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Editorial Reviews
2012 two CD set. Merrily We Roll Along, composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim and bookwriter George Furth's first collaboration following their landmark Company, opened on Broadway in 1981 to some of the most savage reviews of Sondheim's career, closing after a run of only 16 performances. But fitting for a show that runs in reverse, the end was only the beginning of the story. Sondheim moved on to success with James Lapine on Sunday in the Park With George; Furth then encouraged Lapine to take a look at the show, beginning a major overhaul of Merrily by Sondheim and Furth that lasted over 20 years. In 2011, with the work complete, original orchestrator Jonathan Tunick was brought in to score the new songs; he ended up reorchestrating the entire score, giving it a consistency and clarity he felt it deserved. In 2012, New York City Center's Encores! series premiered this new version of Merrily We Roll Along.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
Format:MP3 Music|Amazon Verified Purchase
I've been listening to the Original Broadway Cast recording of Merrily We Roll Along for 20 years or more. I've bought other recordings of the show, but never listened to them more than 2 or 3 times. The performances never measured up to the original, and the new songs never came to life for me - "Th Blob" etc. were unwelcome distractions from the show I knew and loved.
But this recording has earned a pride of place next to the original. I've listened to it again and again since buying it, and it's made me appreciate the changes, and embrace the new performances. Plus the crisp, clear production is miles above the low, muddy RCA CD I've been playing for all those years. I can't recommend it enough to fans of the show.
But this recording has earned a pride of place next to the original. I've listened to it again and again since buying it, and it's made me appreciate the changes, and embrace the new performances. Plus the crisp, clear production is miles above the low, muddy RCA CD I've been playing for all those years. I can't recommend it enough to fans of the show.
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By Carlos
Format:Audio CD
Great album from the Encores! series. As it includes parts of the book it is the first recording that actually could be heared as a whole. The songs are gorgeous and the performances very good and credible. The only but is the new arragement, but I think that it is a matter of time to get used to it. One of Sondheim's masterpieces, a glorious flop!!!
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
By ayee
Format:Audio CD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a great CD - the full orchestra sounds fantastic. Everyone sings beautifully. In some cases, the singing is better on this CD than when it was sung live. Listening to the CD really feels like you seeing the show again, because it includes a lot of dialogue. I saw the show (but didnt have a great seat) so now I feel like I have a seat in the orchestra!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sondheim fans rejoice.
I saw this production and it was one of my favorite shows from 2012. With two discs you get all the original material and the newer revised songs. Read more
Published 10 days ago by T. Donoghue
5.0 out of 5 stars
A FAMOUS FLOP WITH A FABULOUS RECORDING
For those off us who consider ourselves Sondheim junkies, Merrily We Roll Along is one of the fabulous flops. The original version ran but sixteen performances. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Marc S. Komisarow
2.0 out of 5 stars
Why is it so tinny?
The singers on this latest recording of Sondheim's endearing problem child, "Merrily We Roll Along," sound as if they were recorded far from the musicians, As a result, the... Read more
Published 2 months ago by johngriffin0928
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best performance of the best Sondheim score. Period
I saw the live production three times, and I have a copy of the full piano score. The work is a complete arc of magic. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Thomas M. Marshall
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent
Highly recommended for any Sondheim lover!! The only complaint I have is I was a little disappointed with Lin-Manuel Miranda as Charley. I am a big fan of his. Read more
Published 5 months ago by David L. Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great cast recording!
I wasn't familiar with "Merrily" but based on other reviews, I thought I'd give it a try. Interesting yet unusual musical; well produced cast recording.
Published 6 months ago by aminla
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent- still not as good as the original
Stephen Sondheim has, as I predicted in 1978 as a sophomore in high school, become a living legend; the most brilliant and thorough composer of theatre to have ever lived; a man... Read more
Published 7 months ago by David Seaman
5.0 out of 5 stars
Merrily Again
Terrific re-recording by the ENCORES crowd of Sondheim's stellar score. The clean digital sound of some great Broadway music makes this a terrific acquisition.
Published 8 months ago by AllanStarkey
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Recording Merrily Deserves
Having listened to the OBCR over and over again, I was thrilled to get a chance to see this production, and even more excited to hear they were recording it. Read more
Published 8 months ago by janambm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Terrific recording
We love this recording - it seems to have all of the music for the show, great performances, and of course the music and lyrics are outstanding.
Published 8 months ago by janalew
