Oklahoma! (1964 Studio Cast) [Cast Recording, Original recording remastered]

Oscar Hammerstein (Performer), Richard Rodgers (Composer), Franz Allers (Conductor), Oklahoma! Pit Orchestra (Orchestra), Ara Berberian (Performer), John Raitt (Performer), Florence Henderson (Performer), Phyllis Newman (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Oscar Hammerstein, Ara Berberian, John Raitt, Florence Henderson, Phyllis Newman
• Orchestra: Oklahoma! Pit Orchestra
• Conductor: Franz Allers
• Composer: Richard Rodgers
• Audio CD (May 28, 2002)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Cast Recording, Original recording remastered
• Label: Columbia Broadway Masterworks
• ASIN: B000067ARX
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #180,104 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #99 in Music > Broadway & Vocalists > Musicals > Classic Musicals

Track Listings

1. Overture

2. Oh, What A Beautiful Mornin'

3. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top

4. Kansas City

5. I Cain't Say No

6. Many A New Day

7. People Will Say We're In Love

8. Pore Jud Is Daid

9. Out Of My Dreams

10. The Farmer And The Cowman

11. All Er Nothin'

12. Finale: Oklahoma

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Nice, but..., June 5, 2002

By 

Pope (United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Oklahoma! (1964 Studio Cast) (Audio CD)

I liked this 1964 studio cast album of Oklahoma for what it has to offer, but it is lacking the meaning, sincerity, and lustre of all other recordings of the show that preceeded this one. John Raitt and Florence Henderson are both wonderful in their roles, just as good as those that went before them in the film and the original Broadway production. Supporting cast is ideal as well. Entirely new orchestrations have been arranged and really do a disservice to the beautiful original orchestrations in place since 1943 (I believe the 1955 movie version altered some but did not incorporate all-new orchestrations). My first impression when listening to the Overture was that it sounds more like a childrens' sing along record than one of Broadway's greatest triumphs. Sound quality and presentation are wonderful throughout. This is a worthy addition to your collection, but if Columbia/Sony really wants to make my day, they'll remaster and re-release their 1952 studio cast recording of Oklahoma, with Nelson Eddy as Curly, into their "Broadway Masterworks" series. I HIGHLY recommend that recording if you are fortunate enough to find it. I believe it is still in print.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars so-so studio recording, May 8, 2003

By 

Byron Kolln (the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood) - See all my reviews
(HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 100 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Oklahoma! (1964 Studio Cast) (Audio CD)

This is the reissue of the 1964 studio-recording of OKLAHOMA!, with Broadway stars John Raitt, Florence Henderson and Phyllis Newman playing the roles of Curly, Laurey and Ado Annie respectively. It was in fact one of a series of Broadway studio-albums released by Columbia and produced by Goddard Lieberson. Others in the series include SHOW BOAT starring John Raitt and Barbara Cook, and ANNIE GET YOUR GUN starring Doris Day.

The orchestrations, created especially for the recording by Philip J. Lang, aren't a patch on the Broadway originals but serve their purpose. The performances of John Raitt and Florence Henderson are bright and polished, though it is a crime that Phyllis Newman never played Ado Annie in a major commercial production of the musical. She gives a spirited performance.

Of the highlights; Florence Henderson's "Out of My Dreams" is, indeed, dreamy; John Raitt's soaring baritone perfectly fits "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'" and Phyllis Newman's "I Cain't Say No" is performed to a comical perfection.

Given the huge abundance of OKLAHOMA! cast-albums available, this studio recording may not be the most essential addition to your collection, but it is a rather pleasant album on the whole.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not a bad presentation of vocals from the classic show..., January 2, 2003

By 

William E. Adams (Midland, Texas USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Oklahoma! (1964 Studio Cast) (Audio CD)

I felt it was time recently to replace my vinyl of the movie sountrack with a CD version. When I found this "studio" recreation at an irresistable price, I choose it instead. After all, I still had the vinyl, a bit worn and scratched, and had those performances memorized. If you are not committed to having the movie version reproduced in your CD player, you might also like this. I knew John Raitt, Florence Henderson and Phyllis Newman all could sing, but a fun bonus for me was to discover that cantankerous folk-singing legend Ramblin' Jack Elliott handled the part of Will back in that Columbia studio in '64. He does a fine job on "Kansas City" and "All er Nothin". This version lacks the instrumental dream ballet music, but the songs with lyrics are done in fine fashion. The image of Jack
Elliott, disciple of Woody Guthrie, singing in the show dedicated to Woody's home state is just delicious. Makes me wonder if Woody, who lived in New York when "Oklahoma!" premiered, ever went to see it back in '43 or '44. In just a few months, this show will be 60 years old, but it's still great.