Search - Rodgers & Hammerstein, Patrice Munsel, Robert Merrill :: Carousel

Possibly the Best (!) "Carousel"

David O. Roberts | New York | 06/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What a revelation ! Although it is not the best sound - - mono, but so is the original cast recording- it is not that bad. The casting is wonderful ! Ms. Munsel and Mr. Merrill, although both Met opera stars, are right at home in this kind of music, and understand how to perform it stylistically ( unlike many of the "crossover" show albums of the '90's- especially the terrible portrayal of Billy by Sam Ramey !) Florence Henderson, although better known from TV in "The Brady Bunch" and Wesson oil commercials, actually had a lovely trained soprano and had sung leading roles in several Broadway musicals in the '50's. Perhaps the nicest surprise is that the score is presented almost complete, including practically the entire "bench scene", " Geraniums on the Winder", etc. ( No dance music, however.) Many consider this to be R&H's best score. I have at least 5 or 6 recordings, but I think this one has to be my all-around favorite !"

Buyer beware! This is a poorly remastered CD-R!

The Music Man | United States | 04/14/2008

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I opened this CD expectantly, only to discover to my dismay that this isn't a properly-pressed CD, but a CD-R, although with a professionally-printed booklet, and cover - but a CD-R nonetheless. Also, the music is obviously not taken from first generation sources, since there is a copious amount of tape hiss and is in mono sound. Ugh. Other than those two glaring flaws, the performances by Robert Merrill, Florence Henderson, et. al, are very good; this is a reissue of the never-before on CD 1954 RCA Victor LP, and if you're a die-hard Musical Theater fan, you might want to check this out - but be aware that this isn't a quality release."

Commendable "Carousel"

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 03/21/2010

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This reissue really flew under the radar when it was first released; a real shame, because it's one of the most complete "Carousel" recordings ever produced. Firstly, the pedigree of it's cast cannot be denied - celebrated, charismatic New York opera personalities Robert Merrill and Patrice Munsel, are the doomed lovers Billy and Julie. Florence Henderson--who the previous year had made a big splash on the Broadway stage in "Fanny" (her first lead role)--is a most delightful Carrie; and Gloria Lane plays Cousin Nettie. This album was originally released by RCA in 1955.



Content-wise, it was the most complete "Carousel" album on the market for many, many years (that is, until the 1987 Barbara Cook/Samuel Ramey studio production). Under the musical direction of Lehman Engel, the album boasts the seldom recorded "Geraniums in the Winder" and the complete Bench Scene/"If I Loved You". Merrill and Munsel are in glorious voice; Henderson's silvery, youthful soprano serves her in incredible stead with "Mister Snow" and "When the Children Are Asleep", the latter a duet with Herbert Banke's solid Mr. Snow.



Bonus tracks feature highlights from the 1956 RCA/Lehman Engel studio album of "Show Boat", which again starred Robert Merrill and Patrice Munsel. It's available in it's entirety on another Flare release. Recommended.



[Flare Records ROYCD-268]"