recommend this album!

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