Oklahoma! (1964 Studio Cast) [Cast Recording] [Original recording remastered]

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Rodgers & Hammerstein's impossibly optimistic heartland romp is rightly credited for launching a new Golden Age of American theater, one that lit up Broadway for much of the latter half of the 20th century. Oklahoma! had already been an American musical classic for two decades (and had become a huge Hollywood film hit as well) when this new studio cast recording was commissioned in 1964. This marks the CD debut of that impeccably cast, sonically glorious revival, highlighted by a masterly performance from Carousel and Show Boat star John Raitt. Though the Broadway vet had toured in a stage revival and came to embody the lead character of Curly to a new generation, this would be his only recorded performance of the role. An 18-year-old Florence Henderson (in the role of Laurey) is also showcased, and this recording would help make her a star. This revival and its rich production values would also bolster a gratifying trend of Broadway preservation that's seen the stage musical through some rough times. This edition also includes new notes by Broadway writer Richard Ridge along with the modern reflections of Raitt, Henderson, and Phyllis Newman on their standout studio recording of one of America's greatest stage musicals. --Jerry McCulley

Oklahoma! (1964 Studio Cast), Music, Richard Rodgers, Franz Allers, Oklahoma! Pit Orchestra, Ara Berberian, John Raitt, Oscar Hammerstein, Florence Henderson, Cast Recordings, Music Theater, Musical Theater, Musicals, Pop, Show Tunes, Showtunes / B'way, Soundtrack
Oklahoma! (1955 Film Soundtrack)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • MacRae and Jones head a superb and O.K. adaptation
  • Broadway in a movie setting at it's very best!
  • Wonderful
  • Beauiful
  • Oh, what a beautiful sound!
 Oklahoma! (1955 Film Soundtrack)
Jay Blackton , Charlotte Greenwood , Shirley Jones , Gene Nelson , Gloria Grahame , Rod Steiger , James Whitmore , and Gordon MacRae
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. South Pacific (1958 Film Soundtrack)
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ASIN: B00005A7XB
Release Date: 2001-03-13

Tracks:

  1. Overture - Rodgers & Hammerstein
  2. Main Title - Rodgers & Hammerstein
  3. Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' - Gordon MacRae
  4. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top - Gordon MacRae/Shirley Jones/Charlotte Greenwood
  5. Kansas City - Gene Nelson/Charlotte Greenwood/Men's Chorus
  6. Kansas City Ballet - Rodgers & Hammerstein
  7. I Cain't Say No - Gloria Grahame
  8. Many A New Day - Shirley Jones/Girls' Chorus
  9. Many A New Day Ballet - Rodgers & Hammerstein
  10. People Will Say We're In Love - Gordon McaRae/Shirley Jones
  11. Pore Jud Is Daid - Gordon MacRae/Rod Steiger
  12. Out Of My Dreams - Shirley Jones/Girls' Chorus
  13. Out Of My Dreams Ballet - Rodgers & Hammerstein
  14. Entr' Acte - Rodgers & Hammerstein
  15. The Farmer And The Cowman - Gordon MacRae/Charlotte Greenwood/Gene Nelson/J.C. Flippen/James Whitmore/Gloria Grahame...
  16. The Farmer And The Cowman Ballet - Rodgers & Hammerstein
  17. All Er Nuthin' - Gloria Grahame/Gene Nelson
  18. All Er Nuthin' Ballet - Rodgers & Hammerstein
  19. People Will Say We're In Love - Gordon MacRae/Shirley Jones
  20. Oklahoma - Gordon MacRae/Shirley Jones/Charlotte Greenwood/Gloria Grahame/Gene Nelson/Rod Steiger...
  21. Finale: Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' - Gordon MacRae/Shirley Jones/Charlotte Greenwood/Gloria Grahame/Gene Nelson/Rod Steiger...
  22. Overture (LP Version) - Rodgers & Hammerstein

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars MacRae and Jones head a superb and O.K. adaptation.......2007-03-16

The film adaptation of Oklahoma heralded a technological breakthrough in widescreen cinema just as the original stage musical ushered in the integrated book musical. As such this film adaptation was treated as a special occasion, well-supervised by the creators themselves. The soundtrack, featured here, boasts sterling performances from MacRae and Jones making the most of their portrayals of Curly and Laurey, backed by a charismatic cast and superb orchestrations. And of course let's not forget the enveloping stereo sound that holds up well even today.

Despite being a Hollywood star, Gordon MacRae performs the part of Curly as if he was born to play it even on the stage. He shines vocally in his renditions of Oh, what a Beautiful Mornin' and Surrey with the Fringe on Top. He is well-partnered by Shirley Jones as a fresh and pert Laurey, lending her beautiful voice to the part. Although we don't hear much of her on this soundtrack, her partnering MacRae in People Will Say We're in Love exudes a masterful chemistry, as if they were setting sparks off at each other in their rendition of the song. Gene Nelson makes a dashing Will Parker and is equally well-matched by Gloria Grahame as Ado Annie. Grahame renders I Cain't Say No splendidly and partners Nelson in All er Nothin'. The supporting cast is filled out by Charlotte Greenwood's suitably caustic Aunt Eller and Rod Steiger's Jud. It's a pity that the film cut the song Lonely Room, otherwise Steiger would have better demonstrated the dark hues of the character of Jud. Yet it all adds up to a wonderful renditionh of this classic musical, enough to elicit a spontaneous YEOW! during this year of the Oklahoma centenary.

This EMI-Angel reissue offers one the advantage of the dance music and the main titles. This means that the listener gets the Kansas City and Farmer and the Cowman dance sequences, as well as the extended Dream Ballet. The only downside is the extraneous sound effects lifted from a DVD copy of the movie. Yes I share many of your sentiments that these sound effects tend to grate, and long for Didier Deutsch to have used the original untainted studio vault versions. However, let's at least be thankful that the CD producers have offered us a more comprehensive version of the Oklahoma soundtrack that we could only have dreamt of in the past.

In short, this is a wonderful and valuable addition to the R&H discography, and is an equally celebrated rendition of the score like the original Broadway cast recording. Warmly recommended to those who seek even their first version of Oklahoma.

5 out of 5 stars Broadway in a movie setting at it's very best!.......2007-03-06

I have the original Broadway version, but prefer this movie selection.
The CD is flawless and, in my opinion, there's nothing better than a Rodgers
and Hammerstein musical for music, lyrics and pure joy! This is the best!

5 out of 5 stars Wonderful.......2007-01-30

A great way to introduce oneself to the world of the nearly extinct Hollywood musical.

5 out of 5 stars Beauiful.......2006-06-05

A true musical theater classic. Wonderful melodies that will last for years to come.
Other classics not to forget about are:
Mary Poppins
My Fair Lady
The Wizard of Oz
Chitty Chitty Bang Band
The first Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Sound of Music
Oliver
West Side Story
Fiddler on the Roof
Singing in the Rain
The Wiz
Little Mermaid
Aladdin
Beauty and the Beast
Grease
The King and I
Oklahoma
The Music Man
South Pacific

My Voice Students are always asking me for recommendations so I though I'd post it for all! We can't forget about these great musicals!

5 out of 5 stars Oh, what a beautiful sound!.......2006-03-26

Oklahoma has never sounded better as sung by Gordon MacRae and Shirley Jones in the 1955 movie version of Rodgers and Hammerstein's unforgettable Broadway musical. The memory of MacRae's beautiful voice lives on with this CD. I never tire of hearing this wonderful music. From the opening overture to the finale you will feel as though you're right in the theater.
The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Some interesting choices, indeed
  • Great CD
  • Great selections, but bad transfers
  • Yes this is Some of the Best of Broadway!
  • The music of Broadway comes alive
 The Best of Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002W4T9E
Release Date: 2004-10-05

Tracks:

  1. There's No Business Like Show Business
  2. Swanee
  3. Ol' Man River
  4. You're The Top
  5. Oklahoma
  6. Luck Be A Lady
  7. I Could Have Danced All Night
  8. America
  9. My Favorite Things
  10. People
  11. If I Were A Rich Man
  12. The Impossible Dream
  13. Cabaret
  14. Let The Sunshine In
  15. Send In The Clowns
  16. One
  17. Tomorrow
  18. Memory
  19. The Music Of The Night
  20. Good Morning Baltimore
  21. Defying Gravity

Amazon.com

A companion to the fabulous PBS series, the 21-song, 77-minute The Best of "Broadway: The American Musical" provides about as good a single-disc compilation as anyone could hope for. (There's also a five-CD version.) What sets it apart from so many other "best of Broadway" collections is its breadth--because it had access to a variety of record-label vaults it doesn't have to try to disguise gaps by using revivals or solo recordings. Here you get all the authentic stuff, including: Paul Robeson singing "Ol' Man River" from the first modern American musical, Show Boat; Ethel Merman singing "You're the Top"; the title song from Oklahoma!; Julie Andrews singing "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady; West Side Story's "America"; Betty Buckley singing "Memory" from Cats; Hairspray's "Good Morning Baltimore"; and "Defying Gravity" from Wicked, the newest show discussed in the PBS series. And it's hard to argue with the songwriters represented: Irving Berlin, Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Frank Loesser, Lerner and Loewe, Leonard Bernstein, Bock and Harnick, Kander and Ebb, Stephen Sondheim, and Andrew Lloyd Webber, among others. Obviously, no single-disc compilation could ever please everyone (did we really need two ALW songs?), but as a sampler intended for people who watched the series and want to hear more of the Great White Way, The Best of "Broadway: The American Musical" can't be topped. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Some interesting choices, indeed.......2006-03-02

This is a pretty good compilation, but I have to wonder at some of the choices that went into it.
"Good Morning Baltimore" is almost the least impressive song from Hairspray. "You Can't Stop the Beat" was a much more anthemic song from that show.
I agree that it's too bad Les Mis didn't make it in. I would have traded that for anything Sondheim, although that's a personal preference :) .
Still, the opportunity to hear the original performers and orchestras perform these works, all in one place, is a great deal.

5 out of 5 stars Great CD.......2005-11-01

This one plays in the car, on the ipod and in the house. When the kids were little they would ask if we could take them to "The Street". That is what they called Broadway (little did they know at that time how famous that street is). They still love it and we can not get enough of it. This CD covers the best and makes you want to go and see a live performance. You can not beat that.

4 out of 5 stars Great selections, but bad transfers.......2005-07-27

This is a great taste of broadway. If you enjoyed the B'Way series at all, then you will probably enjoy this CD. My problem with it is that some of the songs sound like they were not remastered at all- the transfer to CD is terrible. The orchestrations in "You're the top" by Ethel Merman are muffled, and the song sounds like it was taken straight from an old record and slapped onto the CD without fixing it up. It doesn't sound very clear, which is a bit upsetting and annoying. Maybe this is just because that particular recording is older than some of the songs chosen to be on this CD. The more modern songs sound crisp and new and beautiful. "Swanee" is also very low quality as if it were just taken off of a record and put on the CD without any restoration. I just feel that these songs deserved better treatment and that we as customers deserve better treatment. Decca could have restored these songs and made them sound really good, but they decided just to slap them on the CD without touching them up.

I am surprised that nothing was chosen to be on this recording from Les Miserables since it had been on Broadway for 16 years and its tour is running until 2006. There were selections from Cats, Phantom of the Opera and Wicked, so I am not sure why nothing was chosen from Les Miserables.

Other than these few nit pickings, I think that this is a great introduction to musicals. It gives a little taste across the spectrum. Try getting the cast recordings of the songs that you really like on this collection. It's worth buying if you're a huge broadway fan.

5 out of 5 stars Yes this is Some of the Best of Broadway!.......2005-04-08

This CD from Decca Broadway is a wonderful selection of some of

the "Greatest Hits" of the Broadway stage. Decca and Sony have

done an excellent job of remastering the various recordings, some

of which still show some of their age, but come across quite

well. Are there a lot of songs that I would have put on this

disc? Yes, but the ones on here are good choices. I may have to

get a copy of the Five disc set and the DVD's just to see if any

more of my favorites made it on the list. What this disc seems to

try to do is show the evolution of the Broadway song from it's

early days to the present. It succeeds quite well I think.

If you enjoy Broadway theater this CD is a must!

5 out of 5 stars The music of Broadway comes alive.......2004-10-07

I loved listening to this CD. The music from Broadway's best loved musicals are on this album. I recogized most of these songs, even though I've only seen a few of them on the local stage. I have so many favorites on this CD. It is hard to pick one. I'm a big fan of Barbara Streisand. I loved her performance of People from Funny Girl. Memory is the hit song from the musical Cats. Betty Buckley's performance of this song is so emotional and sincere.

I loved the song Annie. It is a wonderfully optimistic song performed by the original Annie Andrea McArdle. Another highlight for me is the song One performed by the cast of a Chorus Line. Luck Be A Lady Tonight is another of my favorite broadway songs on this CD from Guys and Dolls. The music of the night is a beautiful song by Michael Crawford from Phantom of the Opera. Richard Kiley has such a strong and powerful voice. He sounds so inspirational singing The Impossible Dream from Man from La Mancha. My dream is to see some musicals on Broadway someday and listen to these songs performed live.

I'm surprised that there isn't any music from Miss Saigon or Jesus Christ Superstar included here. I think they are classic musicals with great songs Maybe they will appear on a future compilation from PBS.
Greatest Hits: Broadway
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Great to Hear All those great Voices from the Past
  • A Good One!
 Greatest Hits: Broadway

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0000029PM
Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

  1. Oklahoma!: Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' - John Raitt/Franz Allers
  2. On The Town: New York, New York - Michael Kermoyan/Adolph Green/John Reardon/Cris Alexander & Chorus/Leonard Bernstein
  3. Annie Get Your Gun: I Got The Sun In The Morning - Doris Day/Franz Allers
  4. Fiddler On The Roof: If I Were A Rich Man - Topol/Gareth Davies
  5. West Side Story: Tonight - Larry Kert/Carol Lawrence/Max Goberman
  6. The Sound Of Music: The Sound Of Music - Mary Martin/Frederick Dvonch
  7. My Fair Lady: On The Street Where You Live - Jerry Lanning/Theodore Saidenberg
  8. Annie: Tomorrow - Andrea McArdle/Peter Howard
  9. The Music Man: Seventy-Six Trombones - The Boston Pops Orchestra/John Williams
  10. Anything Goes: You're The Top - Eileen Rodgers/Hal Linden/Julian Stein
  11. Bye Bye Birdie: Put On A Happy Face - Dick Van Dyke/Elliot Lawrence
  12. Mame: Open A New Window - Angela Lansbury & Cast/Don Pippin
  13. Strike Up The Band: Strike Up The Band - The Chestnut Brass Co.
  14. Sweet Charity: Hey, Big Spender - Helen Gallagher/Thelma Oliver/Fan-Dango Girls/Fred Werner
  15. Bells Are Ringing: Just In Time - Judy Holliday/Sydney Chaplin/Milton Rosenstock
  16. Gypst: Together, Wherever We Go - Ethel Merman/Jack Klugman/Sandra Church/Milton Rosenstock
  17. Cabaret: Cabaret - Jill Haworth/Harold Hastings
  18. Phantom Of The Opera: The Music Of The Night - The Boston Pops Orchestra/John Williams
  19. Show Boat: Ol' Man River - William Warfield/Franz Allers
  20. A Chorus Line: What I Did For Love - Priscilla Lopez & Cast/Don Pippin
  21. A Little Night Music: Send In The Clowns - Glynis Johns/Harold Hastings

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Great to Hear All those great Voices from the Past.......2007-07-05

I just wanted to confirm what the first reviewer had to say about this CD. To hear Ethyl Merman, Mary Martin, Andrea McCardle etc. singing their trademark songs brought a lot of memories from the mid-centry musical theater back again. The last song by Glynis Johns is especially poignant.
You certainly can't beat the price!

5 out of 5 stars A Good One!.......2006-11-10

This is a very good CD, mostly because it's the original artists. I've had some that were re-recorded by no name artists that were ghastly. This one is a really good one--including the sound quality. If I had one wish, I would wish it were longer!
Dick's Picks, Vol. 19: Oklahoma City, OK, 10/19/73
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Another great show except for additional mix edits
  • A Smooth and Solid Pick
  • The prime Dead Era of the seventies
  • 5-Star Dark Star
  • A near-obligatory Pick: the essence of late 1973's glory
 Dick's Picks, Vol. 19: Oklahoma City, OK, 10/19/73
Grateful Dead
Manufacturer: Grateful Dead / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B0002VETIG
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Tracks:

  1. Promised Land
  2. Sugaree
  3. Mexicali Blues
  4. Tennessee Jed
  5. Looks Like Rain
  6. Don't Ease Me In
  7. Jack Straw
  8. They Love Each Other
  9. El Paso
  10. Row Jimmy

Tracks:

  1. Playing In The Band
  2. China Cat Sunflower
  3. I Know You Rider
  4. Me And My Uncle
  5. Mississippi Half-Step Uptown Toddeloo
  6. Big River

Tracks:

  1. Dark Star
  2. Mind Left Body Jam
  3. Morning Dew
  4. Sugar Magnolia
  5. Eyes Of The World
  6. Stella Blue
  7. Johnny B. Goode

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars Another great show except for additional mix edits.......2006-12-03

This is one of the best releases performance wise. Once again though, when mastering this release, there are places where the piano is actually turned down and even erased in spots. This probably won't matter to some but it does to me. While I don't know that I actually consider any of the songs on here to be THE definitive versions, the songs certainly put on the appearence of it. Sugaree, Mexicali Blues, Playing In The Band, ect,. This certainly is one of those great shows that the Dick's Picks series is meant for.

3 out of 5 stars A Smooth and Solid Pick.......2006-11-10

There is something about this collection that really gives you the sense that the band was in a good mellow mood throughout the concert. There is a tight consistency that runs through every track. This is a set that is very easy to listen to, with a few excellent moments, but lacks any truly memorable versions of their best songs. I'm glad I bought it, but I'm a tough grader and so it doesn't quite make 4 stars. That being said, the sound quality is terrific, and I disagree with the fellow who says that the mix is bad or that you can't hear Bob Weir.

4 out of 5 stars The prime Dead Era of the seventies .......2006-03-10

All around a great show, great sound quality, appeals to all dead audiences, from the beginner to the tape trader. The first set is packed with short but sweet favorites. Second set Playin' jam goes into the cosmos, emerging with Donna's notorios vocals. run of the mill me and my uncle, but Very strong Mississippi 1/2step. 3rd disc delightful for any dead head with an Eyes that stretches far further than the imagination. All in all this is a gem in the grateful dead archives and I keep all 70's shows close to my heart. A must have for any head.

5 out of 5 stars 5-Star Dark Star.......2005-08-24

This five-star rating is based solely on the sole reason
I bought #19: I'm a collector of Dark Star(s). This version
is WONDERFUL...Phil's bass comes through loud & clear and
Jerry is subtle & complex and gorgeous as ever; and it's followed by a top-notch Mind Left Body Jam. As for the rest of #19...well...the first CD I threw away...in my mind,
it contains no "definitive" versions of any song.
CD 2, however, is worth keeping because of a long version of
Playing In The Band. It's very very good. The best thing to
do is: combine this Playing In The Band with the Playing In The
Band from Dick's Pick's #1 (both versions are 1973) and you have
yourself a terrific block of music...the ecstatic (but not too
long Weir vocal) followed by extended & brilliant Jerry jams.

5 out of 5 stars A near-obligatory Pick: the essence of late 1973's glory.......2005-03-28

By any measure you care to use, 1973 was a banner year for the Grateful Dead in terms of live performance. It came right in the middle of their so-called "Golden Age" of 1972-1974, and caught them at a point where they had begun to expand not only their repertoire (most of the songs from Wake Of The Flood would, once introduced, never leave their setlists), but also their musical palette as well. Many have labelled the Dead's music from late '73 and '74 as "jazz-rock," and while the term is somewhat inapt (it doesn't capture the "Promised Land"/"Sugaree" side of the band, for one thing) it does help to approximate the laid-back vibe of classics like "Eyes Of The World" as well as suggest the purely free-form improvisational cast of many of their jams. Without a doubt the Dead were developing a lighter touch: Kreutzmann had redefined the band's rhythmic approach over the last year in adjusting to the role of the band's sole drummer, and his quickness, natural sense of restraint, and timing enabled the band to evolve a much more agile, ethereal sound.

Dick's Picks 19 captures every aspect of that "sound," which made the Dead mesmerizing in this era, in one near-perfect concert. This show is a very special one indeed, kicking off an immortal Fall '73 tour where the band managed to capture lightning in a bottle night after night, pushing out into new improvisational territory and juggling setlists and song-sequences with devil-may-care abandon. (There are many - I'm one of them - who would argue that Fall '73 is every bit the equal of Europe '72; there's a reason that THREE Dick's Picks have been released from this two-month span.)

Just about the only complaint one might make is about the first disc. It represents the bulk of the first set, which means it's full of shorter songs. There are many fans who express impatience with this side of the Dead, but when the band's hearts are into the music I'm not one of them. 10/19/73 was one of those nights: it's surely not the BEST first set they ever gave, but the performances of "Sugaree," "Jack Straw" and especially "They Love Each Other" are all spot-on, and I even find myself enjoying songs which normally irk me like "Tennessee Jed" and "Don't Ease Me In." Near the end of the disc (i.e. the last four songs) the band begins to settle into the gentle, joyful, peaceable mood which will define the particular magic of this night.

And from disc 2 onwards this show simply vaults into that icy-blue sky so beautifully depicted on the back cover. Set 1 ends with a gorgeous, ghostly "Playing In The Band" (this song peaked in late '73 - buy this album and listen to one example of why), and then Set 2 begins with one of the defining "China Cat Sunflower" > "I Know You Rider" sequences of the year. "Mississippi Half-Step" continues this mood, flowing majestically all the way across the Rio Grand-i-o into a (thematically united) "Big River" which choogles as Garcia's electric-bluegrass guitar busily burbles and hums like water rushing downstream.

The show could have ended right there and still have been noteworthy. But what comes next guarantees its immortality: Disc 3 is one of the best single discs of Grateful Dead music available for purchase. It begins with an unearthly "Dark Star," one which eschews the "full freak-out" atonal jamming often employed in this era's performances for a much sweeter, gently inquisitive attitude. The emphasis on melody (and on sustaining the delicate, wistful mood which has been built throughout the previous two hours) becomes all that more apparent when they move into a rapturous jam based on a descending chord sequence popularly referred to as the "Mind Left Body Jam" - I believe the first time it was ever played in this context. Then, a quiet "Morning Dew" which builds to an anguished demonstrative climax. We're not done yet! After a concluding "Sugar Magnolia" the Dead, clearly thrilled by how well they're playing tonight, come back for one of the longest encores of their career: a 15-minute "Eyes Of The World" that slides imperceptibly into a crystal-clear, dead-calm "Stella Blue." One more blast of rock 'n' roll to send the kids home on an up note with "Johnny B. Goode," and the Dead finally leave the stage for good: after delivering one of their most consistent shows, one which has an emotional and musical UNITY that few others can boast...one for the ages.

Some have complained in their reviews about the sound quality of this Pick (rather, the sound MIX - the fidelity itself is sterling, far better than any '74 shows). Admittedly such things are subjective and a matter of taste, but I find the mix to be utterly unproblematic after the first few songs. (The "Caveat Emptor" included on this Pick notes this, warning of a "rather skeevy ouverture.") If anything, the mix heightens the thoughtful, introspective sensibility of this show.

If you enjoy '73 Dead then I would argue it's inconceivable not to own this Pick. If you're unfamiliar with the year and are looking to test the waters, then this is still a great place to begin - an unrepresentative night in that it captures them in an unusually pacific mood (one which, incidentally, is also conveyed by the stunning artwork on this release, easily the best of any Pick), but also a representative one in that it shows off so many aspects of their greatness at once.

Further recommendations from this era (...):

- Dick's Picks 28: February 26th-28th, 1973 (one the top 5 Picks in the series, no less)
- Dick's Picks 14: November 30 & December 1st, 1973
- Dick's Picks 1: December 19th, 1973
Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fabulous for any Broadway-lover
  • Top Shelf
  • TERRIFIC CD'S
  • Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs
  • Great Compilation!
 Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B00064ADMK
Release Date: 2004-10-19

Tracks:

  1. Give My Regards To Broadway- Joel Grey
  2. Swanee- Al Jolson
  3. When The Moon Shines On The Moonshine- Bert Williams
  4. A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody- John Steel
  5. My Man- Fanny Brice
  6. Fascinating Rhythm- Fred Astaire, Adele Astaire
  7. If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)- 78rpm Version Eddie Cantor
  8. Someone To Watch Over Me- Gertrude Lawrence
  9. Bill- 78 rpm Version Helen Morgan
  10. Ol' Man River- Paul Robeson
  11. Ain't Misbehavin'- Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra
  12. Ten Cents A Dance- Ruth Etting
  13. Body And Soul- Libby Holman
  14. Brother, Can You Spare A Dime- Bing Crosby
  15. Night And Day- Fred Astaire
  16. Heat Wave- Ethel Waters
  17. Smoke Gets in Your Eyes- Tamara
  18. You're The Top- Ethel Merman
  19. Summertime- Anne Brown
  20. September Song- Walter Huston
  21. My Heart Belongs To Daddy- Mary Martin
  22. It Never Entered My Mind- Shirley Ross
  23. Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered- Vivienne Segal
  24. Oh, How I Hate To Get Up In The Morning- Irving Berlin
  25. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'- Alfred Drake

Tracks:

  1. New York, New York- Cris Alexander,Adolph Green,John Reardon
  2. If I Loved You- John Raitt,Jan Clayton
  3. Come Rain Or Come Shine- Ruby Hill,Harold Nicholas
  4. There's No Business Like Show Business- Ensemble
  5. How Are Things In Glocca Morra? From "Finian's Rainbow"- Ella Logan
  6. Once In Love With Amy- Ray Bolger
  7. Wunderbar- Alfred Drake,Patricia Morison
  8. Some Enchanted Evening- Ezio Pinza
  9. Lost In The Stars- Todd Duncan
  10. Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend- Carol Channing
  11. Luck Be A Lady- Robert Alda,Guys
  12. Getting To Know You- Gertrude Lawrence
  13. Who Cares?- Jack Carson,Betty Oakes
  14. Stranger In Paradise- from " Kismet" Doretta Morrow,Richard Kiley
  15. Ballad Of Mack The Knife- Gerald Price
  16. Hey There- from "The Pajama Game" John Raitt
  17. Whatever Lola Wants- Gwen Verdon
  18. I Could Have Danced All Night- Julie Andrews
  19. Standing On The Corner- from "The Most Happy Fella, 1956" Shorty Long,John Henson,Alan Gilbert
  20. The Party's Over- Judy Holliday
  21. Glitter And Be Gay- Barbara Cook
  22. Tonight- Larry Kert, Carol Lawrence

Tracks:

  1. Seventy-Six Trombones- Robert Preston
  2. I Enjoy Being A Girl- from "Flower Drum Song, 1958" Pat Suzuki
  3. Everything's Coming Up Roses- Ethel Merman
  4. My Favorite Things- from "The Sound Of Music" Mary Martin
  5. Put On A Happy Face- from "Bye Bye Birdie" Dick Van Dyke
  6. Try To Remember- Jerry Orbach
  7. Camelot- from "Camelot" Richard Burton
  8. Love Makes The World Go 'Round- Anna Maria Alberghetti
  9. I Believe In You- Robert Morse And Co.
  10. The Sweetest Sounds- Diahann Carroll,Richard Kiley
  11. Comedy Tonight- Zero Mostel
  12. What Kind Of Fool Am I?- Anthony Newley
  13. As Long As He Needs Me- Georgia Brown
  14. Hello, Dolly!- Carol Channing,Cast
  15. People- Barbra Streisand
  16. Anyone Can Whistle- from "Anyone Can Whistle" Lee Remick
  17. If I Were A Rich Man- Zero Mostel
  18. Night Song- Sammy Davis, Jr.
  19. The Impossible Dream- Richard Kiley
  20. If My Friends Could See Me Now- Gwen Verdon
  21. Open a New Window- from Mame Voice

Tracks:

  1. Willkommen- from "Cabaret" Joel Grey
  2. Let The Sunshine In- James Rado,Lynn Kellogg,Melba Moore,Cast
  3. I'll Never Fall In Love Again- Jill O'Hara,Jerry Orbach
  4. The Ladies Who Lunch- from "Company" Elaine Stritch
  5. Tea For Two- Roger Rathburn,Susan Watson
  6. I'm Still Here- Yvonne De Carlo
  7. I Don't Know How To Love Him- Yvonne Elliman
  8. We Go Together- Adrienne Barbeau,Barry Bostwick,Walter Bobbie,Cast
  9. Corner Of The Sky- John Rubinstein
  10. Send In The Clowns- Glynis Johns
  11. Ease On Down The Road- Stephanie Mills,Tiger Haynes,Ted Ross,Hinton
  12. One- from "A Chorus Line" Cast
  13. All That Jazz- Chita Rivera,Ensemble
  14. Tomorrow- Andrea Mcardle
  15. Don't Cry For Me Argentina- Patti Lupone
  16. Come Follow The Band
  17. Lullaby Of Broadway- Jerry Orbach
  18. And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going- Jennifer Holliday
  19. The Bells Of St. Sebastian- Raul Julia

Tracks:

  1. Memory- Betty Buckley
  2. I Am What I Am- George Hearn
  3. Move On- Bernadette Peters,Mandy Patinkin
  4. Do You Hear The People Sing?- Michael Maguire,Cast
  5. The Music Of The Night- Michael Crawford
  6. You're Nothing Without Me- James Naughton,Gregg Edelman
  7. The American Dream- Jonathan Pryce,Cast
  8. Doctor Jazz- Gregory Hines,Company
  9. With One Look- Glenn Close
  10. On Broadway- Adrian Bailey,Frederick B. Owens,Ken Ard,Victor Trent Cook
  11. Le Jazz Hot- Julie Andrews,Ensemble
  12. Seasons Of Love-
  13. Hakuna Matata- Max Casella,Tom Alan Robbins,Scott Irby-Ranniar,Jason Raize
  14. I Wanna Be A Producer- Matthew Broderick,Ensemble
  15. Dancing Queen- Louise Plowright,Jenny Galloway
  16. Good Morning Baltimore- Marissa Jaret Winokur
  17. Movin' Out- Michael Cavanaugh,Band
  18. I Go To Rio- Hugh Jackman,Company
  19. Defying Gravity- Kristin Chenoweth,Idina Menzel

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fabulous for any Broadway-lover.......2007-01-30

Packs into 5 CD's a sampling of Broadway tunes from the 20's thru (almost) today, mostly from original cast recordings. Includes not just well-known hits, but also some lesser-known gems. Sound quality is first rate, booklet is informative too. Have given this as a gift to several friends with rave reviews.

5 out of 5 stars Top Shelf.......2007-01-04

This is THE definitive collection of Broadway hits. I have other collections, and none of them measure up. A great deal of care was obviously taken in compiling and presenting this box set. It covers a lot of ground, starting with some long-forgotten but still very enjoyable hits from the days of yore, and finishing with present-day favorites. To the best of my knowledge, the recordings are by those who made them famous. You won't be disappointed.

5 out of 5 stars TERRIFIC CD'S.......2006-03-23

THESE BROADWAY MUSICALS CD'S ARE A BROADWAY LOVERS DREAM. WITH EACH SONG, MEMORIES COME FLOODING BACK. BOTH THE FAMILIAR AND THE FORGOTTEN SONGS ARE A TRUE LISTENING PLEASURE. IF YOU LIKE BROADWAY, YOU'LL LOVE THIS SET.

5 out of 5 stars Great Collection of Broadways greatest Songs .......2005-06-14

This Collection was perfectly made it has almost all the most famous Broadway songs on this 5 cd set. The Music is great and has Broadways greatest treasures like "Memory""People""With One Look""Give my regards Too Broadway" just to name a few of this numerous cd set with over 100 songs. This is a great buy if you like musicals or The music of Broadway

5 out of 5 stars Great Compilation!.......2005-01-17

If you are a fan of the Broadway Musicals, this is a collection that you should purchase. Since I got the 5 disc set I've enjoyed listening to it. The majority of the songs are done by the original singers. The collection is priceless considering that you will have over 100 songs from popular musicals since the beginning of Broadway
Oklahoma! Broadway (1979 Broadway Revival Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Not Complete, but the Best Recording of Oklahoma!
  • good revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic
  • Oklahoma! is GRAND
  • You'll Love This One!!!
  • You'll Love This One!!!
 Oklahoma! Broadway (1979 Broadway Revival Cast)
Oscar Hammerstein II , Christine Andreas , and Laurence Guittard
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000002W4N
Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

  1. Overture - N/A
  2. Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' - Laurence Guittard
  3. Laurey's Entrance - Christine Andreas
  4. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top - Laurence Guittard
  5. Kansas City - Harry Groener
  6. I Cain't Say No - Christine Ebersole
  7. Many A New Day - Women's Chorus
  8. It's A Scandal! It's A Outrage! - Bruce Adler
  9. People Will Say We're In Love - Laurence Guittard
  10. Pore Jud Is Daid - Laurence Guittard
  11. Lonely Room - Martin Vidnovic
  12. Out Of My Dreams - Women's Chorus
  13. The Farmer And The Cowman - Ensemble
  14. All Er Nuthin' - Christine Ebersole
  15. People Will Say We're In Love (Reprise) - Laurence Guittard
  16. Oklahoma Finale: Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin' (Reprise) - Company

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Not Complete, but the Best Recording of Oklahoma!.......2006-02-04

This is a terrific recording of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Christine Andreas is a FANTASTIC Laurey, bringing real independent spirit and a vivacious energy to "Many a New Day", while soaring with a her lovely soprano over her big ballads, "Out of My Dreams", and "People Will Say We're in Love", a duet with Laurence Guittard, who sings all of his songs with warmth, heart, and beautiful voice.

Harry Groener is the ideal Will Parker, and Christine Ebersole is the best Ado Annie on record, bringing tons of humor and a healthy, strong belt to "I Cain't Say No".

Martin Vidnovic's Jud is in very good voice, and although her doesn't bring the emotional turmoil to "Lonely Room" that Shuler Hensley does on the 1998 London Recording, he comes in a very close second.

The rest of the cast is in fine shape, the orchestra plays at ideal tempos, the sound is crystal clear, and the orchestrations are vibrant and fantastic.

Not including the dream ballet is a disapointment, but other than that, this is the best recording of Oklahoma!, due to the sparkling cast and terrific orchestrations.

4 out of 5 stars good revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic.......2003-09-29

This cast album to the acclaimed 1979 Broadway revival of OKLAHOMA! is a perfect testament to its amazing cast and the everlasting legacy to the genius of Rodgers and Hammerstein.

Laurence Guittard (A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC) and Christine Andreas (MY FAIR LADY, ON YOUR TOES) headlined the revival as the starcrossed lovers Curly and Laurey, respectively, with the delightful Mary Wickes in her element as Aunt Eller.

Making their Broadway debuts as the secondary couple Ado Annie Carnes and Will Parker were, respectively, Christine Ebersole (42ND STREET) and Harry Groener (CRAZY FOR YOU). Martin Vidnovic (THE KING AND I) played the menacing farmhand Jud.

Laurence Guittard has a warm and resonant voice, which is well-suited to the role of easygoing Curly, and he sings a gorgeous version of "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'". Dulcet-toned Christine Andreas is a perfect Laurey, singing a thrilling and yes, dreamy, version of "Out of My Dreams", whilst her rendition of "Many a New Day" turns into a jaunty anthem of defiance. Utterly delightful.

Christine Ebersole, who won a Tony for the 2001 revival of 42ND STREET, is a perfect fit for the comical soubrette role of Ado Annie Carnes. Her "I Cain't Say No" drips with humour, while her duet with Harry Groener in "All 'Er Nuthin'" is perfectly-performed.

Given the huge abundance of OKLAHOMA! cast albums available, this one may not seem essential; but the perfect cast and top-drawer performers of Laurence Guittard, Christine Andreas and Christine Ebersole make it one of the best.

5 out of 5 stars Oklahoma! is GRAND.......2001-08-18

I saw this production twice when it came to Oklahoma City on it's way to Broadway. It is the best yet, and this CD captures the energy of that show very well. All of the performers are first rate and the memory of the cast singing "OKLAHOMA!" up to the footlights still sends chills down my spine. The show will be back on Broadway in 2002 for the Richard Rodgers 100th Birthday celebration.

5 out of 5 stars You'll Love This One!!!.......2000-10-09

Probably one of the most engaging recordings of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Christine Andreas will move you with her haunting version of "Out of My Dreams". Christine Ebersole is right on the money as "Ado Annie". Her "I Cain't Say No" captures all the country bumpkin innocence needed and will have you chuckling. The highlight "Oklahoma" is performed the way Rodgers and Hammerstein intended, with all the vocal harmonies distinctive. The inclusion of the great stage, television and motion picture character actress Mary Wickes is only a sweet bonus to the collection of fine performances here.

5 out of 5 stars You'll Love This One!!!.......2000-10-09

Probably one of the most engaging recordings of this Rodgers and Hammerstein classic. Christine Andreas will move you with her haunting version of "Out of My Dreams". Christine Ebersole is right on the money as "Ado Annie". Her "I Cain't Say No" captures all the country bumpkin innocence needed and will have you chuckling. The highlight "Oklahoma" is performed the way Rodgers and Hammerstein intended, with all the vocal harmonies distinctive. The inclusion of the great stage, television and motion picture character actress Mary Wickes is only a sweet bonus to the collection of fine performances here.
Very Best Of Broadway Musicals
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Very Best of Broadway Music
 Very Best Of Broadway Musicals
Various Artists
Manufacturer: Metro Music
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000068CC4
Release Date: 2002-06-25

Tracks:

  1. All That Jazz
  2. If I Can't Love Her
  3. Maybe This Time
  4. People Will Say We're In Love
  5. The Impossible Dream
  6. Seventy Six Trombones
  7. Can You Feel The Love Tonight?
  8. Still
  9. Send In The Clowns
  10. One
  11. Younger Than Springtime
  12. This Is The Moment
  13. Good Morning Starshine
  14. Your Getting To Be A Habit With Me
  15. Wunderbar
  16. Maria
  17. I Could Have Danced All Night
  18. Singin' In The Rain
  19. Written In The Stars
  20. One Song Glory

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Very Best of Broadway Music.......2007-05-08

I really like Broadway music so this is the BEST!!!!!!
I let someone else borrow this to listen at her house--She liked it also
Bryn Terfel - Something Wonderful (Bryn Terfel sings Rodgers & Hammerstein)
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • I have just been introduced.
  • Great Music + Terrific Lyrics +Decent Singing = Very Nice CD
  • A new meaning of throat singing.
  • Superb matchmaking in Terfel's R&H recital
  • Broadway or Opera... This CD is indeed ýSomething Wonderfulý
 Bryn Terfel - Something Wonderful (Bryn Terfel sings Rodgers & Hammerstein)
Bryn Terfel , English Northern Philharmonia , Paul Daniel , Opera North Chorus , Richard Rodgers , and Oscar Hammerstein II
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: B000001GRP
Release Date: 1996-09-10

Tracks:

  1. OKLAHOMA: Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'
  2. State Fair: It Might As Well Be Spring
  3. South Pacific: Some Enchanted Evening
  4. OKLAHOMA: The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
  5. South Pacific: Bali Ha'i
  6. Carousel: June Is Bustin' Out All Over
  7. The King And I: Something Wonderful
  8. Allegro: So Far
  9. Allegro: A Fellow Needs A Girl
  10. The King And I: I Have Dreamed
  11. Allegro: What A Lovely Day For A Wedding
  12. Me And Juliet: No Other Love
  13. The Sound Of Music: Edelweiss
  14. Carousel: If I Loved You
  15. South Pacific: There Is Nothin' Like A Dame
  16. South Pacific: Younger Than Springtime
  17. Allegro: Come Home
  18. South Pacific: This Nearly Was Mine
  19. Carousel: Soliloquy
  20. Carousel: You'll Never Walk Alone

Amazon.com

In the opening song of "Something Wonderful," Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel sings, "All the sounds of the Earth are like music." They most definitely are when Terfel surrounds them with his resonant baritone. Every phrase of Rodgers and Hammerstein's music is imbued with uncommon sensitivity, impeccable phrasing, and dazzling beauty. Terfel's rich and meaty voice shares a plate with delicate pianissimos, unabashed sentimentality, and swaggering forthrightness. He successfully tackles songs originally written for women. In "It Might as Well Be Spring," he transforms dippy into dapper. And he turns "Bali Hai" into a foreboding, demanding, and seductive call; the listener must helplessly succumb to the world of his sensitive manliness. His interpretations of the old standards--"If I Loved You," "Soliloquy," "This Nearly Was Mine," "Some Enchanted Evening"--are stellar. Despite the temporary lulls caused by the second-class songs from "Allegro," Terfel does a first-class job of bringing them to life. Undoubtedly one of the best crossover records of all time. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Amazon.com

In the opening song of "Something Wonderful," Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel sings, "All the sounds of the Earth are like music." They most definitely are when Terfel surrounds them with his resonant baritone. Every phrase of Rodgers and Hammerstein's music is imbued with uncommon sensitivity, impeccable phrasing, and dazzling beauty. Terfel's rich and meaty voice shares a plate with delicate pianissimos, unabashed sentimentality, and swaggering forthrightness. He successfully tackles songs originally written for women. In "It Might as Well Be Spring," he transforms dippy into dapper. And he turns "Bali Hai" into a foreboding, demanding, and seductive call; the listener must helplessly succumb to the world of his sensitive manliness. His interpretations of the old standards--"If I Loved You," "Soliloquy," "This Nearly Was Mine," "Some Enchanted Evening"--are stellar. Despite the temporary lulls caused by the second-class songs from "Allegro," Terfel does a first-class job of bringing them to life. Undoubtedly one of the best crossover records of all time. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars I have just been introduced........2007-01-22

I came across the CD by sheer accident and am I glad I did. Wonderful music. Thanks for the music Bryn.

5 out of 5 stars Great Music + Terrific Lyrics +Decent Singing = Very Nice CD.......2005-01-27

While not an expert on technical singing I really, really like this CD. I think Terfel's voice is pretty decent & he sings both male/female lead R & H songs for a total of twenty cuts. One cut I really enjoyed , but had never heard before was the song "So Far"
from R & H's "Allegro" with those Richard Roger's hooks & terrific Oscar Hammerstein lyrics. Felt that the orchestra on this session made a good move using the original orchestrations for a classic R & H feel. I concur with the reviewer regarding the miking of Terfel's voice in this session which seems too low forcing the listener to turn up the volumne.

1 out of 5 stars A new meaning of throat singing........2004-06-11

I cannot believe that the critics of today can rave about such an inferior singer as Byrn Terfel. He sings so badly, I can't believe he has had the career he's had. I don't care how many roles he's sung, he hasn't any vocal technique at all. If anyone would care to hear great singing, buy the; "Thomas L. Thomas" Voice of Firestone video and listen to a great Welsh singer. This is a great artist and vocal technician. Try; "John Charles Thomas," "Lawrence Tibbett," or "Nelson Eddy." Bryn Terfel couldn't carry their music cases!

5 out of 5 stars Superb matchmaking in Terfel's R&H recital.......2004-03-09

You might think that it is a very superflous mismatch for an opera singer to try his vocal cords on the Broadway songs of Rodgers & Hammerstein. However, in this R&H offering by Bryn Terfel, he proves that it is a perfect match between singer and repertoire for a classical crossover record of this pedigree. Terfel communicates the essence of each of the 20 songs to the listener, and allows them to sound fresh and new. And it helps that he has been a R&H fan for many years with the music already close to his heart. He is given superb backing from the well-conducted Opera North forces an warm, natural recording.

From the first phrase of Terfel's uplifting opening version of "Oh, what a beautiful morning" from Oklahoma!, we listeners intuitively know that this is not going to be your superflous run-of-the-mill classical crossover offering of R&H songs. Terfel uses his big voice to great effect in Billy Bigelow's two songs from Carousel, "If I loved you" and the pivotal "Soliloquy" that builds up to a devastating climax. When he does this for Emile's two big solos in South Pacific, "Some Enchanted Evening" and "This Nearly Was Mine," he also makes them sound fresh and intuitively conveys their essence. He also thrills us even when his voice is soft and tender, such as on Lietunant Cable's "Younger than Springtime" and especially on Captain von Trapp's "Edelweiss" from The Sound of Music.

Besides the obvious highlights in this R&H offering, Terfel unearths some new delights. He does this by trying his vocal cords on songs that were originally intended for women, most notably in Nettie's two big numbers in Carousel, "June is busting out all over" and "You'll never walk alone", which he pulls off convincingly in a straight-laced and serious manner without sounding cliched. (In the booklet, "You'll never walk alone" was stated as being sung by the Chorus, but then in the show, it is sung by Nettie.) He is also wistful on "It might as well be Spring" from State Fair, and philosophical on Lady Thiang's "Something Wondreful" from The King and I. He also evokes a dreamlike quality on Bloody Mary's "Bali Ha'i" in South Pacific. The other unusual thing that Terfel does is include some unknown songs and treat them ravishingly. Four of them are from Allegro, highlighted by a charming "So Far," a reflective "A Fellow needs a girl" and a powerful "Come Home", and he also sings "No Other Love" from Me and Juliet as ravishingly as "I Have Dreamed."

If I have any quibbles, there are only two minor ones. Terfel's R&H offering runs for 74 minutes, and still has six minutes of empty space on a CD. I'm sure that Terfel could have given thought to the Mother Abbess's "Climb Every Mountain" from The Sound of Music, which I consider a more universal and less-cliched song than "You'll never walk alone" from Carousel. It would have suited his full-throated, big-voiced characteristic very well. Also, this offering of R&H seems to be lopsided to emphasise more of the first part of R&H. Sixteen tracks cover R&H from Oklahoma to South Pacific, with four tracks that cover their second half from The King and I to The Sound of Music. As such I would have liked to hear him sing a more balanced repertoire of R&H songs with equal emphasis to both halves of their collaboration. Perhaps he might record a Volume 2 with songs from the latter part of their collaboration in the near future. But with 74 delightful minutes of Terfel's R&H offering, how could anybody complain about the quality of this recital, especially with a lavish booklet complete with copious notes by R&H expert Ethan Mordden and full lyrics.

Overall, though, I'm very sure that this R&H offering is both a highlight of Terfel's discography, and can ably recommended with his recording of Schubert songs to anybody who wants to get to know his work well. It can also be recommended to Rodgers & Hammerstein fans old and new.

By the way, I also recommend the Rodgers & Hammerstein Songbook for Orchestra, with another superlative Telarc offering by the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra and Erich Kunzel. This recital is just as outstanding as Terfel's R&H offering. And, there is a wealth of cast recordings that new R&H fans will want to snap up, so this Terfel disc will be an ideal stepping-stone for them.

5 out of 5 stars Broadway or Opera... This CD is indeed ýSomething Wonderfulý.......2003-07-25

It becomes clearer with every disk Bryn releases... he turns whatever he touches into gold! This CD is indeed `Something Wonderful'. From the first listen I was in love with this disk and can't get enough.

To begin, Rodgers and Hammerstein couldn't be more appropriately sung. From a time before electric amplification the sweeping melodies of Richard Rodgers were intended to be sung as Bryn illustrates. As I say every time, his diction is impeccable, his musicianship is unsurpassed, and his enthusiasm is wonderful. As for Oscar Hammerstein, I'm sure he doesn't mind a little foreign accent... because every word is clear and understandable.

To compare the accent of Terfel to Pavarotti and Carreras is simply misguided. Although Pavarotti and Carreras are top-notch for what they do, neither pursues `Broadway' music seriously. Their ventures into the medium are limited to Gala concerts and the occasional snippet on a CD... not on stage depicting a role, but simply to sing a beautiful song. Mr. Terfel, on the other hand, researches the roles, coaches them, and is constantly pursued to perform them. His accent is one of slight vowel or consonant differences, which do not detract from the beautiful music. The music is well done and the story clear. Lets not nitpick diction or the French will have our hides for Les Miserables!

For the music, the recording quality is great. One reviewer mentioned poor sound quality and I do believe that person may have a bad disk or player... on my end the sound is full and robust; Bryn's voice dominates the sound. The orchestrations are full and lush. When dealing with modern houses and theatres the orchestra pits are usually quite small, and consequently the ensembles themselves. CDs like this one allow for fully orchestrated music to be heard, with a large symphony of musicians. The numbers that utilize chorus, which sings very well, are well balanced.

This disk is a great buy in my book. Bryn Terfel is a phenomenal performer and he sings this genre excellently. Check out his `If Ever I Would Leave You', `Under The Stars', `We'll Keep a Welcome', `Songs of My Welsh Home', and numerous classical recordings like `Opera Arias', `Meet Bryn Terfel', `The Vagabond', `Wagner', `Schumann Lieder', and an large collection of full opera recordings. Enjoy.
Oklahoma! Selections from the Theatre Guild Musical Play: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (Original 1943 Broadway Cast)
Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • Oklahoma revisited
  • Has weaknesses, but star power is not one of them
  • A wonderful beginning
  • An oldie but a goodie
  • THE DIFINITIVE ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM!!!
 Oklahoma! Selections from the Theatre Guild Musical Play: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Recording (Original 1943 Broadway Cast)
Richard Rodgers , Oscar Hammerstein II , and Robert Russell Bennett
Manufacturer: Decca Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Similar Items:
  1. South Pacific (Original 1949 Broadway Cast)
  2. My Fair Lady (1956 Original Broadway Cast)
  3. The King and I: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1951 Broadway Cast)
  4. The Music Man (1957 Original Broadway Cast)
  5. Camelot (1960 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B00004T9TF
Release Date: 2000-05-16

Tracks:

  1. Overture
  2. Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'
  3. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
  4. Kansas City
  5. I Cain't Say No
  6. Many A New Day
  7. It's A Scandal! It's A Outrage!
  8. People Will Say We're In Love
  9. Pore Jud Is Daid
  10. Lonely Room
  11. Out Of My Dreams
  12. The Farmer And The Cowman
  13. All Er Nuthin'
  14. Oklahoma
  15. Finale
  16. Pore Jud Is Daid (Alternate take/Complete Version)

Amazon.com

It's been said that Rodgers & Hammerstein's musical interpretation of Lynn Riggs's Green Grow the Lilacs was the beginning of the modern American musical. Likewise, the show also gave birth to the "Original Cast" recording, when, for the first time ever, Decca producer Jack Kapp took the entire cast, chorus, and orchestra into a studio to record this LP, which entered the NARAS Hall of Fame in 1996. Alas, in 1998, what's here sounds like something recorded in 1943 for 78-rpm vinyl albums. Most of the stars here are now forgotten (although Celeste Holm would later replace Angela Lansbury in Mame), and this definitely lacks the oomph! expected by anyone who grew up with the 1955 movie soundtrack recording (and what Baby Boomer didn't?). --Bill Holdship

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Oklahoma revisited.......2007-02-09

My parents got this album when I was a child--on 78s no less. I used to listen to it over and over until I could sing along, getting all the words right. I was thrilled when the CD arrived and listened to it immediately. I still know all the words.

4 out of 5 stars Has weaknesses, but star power is not one of them.......2006-01-24

The Amazon review would have you believe that the cast, outside of Celeste Holm, is largely forgotten. There are many who will forget Alfred Drake only when Ethel Merman, Julie Andrews, Gwen Verdon, John Raitt, and Richard Kiley are forgotten as well. It's like saying that one of the 5 first inductees in the Baseball Hall of Fame is not well known. Drake is a first round Broadway Hall of Famer.

4 out of 5 stars A wonderful beginning.......2004-05-26

If i had had the chance i would have awarded this cast recording four and a half stars. In many ways Oklahoma is one of my favorite cast albums-i love the light melodic music of most of the songs and honestly feel that this is one of Hammerstein's best efforts as a lyricist. Several of the songs are very, very good, indeed i would go so far as to call them masterpieces. People Will Say We're in Love, with its beautiful flowing melody and rich romantic feeling is one of these highlights. Laurie's other musical moments, Many A New Day and Out Of My Dreams are also very pretty. The soaring captivating title song is also among my favorites. For comic relief i would reccomend Kansas City, The Surrey with a Fringe on The Top and All Or Nuthin. These songs all capture the light, merry, american(in a very positive way) feeling of the piece especially. Oklahoma is without doubt one of the landmarks of the Broadway stage and deserves its place as one of the greatest American musicals. The reason i only gave it four stars is because this particular recording does not do justice to the piece. The stars are all exceptionally talented and the sound quality for such an early recording is not bad, but large sections of instrumental music, ( where for instance is the music from the legendary ballets?) and portions of the songs seem to have been cut. It is a very brief recording, in some ways it seems abrupt and rushed. Also, while i find it highly enjoyable, i must admit that it is in my opinion the least immpressive of Rodgers and Hammerstein's four greatest hits. It is a very positive beginning, but it lacks the soaring romantic power of South Pacific, the wonderful sophistication of The King and I, and the pure genius of R+H's masterpiece, The Sound Of Music. This however, does not mean that i do not reccomend it, indeed i believe that no musical collection is complete without it and this recording is excellent place to start exploring Oklahoma. It has a very historical feeling to it which is another reason why it is a must have for any serious musical fan.

4 out of 5 stars An oldie but a goodie.......2002-06-05

Oklahoma is a must if you like the good old Broadway sound. I think it is one of Rodgers and Hammerstein's best works. This recording is also held up by the classic Broadway voice of Afred Drake. The songs are all classics but they move slow and after a little while they all just start sounding the same. The main drawback to this recording is the recording its self. Since it was made in 1943 the techonology was lacking so it sounds like you are listening to an old record. Still it is a must for all broadway fans.

5 out of 5 stars THE DIFINITIVE ORIGINAL CAST ALBUM!!!.......2002-01-05

Over the last nearly sixty years, the musical Oklahoma has been ground into our psyche and has become a part of our culture. It opened on Broadway in 1943 and the musical theatre has never been the same. Oklahoma set many "firsts" in the musical theatre, and the original cast album was one of them. When the Original Cast Album of Oklahoma was first released in 1943 in conjunction with the Show's opening, it was the first "complete" cast album ever recorded. Bits and pieces of other shows had been recorded for decades (and even some entire shows sung to piano accompaniment), but this marked the first time the entire cast and orchestra went into the recording studio to record the show's songs. And, ever since that time nearly 60 years ago, this recording of Oklahoma has never gone out of print.

The Original Cast Recording was so extremely popular that the cast reunited the following year to record "Volume 2" of the Original Cast Album, which contained 3 songs left out of the first album.

The original recording was released as a set of 78 RPM records in 1943. Volume 2 was released a year later, but when the set was transferred to LP several years later, Volume 2 was left out and remained thus for decades. The entire contents of both volumes have been included in proper order for the CD release.

Okay, enough blabbing now. To the point, this is definately the Oklahoma recording of choice. With Alfred Drake as Curly, Joan Roberts as Laurey, and Celeste Holm as Ado Annie, this album is not to be surpassed. They all give stellar performances. With many cast albums to follow, songs had to be truncated and/or sped up to fit the limited playing time of a 78 RPM side. That is not the case here. There are a few cuts, but these are not major and the score does not sound rushed by any means. Sound quality is also great. While quality is beginning to show the considerable age of the recording, it does not get in the way of the listening experience. I would not recommend any recording of Oklahoma over this one. It is THE BEST and HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Buy it, at the very least for its historical significance.
Bernadette Peters Loves Rodgers & Hammerstein
Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
  • A Great Recording by A Great Artist.
  • To the critics of "BP Loves RH"...
  • Not Totally Awful, but She is Much Better than This
  • Am I missing something?
  • The Fabulous Miss B Does It Again!!!
 Bernadette Peters Loves Rodgers & Hammerstein
Bernadette Peters
Manufacturer: Angel Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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  1. Sondheim, Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall
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  5. Bernadette Peters in Concert

ASIN: B000062R9C
Release Date: 2002-06-10

Tracks:

  1. It's a Grand Night for Singing
  2. If I Loved You
  3. The Gentleman Is a Dope
  4. It Might as Well Be Spring
  5. Out of My Dreams
  6. So Far
  7. Something Wonderful
  8. I Haven't Got a Worry in the World
  9. Mister Snow
  10. Some Enchanted Evening
  11. There Is Nothin' Like a Dame
  12. You'll Never Walk Alone
  13. Something Good

Amazon.com

Bernadette Peters Loves Rodgers & Hammerstein ... and if they could hear this collection, they would love her right back. The curly-haired, honey-voiced Tony-winning star has been more closely associated throughout her career with Stephen Sondheim and Jerry Herman, but she's perfectly suited to the grand waltzes and introspective moments of the R&H canon. "If I Loved You," "It Might As Well Be Spring," and "Something Wonderful" would probably make anyone's wish list for this combination of star and songs (a list that would also last much longer than 46 minutes). Other welcome selections include "Some Enchanted Evening," "Out of My Dreams," the little-known "I Haven't Got a Worry in the World" (from the play Happy Birthday), and the inside joke of "There Is Nothing Like a Dame," all supported by the baton and orchestrations of Sondheim favorite Jonathan Tunick. This is a warm valentine to the beloved songwriting team. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A Great Recording by A Great Artist........2004-10-14

I totally disagree with the previous negative reviews of this cd. What were they listening to anyway? Certainly not this recording. First,Bernadette Peters is THE greatest Broadway musical performer of our time. I rate her right up there with Merman,Martin,Verdon,and Channing. She has a beautiful and distinctive voice,and her acting ability shines through every song. One reviewer said that these songs were originally written for large,operatic voices. What??? With the exception of Pinza,this is simply not true. When I have heard opera singers perform R&H songs,it just doesn't work. Too big. Actually,Bernadette suits these songs perfectly. Her somewhat softer voice gives a new dimension and insight to the grand old standards. I will give special praise for her performance of the songs: IF I LOVED YOU, OUT OF MY DREAMS, SOMETHING WONDERFUL, and SOME ENCHANTED EVENING. And extra special praise for SOMETHING GOOD. She brings life and passion to this song;I have never heard it performed better. I was greatly moved by it. If you love Rodgers & Hammerstein and if you love Bernadette Peters, BUY THIS ALBUM! You will love it.

4 out of 5 stars To the critics of "BP Loves RH"..........2004-04-17

I would ask detractors of this CD to consider the dates and location when and where this album was recorded: Sept 19, 21 and 24, 2001 at the Record Plant(sic)in NYC. Get it yet?

What if you were BP and Tunick, professionals as you are, recording a RH album for Angel eight days after 9/11? Would you be at your best? And singing "well worn, sentimental" RH songs recalling a time when NYC was the Great Big Apple of the World. Wouldn't a lump be in your throat? Listen to "It Might as Well Be Spring" again. Does it sound cheerful and relaxed? Or a little sad?

My friends, this is BP's 9/11 tribute to a City that has treated her like royalty. With Dame and Dope being the only exceptions, perhaps Tunick's otherwise subdued orchestrations reflect the mood of the day and of the performers and engineers present at the studio. This is why I heartily recommend this recording to BP fans. I didn't get it either until I read the stats.

2 out of 5 stars Not Totally Awful, but She is Much Better than This.......2003-11-21

Bernadette Peters is a legend; one of the few true Broadway musical legends still performing today; and that's why it pains me to say that her latest album is also her weakest work.

While her beautiful voice is still intact and capable of being as gorgeous as ever, she just doesn't seem to breath life into any of these songs. Even "Some Enchanted Evening" and "You'll Never Walk Alone" -- two songs that beg for emotion -- don't even get near the credit they deserve. And during some of the tunes, her voice seems to almost crack, although it never quite does.

I don't want to sound mean here. I love Bernadette Peters; but I also know she is much better than this album. Want proof? Purchase the cast recording of Gypsy :)

Her masterful concert for PBS was done just a couple years earlier. It's almost hard to believe this is the same energetic and spunky singer.

It's a grand night for singing? One wouldn't think so by listening to this.

2 out of 5 stars Am I missing something?.......2002-12-31

I received my copy of this CD the day after watching an American Masters bio of Richard Rogers, and I was psyched. I love Bernadette Peters and I adore Rogers & Hammerstein - but I was sorely disappointed in this album. All the way through it I kept having the feeling they had to wake Ms. Peters up between cuts. Even songs like "It's a Grand Night for Singing" had about as much spark as a wet match. The arrangements just did not do justice to either Ms. Peters or Rogers and Hammerstein.

I feel like a traitor, but I just cannot recommend this CD.

5 out of 5 stars The Fabulous Miss B Does It Again!!!.......2002-11-21

Not that I ever, EVER doubted it, but this album just reaffirms in my mind that Bernadette Peters can do ANYTHING! Every single song is gorgeous. Each note sung with extraordinary passion. And she has colored each lyric with layers and layers of meaning and subtext, a skill that has led to her being known as the foremost interpreter of the works of Stephen Sondehim.

Not that there's not some fun in there, too. "The Gentleman is a Dope" and her version of "There Is Nothin' Like a Dame" (she is the first female to record this, I might add!) are great examples of how she is able to bring her wonderful comic abilities into the music of perhaps the greatest team of composers ever.

Her renditions of songs like "Something Good", "Some Enchanted Evening" and "If I Loved You" are enough to make you believe in love all over again. Then, you have the playful "Mister Snow", which seems like it was written just for Bernadette, and "You'll Never Walk Alone", which still sends chills up my spine every time I hear it.

But let's not forget the fabulous opening tune "It's A Grand Night for Singing", her beautiful version of "It Might As Well Be Spring", the light and lovely "Out Of My Dreams", the extremely enjoyable "So Far", a terrific interpretation of the classic "Something Wonderful" and the carefree "I Haven't Got A Worry in the World".

Each and every one of these tunes is a treasure. This is a wonderful mixture of some well-known and some more obscure Rodgers and Hammerstein melodies... a mixture which is only made better by Bernadette's extraordinary ability to interpret a song- a skill that has helped to make her the Broadway legend she is. It is a must for not only musical theatre fans, not only R&H fans, not only fans of Bernadette, but anyone who is looking for something that's really worth listening to!

Music:

  1. On Broadway: Hit Songs and Rarities From the Brill Building Era [Import]
  2. Opening Doors
  3. Phantom of the Opera [Cast Recording]
  4. Pinafore! (Original Los Angeles Cast) [Cast Recording]
  5. Pure Imagination/Ain't It Funny [Import]
  6. Sarah, Plain and Tall ~ the musical [Cast Recording]
  7. Saratoga (1959 Original Broadway Cast) [Cast Recording]
  8. Saturday Night (1998 Original London Cast) [Cast Recording]
  9. Series 7 [Soundtrack]
  10. Something To Dance About: The Music Of Irving Berlin

Music

Music