I’m late to the party on this one but I did listen to it when it was released, on my phone at an Anime Conventions I’m sure it was intended to be listen to in that manner. This post is off the cuff.
So first off this is a very lovely version. It is technically very well done. The orchestration and Groban’s voice is very pleasing. However Groban does not have the power and emotion of Bruno Pelletier or Matteo Setti of the Italian cast, I’m sure there are other great Gringoires I’m just lazy and I don’t feel like listening to the song over 20 times to list on in a tangent.
Also another personal issue I have and this could relate to the lack of power is that Groban seems disconnect to the lyrics. I’m sure he is know what he is singing but the language could just disconnect him a bit. Though I do recall him singing in other language and hearing more passion so maybe that wasn’t it.
It is a very pretty version and I like that people who may have not heard the song otherwise get a taste of the musical.
Pre- order Josh Groban’s Stages
Also Groban was in this movie which I love so despite my criticism I don’t care, anyone who was ever in one these movies is beyond reproach, beyond it I say (not really.)