Oklahoma! [1964 Studio Cast]

by Oklahoma (1964) / S.C.R.

Overview

Composer Richard Rodgers once praised Florence Henderson as the ideal vehicle for his kind of music -- pretty, extroverted, and gifted with a very natural-sounding voice. In this studio recording of the groundbreaking musical Oklahoma!, Henderson sang the role of Laurey, a part she'd previously performed in a road company of the show. Joining her as Curly was John Raitt, who had originated the role of Billy in Rodgers & Hammerstein's Carousel. Also receiving top billing on this recording was Phyllis Newman (a Tony award winner for Subways Are for Sleeping) as Ado Annie, the gal who "cain't say no." Each of these stars was in fine form, singing in a style -- unforced and full of personality -- that would no doubt please Rodgers. What mars this recording, however, is an echoey sound that ends up being too studio-bound for its own good. The voices are also saddled with unnecessarily cartoonish "new orchestrations" by Philip J. Lang. Unlike the straightforward and effective orchestrations created by Robert Russell Bennett for the original stage production, Lang overloaded the music with banjos, brass hits, and other '50s-era overkill, creating a sound more at home in a Lawrence Welk or Ferrante & Teicher arrangement than in a production of Oklahoma. Effectively, this recording remains a curious relic too tied to its 1964 recording date, thus negating the underlying timelessness of the material. ~ Neil Shurley

Product Details

Release Date:	05/28/2002
Label:	Sony Classical
UPC:	0074646187623
Rank:	247422

Tracks

1. Oklahoma!, musical~Overture
2. Oklahoma!, musical~Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'
3. Oklahoma!, musical~The Surrey With The Fringe On Top
4. Oklahoma!, musical~Kansas City
5. Oklahoma!, musical~I Cain't Say No
6. Oklahoma!, musical~Many A New Day
7. Oklahoma!, musical~People Will Say We're In Love
8. Oklahoma!, musical~Pore Jud Is Daid
9. Oklahoma!, musical~Lonely Room
10. Oklahoma!, musical~Out Of My Dreams
11. Oklahoma!, musical~The Farmer And The Cowman
12. Oklahoma!, musical~All Er Nothin'
13. Oklahoma!, musical~Finale: Oklahoma

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Florence Henderson   Primary Artist,Vocals
Irene Carroll   Primary Artist
Women's Chorus of Dallas   Primary Artist
Jack Elliott   Primary Artist
John Raitt   Primary Artist,Vocals
Phyllis Newman   Primary Artist
Ara Berberian   Primary Artist,Vocals
The Orchestra   Primary Artist
Franz Allers   Primary Artist,Conductor
1964 Studio Cast   Primary Artist
Oklahoma Cast Ensemble Men's Chorus   Choir/Chorus
Oklahoma! Pit Orchestra   Orchestra

Technical Credits

Oscar Hammerstein II   Composer,Lyricist
John Raitt   Performer
Richard Rodgers   Composer
Phyllis Newman   Performer
Richard Ridge   Liner Notes
Philip J. Lang   Orchestration
Lisa Sparagano   Design
Ara Berberian   Performer
Joy Gilbert Monfried   Project Director
Joshua Jancourtz   Packaging Manager
Irene Carroll   Performer
Henry Parker   Photography
Bob Cato   Cover Photo,Photography
Ken Fredette   Design,Art Direction
Hank Parker   Photography
Joy Gilbert Manfried   Project Director
Don Hunstein   Photography
Florence Henderson   Performer
Thomas Z. Shepard   Reissue Producer,Producer
Robert Waller   Engineer
Charles Harbutt   Mastering Engineer
Fred Plaut   Engineer
Jack Elliott   Performer
Irving Berlin   Composer
Women's Chorus of Dallas   Performer