Search - Richard Rodgers, Oscar Hammerstein II, Frederica von Stade :: The Sound Of Music (1987 Studio Cast)

A Wonderful Recording of a Great Musical

Timothy Kearney | Hull, MA United States | 12/08/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There have been a number of attempts where musicians most at home in the classical repertoire have attempted the scores of some of the greatest Broadway and Hollywood musicals. The results for some have been less than spectacular, at least as far as critics are concerned, but the public seems more than pleased with the results. One recording that received both critical acclaim and public praise is Erich Kunzel and the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra's recording of THE SOUND OF MUSIC. Some critics believe this recording is Kunzel at his best. This set contains music from both the stage and film, much like the 1998 Broadway revival recording but ten years earlier.



The cast is spectacular, led by Frederica von Stade as Maria. Von Stade's voice is different from that of Mary Martin and Julie Andrews who immortalized the role on stage and screen respectively, yet she brings more to her interpretation than her gorgeous voice and we see another definitive interpretation of the role of Maria. The Von Trapp children, all students from Cincinnati's School for the Creative and Performing Arts, stand out as well and have camaraderie with von Stade. The cast is rounded out with some other opera greats: Haken Hagergard as Captain Von Trapp, Barbara Daniels as the villain we all love to hate Baroness Schraeder and the immortal Eileen Farrell is the Abbess in one of her last recordings. The Cincinnati Pops Orchestra is at home with the score and Kunzel's direction demonstrates his love for the score and involvement with the project. This should come as no surprise to people familiar with Kunzel during his tenure as conductor of the Cincinnati Pops. He is at home with a variety of musical styles as his many recordings show and he seems to have a god idea of what people will enjoy.



People who love THE SOUND OF MUSIC will find the liner notes helpful, giving a history of the work and its place in American musical theatre. The music alone is the perfect "pick me up" and listeners are certain to enjoy this disc for years to come.

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Wonderful!

J. Ourada | California | 02/09/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Behind the movie version of the Sound of Music this one in my opinion ranks next in line. The voices are so amazing and I love the childrens voices together. Them singing the sound of music is absolutely beautiful. Maria's voice is a little bit too operatic, but I listen to hear the children and the beautiful accompaniment to the songs."