Experience the timeless magic of Richard Rodgers' iconic musical "Oklahoma!" in this captivating album, released by Naxos in 2005. This collection is a treasure trove of beloved songs from the groundbreaking musical that revolutionized Broadway. Composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, "Oklahoma!" is based on Lynn Riggs' 1931 play "Green Grow the Lilacs" and is celebrated as the first integrated "book musical," setting a new standard for storytelling and music on stage.
The album features a stunning array of tracks, including the iconic "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," the rousing "Oklahoma!," and the enchanting "The Surrey with the Fringe on Top." Each song is performed with a richness and depth that brings the original Broadway cast's magic to life. The symphonic suite, arranged by R. R. Bennett, adds a layer of orchestral brilliance, making this album a comprehensive journey through the musical's most memorable moments.
With a duration of approximately 1 hour and 18 minutes, this album is perfect for fans of classic musicals and those who appreciate the timeless compositions of Richard Rodgers. Whether you're a longtime admirer of "Oklahoma!" or discovering it for the first time, this album offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the enduring appeal of this landmark musical.
2005 Naxos2005 (P) Naxos
Tracks
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Overture (from "Oklahoma!")Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' (From "Oklahoma!")Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oklahoma!: The Surrey with the Fringe on Top (Original Broadway Cast)Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Kansas City (Will, Male Chorus) [from "Oklahoma!"]Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': I Cain't Say No (Ado Annie) [from "Oklahoma!"]Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Many a New Day (Laurey, Girl Chorus) [from "Oklahoma!"]Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': It's a Scandal (Ali, Chorus) [from "Oklahoma!"]Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oklahoma!: People Will Say We're in Love (Original Broadway Cast)Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Pore Jud Is Daid (Curly, Jud) [from "Oklahoma!"]Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Lonely Room (Curly) [from "Oklahoma!"]Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Out of My Dreams (Laurey, Girl Chorus) [from "Oklahoma!"]Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin', Act II: The Farmer and the Cowman (from "Oklahoma!")Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': All Er Nuthin' (Will, Ado Annie) [from "Oklahoma!"]Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oklahoma!: Oklahoma! (Original Broadway Cast)Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Finale. Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' - People Will Say We're in Love (Laurey, Curly, Chorus) [from "Oklahoma!"]Richard Rodgers, Lee Dixon, Joan Roberts, Ralph Riggs, Celeste Holm, Howard Da Silva, Joseph Buloff, Bette Garde, Alfred Drake, Oklahoma Chorus, Oklahoma Orchestra, Jay Blackton
Oklahoma!, Symphonic Suite: Oklahoma! (Symphonic Suite) [arr. R. R. Bennett]Richard Rodgers, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Oklahoma!: Oklahoma (from "Oklahoma!")Richard Rodgers, James Melton, Al Goodman Chorus, Al Goodman Orchestra
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Oklahoma!: The Surrey with the Fringe on Top (from "Oklahoma!")Richard Rodgers, James Melton, Al Goodman Orchestra
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Oklahoma!: People Will Say We're in Love (from "Oklahoma!")Richard Rodgers, James Melton, Eleanor Steber, Al Goodman Orchestra
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Oklahoma!: Out of My Dreams (from "Oklahoma!")Richard Rodgers, Eleanor Steber, Al Goodman Orchestra
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Oklahoma!: Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin' (from "Oklahoma!")Richard Rodgers, John Charles Thomas, Ken Darby Chorus, Victor Young Orchestra, Victor Young
Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin': Oklahoma!: Kansas City (from "Oklahoma!")Richard Rodgers, John Charles Thomas, Ken Darby Chorus, Victor Young Orchestra, Victor Young
Richard Rodgers, born in 1902, stands as one of the most influential figures in American musical theater. With a career spanning over four decades, Rodgers composed an astounding 900 songs and 43 Broadway musicals, leaving an indelible mark on the genre. His collaborations with lyricists Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II produced some of the most beloved and enduring works in musical theater history. Rodgers' innovative approach to songwriting and storytelling revolutionized the medium, earning him a legendary status that continues to inspire generations of theater enthusiasts and creators alike. From iconic shows like "Oklahoma!" and "The Sound of Music" to timeless songs that have become cultural touchstones, Richard Rodgers' contributions to musical theater are nothing short of extraordinary.