The music of the night - Colm Wilkinson

[@Dan-uy2ld]

Colm Wilkinson is the phantom that inspired Ramin Karimloo to get into musical theatre. His voice literally inspired a lifteime of commitment and work into this business. Colm is a legend

[@hamchung7775]

Now with that mask Javert can never find him

[@haoting502]

hahahahahaha that's funny😂😂😂

[@zhengcheng8862]

His voice is so unique, the first moment he song just brought me back to 24601...

[@lettuce8635]

At last Valjean! We see each other plain!

[@Line...]

plot twist: Christine is just Javert with a wig

[@MrMjdc]

@@lettuce8635 monsieur le phantom, you'll wear another mask!

[@thomasbrown7716]

His transition from chest to head voice when he sings "close your eyes" gives me goosebumps every. Single. Time. He's as talented as they come.

[@sharon102645]

I totally agree. Goosebumps here too.

[@finlaybalfour1064]

Falsetto..but yeah

[@1jackct]

@@finlaybalfour1064 chest and head voice are singing terms

[@finlaybalfour1064]

@@1jackct I know - chest, head, and falsetto are three different things. Head voice sounds very different and usually refers to the female placement - falsetto is a primarily male placement technique.

[@1jackct]

@@finlaybalfour1064 doesnt your headvoice cover falsetto tho its more of a blanket term correct? named as such because of how it feels when singing so high

[@user-rl1fw1ws2i]

I’m Japanese, so I can’t understand English lyrics very well. But,I cried when I listened to this song. I love his voice.

[@katerinapetrova9738]

He's the kindest sounding phantom there ever was

[@jennbryant32]

Well granted the Phantom wasn't the nicest of fellows, but when it came to Christine he was very kind

[@justess797]

Well he is very aggressive in the show

[@bookwoman53]

Yes. His voice has a warm tone.. Some of the actors’ voices get quite nasal and shrill.

[@biancahq5477]

so who’s gonna tell them

[@xpa-beads501]

@@biancahq5477 thinking the same thing… 😐

[@TheTitanic4]

Colm has the purest, strongest falsetto of anyone in musical theatre.

[@preciousfox4740]

I just love his voice!

[@Chantwizzle]

His voice evokes the most Phantom emotions for me. He makes you feel the pain. His voice is so natural and passionate.

[@at1212b]

There's a recording recently put up of his Toronto performance and it is astounding.

[@bird.9346]

@@at1212b Hmm where? Can't find anything

[@HerrWeinachten]

What I love about Colm's portrayal is how different it is to every other Phantom. Colm plays The Phantom as an older man who has been shunned from society his entire life and doesn't know how to handle having feelings for Christine as he's never felt that way before. Colm's Phantom isn't a monster, just a man completely incapable of dealing with his newfound feelings.

[@carolortimculliton863]

I had the honor of working on the stage crew when this show opened in Toronto. All I could think was oh my god how am I going to listen to this eight times a week. After a week I could not get enough, There were times when Colm would bring a guitar with him to sound check, and he would take requests from the crew, it was awesome. I have so many behind the scene storys I could go on for hours. I was lucky enough to do this for the first two and a half years of the show. on a side note how many people know or remember Neve Campbell, of the move Scream or the tv show party of five. She was a 15yr old ballerina in this show when it opened.

[@rickardnyberg4899]

Although i like him more as Jean Valjean he is also one of the best phantoms ever. His voice is very different from most of todays phantoms

[@heavyd1313]

Colm emoted better than just about anybody I've ever heard. His voice wasn't always totally crisp or clean, but he always delivered the emotion of a song to the audience.

[@GreenDayMinecraftF]

Colm has the best "Be" belt I've ever seen.

[@GrainneMhaol]

It's orgasmic.

[@jamesgoss1860]

The album version is OK, but this? Holy moly!

[@brandonbenitez9746]

Have to agree, this was amazing, literally had to pick up my jaw from the floor. His and JOJ ARE THE BEST!

[@antonellalf1036]

No one will ever compare to Colm Wilkinson's Phantom. First time I saw him was in 1991 in Toronto and I swear that performance has stuck with me ever since. I'm so lucky to have seen him perform this in his prime - along with Les Mis. He's the greatest.

[@benszekely4336]

same with valjean.

[@evelyntokasz6306]

I saw him then also and he made me feel as though the Phantom was actualy real!!!

[@trinitysimmons2063]

I looked closely and saw a beard and was like "did Colm say nope not shaving phantom now has a beard." LOLL

[@into.the.wood.chipper.]

That's hilarious! Never even considered it, but he's basically the Chuck Norris of musical theatre.

[@BRI1035]

He appeared as Valjean later on in this same show. So it was either Phantom with a beard, or Valjean with no beard. They went Phantom with a beard!

[@abandoned-mines-novascotia]

Yes, it was merely a one-night engagement / concert at Royal Albert Hall. It would have been silly for Colm to have to commit that far to the character. Yes, he also was Valjean the same night during the Les Mis section.

[@mikulover9452]

Colm was dedicated to Les Mes, and he was originally the original Phantom

[@publius8945]

#mikulover I’m glad they went with Crawford instead

[@tannguyen7238]

Colm's voice may not be my personal favourite for this song, but I like his portrayal here. Very emotional!

[@carebear032007]

I can ONLY listen to colm sing the phantom... it's just not the same and thank you Sweety... it's so hard to find!

[@tannguyen7238]

He's a great Phantom, just that I like him more in other songs than this.

[@carebear032007]

Agreed.... He is ABSOLUTELY amazing!

[@dianablue565]

Here, I think Mr. Wilkinson reveals so much of himself, rather than the phantom. He is beautiful, of course, but I think he is not aware of the "Music of the Night". I think he romantically dissociates himself here from the theme. I think he might not be ready here ( maybe later he did) to express the personal passion needed for the role. Maybe first, he doubts or does not see himself an agressive romantic lead. Maybe he is not ready to let that much of himself go. I felt also, that Lisa Vroman as Christine was trying to fill in the "pieces" that should have been motivated in her by Mr. Wilkinson's Phantom. I found myself a little amused at Mr. Wilkinson's show of vulnerability (my opinion) for this role. He had such passion as Jean Val Jean. But here, we get to peek at his cards. But to me, if I could have only one voice on a deserted island, I think it just might be Mr. Wilkinson's!

[@dankhnw8]

I'm not fond of his performance here.....MY OPINION

[@Themanwhocameback2]

i have never SEEN Phantom of the Opera. I have only heard Michael Crawford, Gerard Butler, and this man, Colm Wilkinson. Therefore my judgment is based solely on each man's vocal performance. This man is the best.

[@cherylyan8404]

try John Owen Jones. he is also good

[@vickydem5864]

Themanwhocameback2 John Owen Jones and Karimloo are very good!!

[@Themanwhocameback2]

Thank you. I'll have to check them out. Colm Wilkinson's version has a pathos and a majesty missing in Michael Crawford and Gerard Butler.

[@schan848]

Themanwhocameback2 of course, this is Colm Wilkinson!!!

[@tacchua2000]

Of course!!! When Andrew Lloyd Webber composed the Phantom of the Opera, he actually based it off Colm. But Colm was too busy to do it because he accepted the role of Jean Valjean in Les Mis and thus Michael Crawford was offered the role. The Phantom of the Opera was made for Colm's voice.

[@jbfw1358]

I like the mask Valjean used to hide from Javert

[@lettuce8635]

Come with me! You have no rights! *24601* -The Confrontation, Les Miserables

[@MrMjdc]

“Open up your miiinnndddd” love that. Colm is a star. I could listen to him sing “miiinnnddd” all day.

[@devengrace]

There is no one else that sings this song & performs the phantom like Colm Wilkinson… Especially the ending 🎭🌹

[@DarkAphelion]

first time i've listening to this i didn't know should i say his special accent is great or annoying...after he sung the first high note i was astonished...EVERY F***ING time i hear him sing i got goosebumps all over my spine...what a great gifted man! one of the most beautiful voice i've ever heard of...he IS the phantom!

[@RichardArsenault]

I saw Sarah and Michael perform several times when they first came to LA from Broadway -- during the preview shows, the huge candelabras all came crashing to through the floor during the bows after the final curtain, feet from the actors! It was scary! Nobody was hurt. :) Then, I also got to see Les Miserables when they first came to the Shubert Theatre in 1988 Century City (LA) -- 2nd row center. I was a video employee at Triad Artists and got special access but had to pay for the tickets of course. I saw Colm Wilkinson then Gary Morris portray Valjean. I was so close that a bit of Colm's spit landed on me during "Bring Him Home." Colm is amazing; we are blessed to have him -- and this performance of Music is amazing. I held back tears only twice in Les Mis the movie, and both times were when Colm appeared as the Bishop. His authentic theatre energy made the movie (along with Samantha Barks), if not it would have been on the level of a flash mob video in my view. Now, out man Alfie is God's blessing on us. Bravi to all the Valjeans, everywhere in the Work and elsewhere on earth!

[@Tikvikity]

He play lead the first 8-10 times I saw Phantom in Toronto. He is my favorite, but there have been several great Phantoms. You can't see his feet in this video with the steam, but Colm moved across the floor like a big cat - the way he lifted his feet. He glided like he was floating on air. And the voice..........what can I say!!!

[@mefi9788]

He looks really awkward in the video.

[@josegenuino5706]

"Let your soul take where you long to beeeeee" was the best I've ever head.

[@Abby-km6vr]

I agree!!!!

[@pyrozplayground9460]

Oh god.. Colm's emotional singing is the most amazing thing ever! No other Phantom has, is, and ever will be as good as Colm.

[@tiredofitall9213]

I seen Phantom in either 93 or 94 at the Pantages theatre. I'll never forget it! I was a kid (9th grade) and my youth group didn't think they had enough tickets for my friend and I due to a late sign up. So we were going to go to Mr greenjeans and go shopping at the mall while the rest of the group seen Phantom. When our chaperone got back on the bus and said we got you tickets! I actually was a bit upset. I was 13 and just wanted to go shopping! Well let me tell you... I honestly can say after the performance I thought to myself if I hadn't seen this show I would have regretted it for the rest of my life! It was just an absolutely breathtakingly beautiful theater and the Phantom of the Opera production was beyond amazing, Colm played the Phantom and I fell in love with his voice almost immediately! To this day I think to myself, I'd love to see another production done, but I don't want to ruin the experience.

[@jennbryant32]

I saw Phantom in New York when I was 15 with my choir class. It was the best time of my life such an incredible show. I fell in love with the Phantom alittle that day ❤

[@theatrekidwithinternetacce704]

@@jennbryant32 That's crazy!!!! mom saw with her choir group !!

[@kateteac8511]

I saw it in 1995 when I was 10 for a class trip... And absolutely loved it. It was amazing and I think sparked my love for musicals. Saw Les Miserables in 1999.

[@danielstadnicki528]

All I hear is Jean Valjean!

[@rosebud3971]

Wrong! You obviously did not SEE BOTH live productions. The acting, the feeling was different.

[@Ghrainne]

so Frank you are the authority, I assume you are joking but maybe I am wrong. I am sorry you reacted like that and showed such anger. I love you anyway best wishes My advice Go back and apologize to Dan S for your comment

[@saschahoupt6177]

Frank Hodges well he probably just meant that he’s heard Colm’s voice so much as Jean Valjean that it just sounds like that to him now. No need to get so aggressive.

[@dirkturrell6460]

Sascha Houpt Boston Ma if you think he's being aggressive and can't handle critical comments on the internet perhaps you should stay away lol. Especially from the KZbin comments. And just saying what he said wasn't all that bad and was clearly something he had an opinion and passion about lol

[@kermitthefrog1198]

I hear valjean in everything he does

[@brittanybroberg6746]

It's not just Christine, I'm in a dream state after hearing him sing that. DAMN.

[@Spifftasticdork]

"Let your soul take you where you long to BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!" O_O Wow. Nicely done, Colm. *Hits replay*

[@16brandex]

THAT'S PASSION!

[@robroadman553]

You cannot argue that Colm is a great performer. Some of his vowels are diphthongs and his Ah vowel sometimes comes our as an Uh. If you don't mind that, you can certainly enjoy his singing. He will ALWAYS be Jean Valjean in my opinion.

[@mefi9788]

I love his voice and he really has the Jean Valjean character but I just can't take his vowels sometimes. It just kills it for me "Bring him Hoyuuum". He is an amazing performer! Just my preference.

[@into.the.wood.chipper.]

+Rob Roadman What vowel is he using on the high note in this song? It's really powerful, but I can't figure it out.

[@robroadman553]

+Don Carlson It seems he starts with an Ah, then changes to an E, but does it much too early. The Night, in my opinion should have the AH vowel until the release, just before the T in night.

[@into.the.wood.chipper.]

Rob Roadman I agree, but try it with an OH. "Noyt" sounds kind of weird, but it works and is easier to sing dark and retrained than "AH". I noticed that a lot of actors have sung the "AHEE"s in the earlier lyrics of this song as "OY". Colm does it a lot.

[@mefi9788]

I agree. I also think the "be" is just not working. Even though an "ee" is far from ideal at the end of a phrase he makes it a very clear "beh" which I think is just kind of silly. He is a great performer and has a beautiful color, but personally, I just don't get the vowels. Like he's breaking basic rules that I thought were pretty universal. Maybe it's just his accent,but that shouldn't matter. And John Owen Jones is a wonderful Jean Valjean and Alfie Boe. SAE Boe in his final Broadway performance and he was INCREDIBLE!!!!

[@TheDeucecharmer]

I had a chance to sing "The Music of the Night" to him on the phone in Toronto. I remember he was firm on finishing the last letter of every line. That is why you hear him sing "The music of the nnnighttt t. He actually started in rock "n" roll. He is a great talent.

[@ravenlit]

Diction is key, and in theater especially so.

[@pringwalt]

Most beautiful voice from a most beautiful man.

[@mewsic1]

He makes my heart SOAR! What a magnificent voice!

[@thephantomoftheparadise5666]

This guy does the Phantom justice.

[@lynackhilou4865]

he is the original phantom and jean valjean after all

[@rocketman9448]

@@lynackhilou4865 Michael Crawford.. “Am I a joke to you ?”

[@dukethomas95]

I've always prefered Colm Wilkinson's portrayal of the Phantom for the simple reason he played/sung the part in such a way you could sense how emotionally tired and tormented the character was.

[@dirkturrell6460]

I don't know how this guy isn't recognized as the best voice for the phantom! Because he really is lol

[@emily_rose_elyse]

this guy makes me smile, like, so much

[@mikulover9452]

All these dislikes are from Javert

[@computerpurple]

To each their own take on who is best , i like Colm Wilkinson.

[@christinewells-leddon9287]

Colm Wilkinson is magnificent: compelling, magnetic and charismatic. A more mature Phantom and a masterful performance!

[@jonathanwang9613]

Colm Wikinson~ Oh God, don't you think he is the God of Music? I love him so much!!!!!!!!!!

[@porsorodis7985]

He has the most beautiful voice ever!

[@rogersoriano6709]

Quelle. Voix. Tellement. Expressive ,bravo

[@yogawarriorgirl]

Holy crow, I never knew the true Phantom until I heard this voice. That edge sounds familiar, too. I bet Gerard Butler listened to this guy day and night to train for the role. This is the song of a man consumed by passion, and Wilkinson nailed it more deftly than I've ever heard it done.

[@MindfulMya]

Gerard Butler was trained by Colm Wilkinson and was mimicking Colm ... which is why there is a similarity but Colm was the original phantom! Canada rule! Woot woot, my parents saw the original cast live

[@JoeyArmstrong2800]

I prefer Colm as the phantom. Such a spooky beautiful spirit to his voice.

[@paulbloom8847]

Colm reigns supreme at the best in the industry bar NOBODY

[@FelizNAVIDad293]

This was officially Colms last performance as the Phantom.

[@dirkturrell6460]

ThePersianTenor sad face!

[@earthangel2285]

..made me sad seeing this comment😯

[@arthas1486]

Don't remind me...

[@christopherpavkovich4995]

I saw Colm perform Phantom in Toronto over 20 years ago. Amazing

[@amysill3815]

Best… absolutely the best. Love this man.

[@emesass5959]

I saw them in Concert, seen him in other shows, never disappoints. Loved his little "jig dance" he does at the end before the curtain closed after many bravos.

[@PyrozPlayground]

Favorite Phantom! He just does it with so much feeling and emotion, it's epic!

[@rachel8453]

Colm Wilkinson, Norm Lewis and Earl Carpenter are my favorite phantoms. Colm really inhabits the Angel of Music side of the Phantom as well as the sexual repression.

[@magicmonkichi]

Colm is epic~! I saw him as the Phantom in Toronto in the 90's and I will never forget it. He was amazing!

[@bobbecker2046]

Had the pleasure of seeing him perform when I was a kid. I vaguely remember it. But my parents do recall me saying he was better than the phantom on cassette tape (Crawford)

[@TheEmmosum]

Out of all the Phantoms, I love him the best. So mysterious...fits for phantom.

[@thenostalgiaman]

Everytime I hear him singing, "Close your eyes, Let your spirit start to soar", it reminds me of his rendition of Bring Him Home.

[@gr8maker]

Saw Colm in Toronto 3 times

[@janetchan2748]

I'm very confused when hearing him play Phantom. It's like Jean Valjean trying to seduce Christine.....so weird.... Amazing performance though.

[@kyleschwartzkopf1560]

7 dislikes are Lon Chaney Sr., Michael Crawford, Ramin Karimloo, Michael Ball, James Owen Jones, Gerard Butler, and JAVERT!!!

[@HavvahartKL]

actually this guy's the reason Ramin even wanted to do phantom! ;D

[@josegenuino5706]

Ramin, JOHN-Owen Jones and Michael Ball would dislike this? ..

[@hunterdude113]

José Genuino not to mention Michael Crawford...... gerard butler I could understand

[@alphonzoalegrado9784]

You could have named any other Phantom other than Ramin. Ramin freaking worships Colm... And you mean John Owen-Jones, right?

[@ixaaicactus]

Ramin and JOJ?? are you kiddin' me??? They rule this song dude!! I understand Javert xD... but Ramin??? Really???

[@ShatnerLover]

He’s my second favorite phantom

[@waynebrake]

The best by far , saw him in concert love him

[@LinaKva]

I truly believe that Colm Wilkinson is sent from heaven, for us unworthy to hear him sing.

[@sadiemae6542]

My God...that voice and those dimples....I'll love Colm forever.

[@et9120]

Interesting my first Phantom was Ramon Karimloos, but it's interesting how Wilkinson runs vibrato completely through the "soar" whereas Ramin starts it pure, and finished the note in vibrato.

[@ixtab1000]

Colm is in a League of his own.

[@andyrew004]

I only have ears for Colm Wilkinson. Even when he's not Valjean.

[@chufamily2013]

His voice touched me

[@carl_lindquist]

Amazing. Colm is just wonderful...

[@mariachelaidte1075]

He is the best Phantom. The best Valjean..! Great voice !

[@sorr3nto]

Colm has a brilient voice. love him singing Bring him Home from Les Mis too.

[@davidlandry4246]

I loved Colm Wilkenson as Jean Valjean

[@garynelson561]

Saw him at the Pantages Theatre in Toronto. Great trip, great show.

[@YuukiKuranZeroKiryu]

oh my gosh, oh my gosh, oh my gosh! I'm sitting here in my dorm room hyperventilating and crying this is so beautiful

[@malcolmcox17]

Everytime I hear his voice I feel so peculiar on the inside. Oh how I wish i meet him

[@gerarddunne6520]

Reading all the Comments about Colm, He played all the original parts in the musical recordings. He was the original "Che" in the concept album of "evita". Have a listen to it.

[@darakenny5408]

The thing is because of how long ago this was filmed the audio is no where close to how good it actually would of been and it’s still outstanding

[@519sicko33]

BEST PHANTOM EVER!

[@50daysago14]

Night time sharpens, heightens each sensation Darkness wakes and stirs imagination Silently the senses abandon their defenses Helpless to resist the notes I write For I compose the music of the night Slowly, gently night unfurls it's splendor Grasp it, sense it, tremulous and tender Hearing is believing, music is deceiving Hard as lightening, soft as candlelight Dare you trust the music of the night Close your eyes for your eyes will only tell the truth and the truth isn't what you want to see In the dark it is easy to pretend That the truth is what it ought to be Softly, deftly, music shall caress you hear it, fear it, secretly possess you Open up your mind, let your fantasies unwind In this darkness which you know you cannot fight The darkness…

[@juliarose7838]

this is the voice that haunts your greatest dreams

[@leahchariandy2060]

Well said.

[@stephaneplourde8832]

Wow, Colm Wilkinson. Powerful.

[@MrMjdc]

Colm is THE MASTER

[@amandagrace31]

This is the best I have heard.

[@duskmallow]

Let your soul take you where you long to BÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄÄ! Gotta love Colm and his vowels!

[@lindaw.6274]

I have seen The Phantom 5 times and even had box seats once by a fluke. The kindness of a stranger. Colm Wilkinson in my opinion nailed it. He rocks!!!

[@ShawnAprilMIchaels]

Colm made Ramin to be the best! without colm, ramin won't be famous!

[@TheLizzieCxx]

Colm is just Colm! There are no words for his awesomeness :) I freaking love him as Phantom, well I love him in everything he's in so.....

[@agcaoiliproductions9580]

The OG Phantom right here folks!

[@artfuldodgeret]

Canadian phantom has a beard...and an awesome, emotional voice!

[@allen-michaelsoard9391]

I am so jealous of Wilkinson's voice. My to dream roles are the Phantom and Jean Valjean. I always knew that Colm Wilkinson played Valjean but I didn't no he was also the Phantom. SO JEALOUS!!!

[@danilovsky22]

Colm Wilkinson and Lisa Vroman.Greatest version!Colm The Great is probably one of the greatest singers of all times! Great voice,great charisma!Love Colm!

[@yaabr]

that high note at 2:30 ~ was fucking amazing

[@Edwards-Videos]

When The Phantom of the Opera was first performed in Toronto in the late 1980s, Colm WIlkinson was The Phantom.

[@Ladyfoghorn]

1:15, 2:29... Shivers down my spine. By 4:15, balling my eyes out! Love Colm!!!

[@tiffanystewart9265]

Lisa is so pretty!

[@scottmcauley9187]

Spectacular, best musical, best singing.

[@janazonova8408]

He has a BEARD !!!

[@phantomslittlelottie]

Oh my word COLM!!! Oh how I love this man!!

[@rlam905]

That Colm Wilkinson lip flare is legendary.

[@liuliumama]

born to sing

[@chaneldial8927]

beautiful i think christine is so beautiful and the phantom sounds so beautiful and calm as well

[@davidgeoclark9208]

Thanks for posting this video Chanel, Phantom of the Opera is my favorite musical.

[@chaneldial8927]

you are so welcome i love the phantom myself as well but i think it would be hard for me to sing opera

[@alexdbroad]

for me, this is the best interpretation of the song.