Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard Rodgers - The King and I: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1951 Broadway Cast)
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Artist: Oscar Hammerstein II, Richard RodgersEdition: Music CD
Format: Cast Recording, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
CD Release Date: 2000-05-16
Music Label: Decca Broadway
Soundtracks:
- Overture
- I Whistle A Happy Tune
- My Lord and Master
- Hello, Young Lovers
- March of the Siamese Children
- A Puzzlement
- Getting To Know You
- We Kiss In A Shadow
- Shall I Tell You What I Think of You?
- Something Wonderful
- I Have Dreamed
- Shall We Dance?
Free Music Notes for The King and I: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1951 Broadway Cast)
Free Music Review: A legacy
Hit: 4 Stars
I have owned this recording for several years, and the vinyl lp before that.
However, I have only recently discovered Amazon's customer reviews. So I decided to read them before I listened again. I was surprised by those who disparaged Yul Brynner's understanding of the role.
Not so--according to the American Theater Wing, who awarded him a Tony.
Not so--according to his co-artist, Gertrude Lawrence, who requested that his name be moved to above the title.
Not so--according to the New York critics who reviewed the play. "His impulsive yet pathetic monarch is the most vital element of the show, which always lets down when he is not on stage." "Mr. Brynner lent such strength and realism to his role." "To an amazing extent, he gets depth, honesty, and complete credibility into an authentic characterization."
Yes, even with remastering, it is still 1951 sound. Yes, many of the songs are abridged to fit the confines of the 78 rpm recording. Yes, much of the beautiful score is not included. For those, buy the 1977 recording with Constance Towers, which is also excellent. But do not disregard this one; it is an important part of Broadway's legacy.
The King and I: A Decca Broadway Original Cast Album (Original 1951 Broadway Cast) Poster
Yul Brynner made a career out of playing the King of Siam. He owns it so much that it's disconcerting to see Rex Harrison play it in the film version of Anna & the King of Siam, the play Rodgers and Hammerstein adapted. Ironically, the still-unknown Brynner wasn't the star of the 1951 production; he's billed below British grande dame Gertrude Lawrence (played by Julie Andrews in the biopic Star!), who died during the play's run, and curio value is the only real reason for this recording in 1998. Sound quality is below standard, much like MCA other early Decca original cast albums, and Brynner was still too young to bring the majestic authority to the role he did in both the film and later stage versions. --Bill HoldshipBroadway & Vocalists Music CDs
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