Fiddler On The Roof Soundtrack Reviewed

By Amy Somensky Jul 19, 2004, 16:02 GMT

It is hard not to compare these performances to the performances of their predecessors. Zero Mostel’s or even Topol’s Tevye is a lot to live up to, and Alfred Molina doesn’t even come close. Missing from his performance is a sense of humor. This is most shown in track 3 “If I Were A Rich Man.” Tevye knows he is not going to be rich, but throws himself into the fantasy so entirely, that it may just happen. With every biddy-biddy-bum and every chicken noise you can’t help but chuckle, he even laughs at himself. Molina almost seems burdened by the lyrics. All the lyrics are there, they just need to be delivered properly.

Alfred Molina

The only performances that even close to getting it right is that of John Cariani and the ensemble. I get images of Cariani's, Motol twitching and nervous jumps when I hear him talk about his “new sewing machine” on track 7, “Tevye’s Monologue.” Even his best performance is still missing something. The other performance is track 9, “Tevye’s Dream.” This is due to the excellent work of the ensemble with all their screams and shouts.

I am annoyed by the fact that the producers could not find capable singers to play Tevye’s daughters, Tzeitel and Chava. The tune, “Matchmaker,” track 2, would almost be a burden to listen to if it weren’t for the delightful Laura Michelle Kelly who’s voice is leaps and bounds over the other two. She will make a lovely Mary Poppins this fall.

There are some additions to this version. Track 15, “Tevye’s Monologue (reprise)”, and track 19 “Chavaleh,” are nice additions. In particular, “Chavaleh.” It is a heart wrenching moment missing from other versions. The other addition is track 17 “Topsy Turvy,” which neither adds or detracts from the CD, it is just there.

Overall the sound is much better and crisper. The music is as touching and beautiful as ever. Fiddler will always be a great CD to listen to, it has some of the most beautiful tunes ever written for the theater, like “Sunrise Sunset.” The additional material is a good thing, but Molina’s performance takes away the magic that is Fiddler On The Roof. I suggest you go out and buy the versions with Zero Mostel or Topol.