|
This soundtrack recording of South Pacific is exactly the same as the original LP. And the original 6 track Todd-AO sound is truly spectacular. Unfortunately, there aren't many good alternatives to this recording. If you want memories of just the songs this is OK. One recording I personally like is Reba McIntire's Carnegie Hall (Decca) performance with good sound, but it has way too much annoying audience noise and applause. The problem is that South Pacific's soundtrack has so much wonderful music, beautiful orchestrations, and outstanding sound that this CD is a very pale comparison. Original edited performances, original "tubby" bass sound, same hiss and distortion. It's very disappointing that RCA (or Sony-or whoever owns this now) didn't expand this version (like the soundtracks to Oklahoma or Carousel) to include more of this wonderful score.
Run the DVD (especially the original roadshow version)and luxuriate in Alfred Newman's and Edward Powell's (and many others) musical underscoring throughout most of 172 minutes. Just breathtaking. All the other recordings from the original (with definitive performances but poor sound)to the latest Broadway cast can't match the movie's performances or lush orchestrations. Too bad it wasn't recorded in the studio.
Can not get better than 0 stars, because today is December 1, 2009, and I still did not receive this. Even if I receive it soon, I will love the music, but be very disappointed in the service of this vendor.
Shipping was very fast. Remember seeing the movie years ago, and now that I have seen the show playing at Lincoln Center, NYC.I just had to get this CD. Completely satisfied. The music and songs are so wonderful and I relive this fantastic play over and over again. This is one of my favorite CDs. I had ordered two CDs of South Pacific, one for me and the other for a friend who had seen the play with me. She is also thrilled with this CD.
I saw this version of "South Pacific" as a child and fell in love with the movie and the music. I am a French teacher and use the song "Dites-moi pourquoi" in the classroom. Fifty years later, the music is still timeless and enchanting. I would recommend this CD to any Rodgers and Hammerstein fan. My jr. high students love it.
South pacific is the music and score that all Broadway shows should use as a template for success.There is not one thing wrong with it. It is balances and well executed.
|
