Rodgers & Hammerstein - The Complete Overtures ~ Opening Night / Hollywood Bowl Orchestra · Mauceri
The debate will never stop raging between those who prefer Richard Rodgers's early work with Lorenz Hart and those partial to his later collaboration with Oscar Hammerstein. The shows of the two partnerships were so different that there's almost no resolution possible, but the themes on this CD prove that Rodgers wrote memorable melodies in very different styles during his career. Even if you prefer, say,Pal Joey, it's hard to deny the majestic allure ofCarouselandThe King and I. With theRodgers & Hammersteincanon readily available on CD, this album is notable for two things. The first is that by focusing exclusively on overtures, and by presenting them in chronological order, it offers a quick survey of some of Rodgers's best-known melodies. The second is that it includes two rare pieces: the first recording of the overture from 1953'sMe and Julietand the overture fromPipe Dream, a 1955 show based on John Steinbeck's novelCannery Rowthat was Rodgers & Hammerstein¹s biggest failure. Those two alone make it worthwhile for R&H; fans to pick up the album.--Elisabeth Vincentelli