Carousel (1987 Studio Cast)
This 1987 studio recording of Richard Rodgers's favorite score was designed as a direct thumb of the nose at the operatic versions ofWest Side StoryandSouth Pacificstarring Kiri Te Kanawa and José Carreras. Its message: Here are some great voices that actually know how to sing American musical theater. Does it succeed? Well,Barbara Cook, while always glorious, sounds a bit old for Julie and strains on some of the higher notes. Opera starSamuel Rameyhas plenty of voice, but his bass sounds a little too heavy and wise for Billy.Sarah Brightman, fresh off her star-making turn inThe Phantom of the Opera, is effective in the role of Carrie Pipperidge, especially for those tuned into her unique glassy timbre.David RendallandMaureen Forrestermake a fine Mr. Snow and Nettie, respectively.Another distinction of this recording at the time was its generous 69-minute running time, including certain key reprises, and the full dialogue and underscoring of "If I Loved You." But the excellent1993 London revivaland the1994 Broadway revival(withAudra McDonald) offer even more music, and the1956 film soundtrackandoriginal Broadway castversion have been reissued in the meantime. It's still a good listen, especially for fans of the principals, but among a strong field of contenders, it's not nearly as distinctive as it used to be.--David Horiuchi