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Title: The dialogue again - at last
Review: This is the first truly complete recording of "Man of la Mancha". It includes all the abduction music , the Moorish dance and the exit music. Most important, it is the first recording since the Original London Cast to include the dialogue. This makes a tremendous difference to the enjoyment of the score. Heard seperately, the songs are good but not great; put into context, they work wonderfully. Ron Raines and Kim Cresswell are the equal of their predecessors. Avery Saltzman gives what seems to be the traditional reading of Sancha - squeaky voiced and is as effective as anyone else playing the part this way. It is a shame that a different approach couldn't have been found with this character. The smaller parts aren't as sharply characterised as on the earlier complete recording. However, as that isn't available and this is and includes all the music, anyone wanting a recording of this score can purchase this with confidence.
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