A-L Webber has been accused of being eclectic, of writing commercial music, and what not. These may be right, but who cares? All I know is that his music thrills me, as do the wonderful voices he picks up.

The two operas I like best are "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "The Phantom of the Opera". I'm not sure the former is a sample of good taste, but then again, it doesn't matter a bit. I love it for the force with which the characters are -- I should say painted, but this word can hardly be applicable to a musical, what do you think? Take Judas, take Jesus, take Magdalena, or my absolute favourite -- Pilat, they are all alive, they all make mistakes and pay for them... they don't know how to go on... yet they do... much like most of us... which is what makes this thing so attractive! I cannot attempt to judge about the religious relevance of this piece of work, I'll leave that to those who can, but I have lost count to the shivers this rock-opera sends down my spine! :)

As to the latter opera, it's one of the few all-time favourites of mine. Ever since I first heard the theme of "Phantom", I have been intoxicated with the powerful mystery of this work... Although this might be a sample of the most "commercialized" music ever written, its melodies linger in your soul... So do the characters. Phantom, the dark monster of a man, is most appealing! The melodies that go with him are breathtaking, and his whole role is magnificent... Yes, I'm impartial to him! :) Can't help it, you know. Just think of it, he falls in love -- and he is ugly, unloved, unwanted, hated and haunted... *the world showed no compassion to me!* He's also cruel and cynical... And so damnably smart!! What a fate, a composer, creator of beautiful music -- and "bound and chained in this cold and dismal place... for the wickedness of my abhorrent face!", as he explains to Christine, the girl of his dream, the maiden of his love. Finally, after a session of murders and opera-performances, he is -- seems to be -- loved by her... Well, it's arguable, it might be that she just sacrificed herself for the sake of her *earthly* lover, a rich, handsome and kind-hearted man (who is just a trifle boring, to my mind, but so positive in every respect! :), but I think that her going out to Phantom was an act of true love... of unearthly love too, but let's not go this deep! :) And what? He lets her go... lets her go, and thus kills his hope, his love, his music... Hmmmm this of course is my interpretation, and I may be wrong... But I'm talking too much! :) Maybe it's just that anybody who is alone against the whole world is just so appealing! :)

So, here are my most favourite pieces...

And of course this is just a tiny part of the whole opera! Be sure and listen to it as soon as you have a chance to (and I've heard the Broadway performance is exceptionally wonderful! :))

Music Of The Night Night-time sharpens, heightens each sensation... Darkness stirs and wakes imagination... Silently the senses abandon their defences... Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendour... Grasp it, sense it -- tremulous and tender... Turn your face away from the garish light of day, turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light and listen to the music of the night... Close your eyes and surrender to your darkest dreams! Purge your thoughts of the life you knew before! Close your eyes, let your spirit start to soar! And you'll live as you've never lived before... Softly, deftly, music shall surround you... Feel it, hear it, closing in around you... Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind, in this darkness which you know you cannot fight -- the darkness of the music of the night... Let your mind start a journey through a strange new world! Leave all thoughts of the world you knew before! Let your soul take you where you long to be! Only then can you belong to me... Floating, falling, sweet intoxication! Touch me, trust me, savour each sensation! Let the dream begin, let your darker side give in to the power of the music that I write -- the power of the music of the night!