I was raised on the Edmund Hockridge version of Soliloquy, so my standard was high. Julian Ovenden does a superb job.....he will surely become a major star of the musical theatre, providing he is coupled with the right vehicle.
A very appealing voice, obviously professionaly trained to some extent, but it's a little small, in my view. Saying that I love Franco Corelli, so it's a little apples and oranges! :-)
@TheHistoryGirl He may be trying to recreate the BROADWAY orchestrations. It was a stage musical first and foremost, and remains one (as seen by the successful revival a few years back).
I really enjoyed Julian's redention of this classic. For those criticising the originality of the interpretation the whole point of what John Wilson is trying to do is recreate the cinematic orchestrations for a live orchestra. The only thing I miss is the slight raise by McCrae on the first 'like a try he'll grow' - that gets me every time in the film. Nevertheless, I rank Ovenden's vocal skills higher than Jackman's and equal with both Warlow and Raitt.
His face and eyes are SO expressive, he's acting the song as well as singing. And he's got the power behind the voice, but acts thru the words as well. Brilliant!
LOVE this guy. I can't wait to see where his career goes. He has such a sense of style for this specific kind of classical musical theatre music. He's also a terrific actor.
The comments about this being note for note like other singers is probably because the whole point of John Wilson's orchestration is that it is an extact rendition of the original.These orchestrations were worked out by the conductor from the music, as it hadn't been written down. Quite a task! Julian Ovenden is great. I love his voice and his acting.
Marvellous rendition. Saw his version of Being Alive which is brilliant and this is wonderful as well.. surely one of the best live versions of this song ever. Compared to Hugh Jackman, this guy rocks. Sure we'll be hearing more of him soon.
Ugh. Ok. Here's the deal. He is quite good looking and has a beautiful voice. But this is an almost note for note imitation of John Raitt's original Broadway recording of this song. And while John Raitt was a real operatic baritone he also suffered from the similar problems that Mr. Ovenden has in this performance, namely, a dull and unimaginative interpretation of this soliloquy. The beauty of this song is that lyrically it is poetry. To sing it shallowly misses the entire point.
@vicpickles No...true enough.......but his recordings are...... and to anyone who knows anything about singing.... they show this kid up as not being in the same league.....
@vicpickles No, he isn't. But, can't we have someone who can equal him in his own way, instead of this rather lame ass excuse for a classic musical theatre leading man?
This whole concert was brilliant. Wonderful orchestra, superb soloists, fabulous choir. I can't ever get tired of watching it especially Julian singing Soliloquy, best I've ever heard it sung. Loved it all, can't wait for DVD to be released (there must be one)
Only guy to ever sing this song and do it justice is Sinatra. I mean its brilliant.
sligoker 1 week ago
I was raised on the Edmund Hockridge version of Soliloquy, so my standard was high. Julian Ovenden does a superb job.....he will surely become a major star of the musical theatre, providing he is coupled with the right vehicle.
Prostar369 2 weeks ago
A very appealing voice, obviously professionaly trained to some extent, but it's a little small, in my view. Saying that I love Franco Corelli, so it's a little apples and oranges! :-)
corellipavarotti 1 month ago
@TheHistoryGirl He may be trying to recreate the BROADWAY orchestrations. It was a stage musical first and foremost, and remains one (as seen by the successful revival a few years back).
ShowtuneSampler 1 month ago
I really enjoyed Julian's redention of this classic. For those criticising the originality of the interpretation the whole point of what John Wilson is trying to do is recreate the cinematic orchestrations for a live orchestra. The only thing I miss is the slight raise by McCrae on the first 'like a try he'll grow' - that gets me every time in the film. Nevertheless, I rank Ovenden's vocal skills higher than Jackman's and equal with both Warlow and Raitt.
TheHistoryGirl 2 months ago
I,ve seen him in the tv series Foyles war,had no idea he was a stage singer also, talented guy,
GJ24653 3 months ago
His face and eyes are SO expressive, he's acting the song as well as singing. And he's got the power behind the voice, but acts thru the words as well. Brilliant!
ZelphKinderhook 4 months ago
I believe HUGH JACKMAN does a more than passible rendition!
brumbybrat 4 months ago
Would I love to see him on Broadway! He's perfect at the best of American musical theater.
anbd1952 4 months ago
HOLY HOLY COW!!!! THIS GUY RIVALS JOHN RAITT!!!
ParkersStage 5 months ago
He's wonderful. Sounds like a cross between Raitt and MacRae!!
windstorm1000 6 months ago
I've never seen anyone as great in this part. Never. He's amazing.
anbd1952 6 months ago
Very nice job. It's amaing to see there are some people giving this a shot . But where is the John Raitt of today ?
dabermanator 6 months ago
Dude Julian Ovenden has some serious eyebrow skills...
samuelkash 7 months ago
Quite good, but nobody beats Sinatra's version
pianodude1971 7 months ago
LOVE this guy. I can't wait to see where his career goes. He has such a sense of style for this specific kind of classical musical theatre music. He's also a terrific actor.
lcowles 7 months ago 14
The comments about this being note for note like other singers is probably because the whole point of John Wilson's orchestration is that it is an extact rendition of the original.These orchestrations were worked out by the conductor from the music, as it hadn't been written down. Quite a task! Julian Ovenden is great. I love his voice and his acting.
Banburian1 11 months ago
I dont see why people arent liking this... its pretty good if you ask me!
DanTheJScott 11 months ago
John Raitt for the high B flat at the very end:)
Oberon90 1 year ago
Pretty good but nothing on Anthony Warlow
fatheranthony4pope 1 year ago
@fatheranthony4pope More like Gordon Mcrae!
fernglamour13 8 months ago
brilliant
rockfordMT 1 year ago 4
Marvellous rendition. Saw his version of Being Alive which is brilliant and this is wonderful as well.. surely one of the best live versions of this song ever. Compared to Hugh Jackman, this guy rocks. Sure we'll be hearing more of him soon.
MrArco11 1 year ago 2
Ugh. Ok. Here's the deal. He is quite good looking and has a beautiful voice. But this is an almost note for note imitation of John Raitt's original Broadway recording of this song. And while John Raitt was a real operatic baritone he also suffered from the similar problems that Mr. Ovenden has in this performance, namely, a dull and unimaginative interpretation of this soliloquy. The beauty of this song is that lyrically it is poetry. To sing it shallowly misses the entire point.
sko1187 1 year ago
Not fit to lick Gordon MaCrae's boots!
HeldenB 1 year ago
@HeldenB Hmm! Gordon MaCrae,s not around anymore is he?
vicpickles 1 year ago
@vicpickles No...true enough.......but his recordings are...... and to anyone who knows anything about singing.... they show this kid up as not being in the same league.....
HeldenB 1 year ago
@vicpickles No, he isn't. But, can't we have someone who can equal him in his own way, instead of this rather lame ass excuse for a classic musical theatre leading man?
BlackieGirl 6 months ago
fantastic voice. soft and powerful at the same time. very listenable. really lives it too. extremely impressive.
4minutewarning 1 year ago
Your the best Julian!
vicpickles 1 year ago
Not really the right kind "baritone" voice for this....
cleanears 1 year ago
@cleanears There is no right baritone voice for this. It may be different from what your used to, but its RIGHT!
rhonesilva 1 year ago
@rhonesilva but it is quite low for him, as he doesnt have much overtone down on the bottom half of his voice, but i agree with you, it is right :)
qwertyoop 1 year ago
amazing!
MsCaliLover123 1 year ago
Ovenden puts subtext into his songs~
elzbieta52 1 year ago
What singing! What acting! Sensational.
morgbaden 1 year ago
cute
rafa5513 1 year ago
Fantastic orchestration, singer and orchestra. Very enjoyable.
dsbottom 1 year ago
the best
dinisdinisdinis 1 year ago
Very impressive indeed "i guess you think i can lick every other fella's father" lol, don't doubt it baby!
vincaful 1 year ago
Wonderful - I missed it on the TV so great to see it here - DVD on my Christmas list :O)
brendamcguirk 1 year ago
Very impressed with him in Marguerite and now hearing soliloquy he very good.
TheManny1947 1 year ago
This whole concert was brilliant. Wonderful orchestra, superb soloists, fabulous choir. I can't ever get tired of watching it especially Julian singing Soliloquy, best I've ever heard it sung. Loved it all, can't wait for DVD to be released (there must be one)
jarrodsmum 1 year ago
Indeed. I was pleasantly surprised by it as well. Not that he's a bad singer, far from it, but I still didn't expect this from him. :)
DancingMalarky 1 year ago
Very impressive
ng1493 1 year ago