Live Barefoot at the Symphony

I really wanted to like this album, I really did, and remember being ecstatic about the email saying Idina Menzel had a live album out with a symphony backing her up. I thought this would be great, hearing her past performances on the Broadway musical, Wicked. Unfortunately, the album as an entire piece is a letdown for those who were hoping for this album to be wall-to-wall music like many artists do when they put a live performance on an album.There are multiple tracks of Ms. Menzel giving life stories about things. Granted, I know artists like to thank people on live performances, but actual stories on a music album? Just not something I was hoping for. The most glaring thing that really irked me was the starting and stopping in the middle of "Poker Face". Granted, I've never heard Ms. Menzel on Glee, but who stops in the middle of a song to talk about the orchestra back-up playing a Lady Gaga song? Obviously the people who put out this album thought it was better to do so than give a straight rendition of the tune.This is not to say the whole album is bad. Ms. Menzel performs excellently on the tracks that actually have her singing in all her glory. I especially liked "Life of the Party", "Defying Gravity" and "Tomorrow". Her rendition of "For Good" was oddly recorded--if you listen its almost as if Ms. Menzel had her back to the microphone. Shame because it was a good performance of the tune.For any Idina Menzel fans, buy individual tracks, and skip the entire album, if you want just some good performances of music, and not a life story with songs in-between.

Idina Menzel is one of the most beautiful, authentic and positive examples of an artist, who began as a modest wedding and bar mitzvah singer, went on to perform in Jonathan Larson's RENT, and then became a breakthrough artist, in every sense of the word. Also, well recognized for her role in WICKED, Menzel has beautiful qualities, lyrically speaking. Her voice is tender, powerful, bold, sensitive, gospel - inspired, as well as rooted in the devotional music of her rich Jewish heritage.This is one of the top Top 10 albums of 2012. I will tell you why. Menzel is anything but pop. Her music is anything but standard. Though, we do hear her take on "Funny Girl/Rain On My Parade," originally recorded by Barbra Streisand, and she does "Tomorrow," (from ANNIE) as an homage to her parents, we also hear more contemporary pieces like "Defying Gravity," from WICKED, "No Day But Today" from RENT, and a gorgeous "Where Or When" with husband Taye Diggs (who she met, while starring in RENT together). This woman is funny, touching, insightful and wise. A beautiful being to behold in song. My dream is that I can see her in concert, some day.

Once again Idina proves that she has the voice to back up her stellar reputation. Even though I believe that she somewhat sold herself out by doing "Glee", I will always stand by her. This album was obviously taken directly from the soundtrack of the video, as there is seemingly no editing of talking between and during songs, as well as incredibly long moments of audience applause. In this sense it was a rush job to add more dollars to the pockets of the artist and producers. However if the price remains less than four dollars, it is a bargain for the few complete songs there are. Should the price increase, I would suggest just buying the songs you like. As an added note, I have seen Idina in concert, and part of her appeal is the interaction she has with the audience. Perhaps this was the intention of the recording, but it does not translate as well as a live performance.

Just got my copy of the cd, and I love it. I watched the concert on PBS and found it remarkably entertaining, with moments of tenderness and real charm. Perhaps the one drawback of the cd is that some of the longer monologues (all of which I enjoy) take up room that could have been used for additional songs. I was sad not to see that her rendition of "The Way We Were," with Marvin Hamlisch at the piano, included on the cd. The choice of songs is exactly right, and her voice is amazing. What comes across strongly is that she is doing exactly what she loves as a career and is authentically thankful that this is so. I had no Miss Menzel was such an accomplished actress until seeing her on GLEE, that remarkable show where the use of musical theatre to heighten dramatic moments is superbly realized. I hope she continues on GLEE, and maybe Ms. Streisand can have a guest role as Idina's mother.

I love Idina's voice & saw this show in New York last year. In person she was very personable & it was fun to hear the stories between songs, but as a long term listener I think it detracts & causes one to want to fast forward to the music. It worked best on "Where or When" when she does a duet with her husband, Taye Diggs. I have to agree with another reviewer that the break on "Poker Face" ruined the song. If you purchase the DVD, then the stories are more tolerable. Also, "For Good" needed the orchestra. It's such a beautiful song, but hearing Idina sing it all alone with no accompaniment was dull. I'd love for Idina to release a new original music cd, but with keeping her Broadway/show tune style in mind.I would have given this a 5 star review had the cd flowed better.

I like her performances in pretty much everything she does. I wish Disney gave her a couple more songs in Frozen and I hope someone will get around to a movie of Wicked with original cast soon. This performance was entertaining, let me hear a couple of new tunes, (about half I have on other CD's) The monologues were too long and after the initial hearing I un-checked them when I download into the iPod. The sound is unusually good for a live performance.

I watched this special on PBS and enjoyed it. I happened to run across the mp3 on Amazon and purchased it on a whim. I'm so happy that I did, because this collection is very entertaining and enjoyable. All of the banter between songs has been preserved from the TV special; maybe that's not everyone's cup of tea, but I find it adds to the casual warmth of the performance. I've been a fan of Idina's since "Rent" and this collection does not disappoint.

Glad I didn’t pay to see this. It’s absolute rubbish and not worth listening to although I really like other CDs of hers. Also this is very badly recorded which makes it even worse. Not worth 50p let alone £20. Will see if I can return this. If I get a few pounds back it will be better than keeping it as I shall never play it again!

Bought as a present for my wife - she loved it. We're going to see Idina Menzel on tour later this year, so now I know what to expect. If you like musicals and TV like Glee, you'll like this. If not, but you're married to someone who is... you better develop your tolerance levels now!

I saw Idina Menzel live at the Hackney Empire in London. This was recorded somewhere else but is very similar to the live show I visited. So it is a nice memory (including the dialogue inbetween).

Great CD!

This was bought for my Granddaughter as she loves Idina Menzel and she was thrilled when she opened it. The delivery was very prompt and well packed. Very pleased with the item