South Pacific : original Broadway cast recording / [music by Richard Rodgers ; lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein 2nd ; book by Oscar Hammerstein 2nd and Joshua Logan ; adapted from James A. Michener's Tales of the South Pacific].
Material type:
MusicPublisher number: 88697 49919 2 | Masterworks BroadwayML 4180 | ColumbiaCL 806 | ColumbiaPublication details: New York, NY : Masterworks Broadway : Distributed in the U.S.A. by Sony Music Entertainment, [2009], ℗1998.Description: 1 audio disc : digital ; 4 3/4 inContent type: - performed music
- audio
- audio disc
- Rodgers, Richard, 1902-1979. South Pacific. Selections; arranged
| Item type | Home library | Collection | Call number | Materials specified | Status | Date due | Barcode | Item holds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Adult CD
|
Main Library | CD | MUSICAL South Pacific | Available | 33111009905056 |
Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's fourth musical, South Pacific, was based on several stories in James A. Michener's book Tales of the South Pacific, specifically two that dealt with wartime romances complicated by racial issues. Lyricist and co-librettist Hammerstein explored the relationship between an older French planter with two young half-Polynesian children and a young American nurse, and between an American lieutenant and a native girl. The cultural contrasts were supported by musical ones: The score veered between lush, operatic ballads ("Some Enchanted Evening," "This Nearly Was Mine") and earthy comedic numbers ("There Is Nothin' Like a Dame," "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair"). The story also allowed Rodgers & Hammerstein to portray the rough-edged, lusty character of U.S. servicemen and to present music with an exotic flavor ("Bali Ha'i"). The result was a massive hit. Opening on Broadway April 7, 1949, South Pacific ran 1,925 performances, longer than any musical before it except Rodgers & Hammerstein's Oklahoma! The score was even more popular, if possible. At a time when many different record companies might put out their own covers of a popular song, "Some Enchanted Evening" was a Top Ten hit for no less than six artists, with Perry Como's version hitting number one. Margaret Whiting beat out three chart competitors for the top version of "A Wonderful Guy." But it was the original Broadway cast album that was the real blockbuster. Released at a time when record formats were changing, it came out on 78s, EPs, and an early 12" LP, and became the longest running number one hit in history. ~ William Ruhlmann
Mary Martin, Ezio Pinza ; supporting performers ; Salvatore Dell'Isola, musical director.
Orchestrations by Robert Russell Bennett.
Recorded Apr. 18-19, 1949 at Columbia 30th Street Studio, New York City (tracks 1-16); bonus tracks recorded June 8, 1951 (tracks 17-18), Oct. 10, 1949 (track 19), and Dec. 27, 1951 (track 20).
Originally released as ML 4180, May 9, 1949.
Compact disc.
Program notes and synopsis by Marc Kirkeby (14 p. : ports.) inserted in container.
Overture (3:34) -- Dites-moi (1:23) -- A cockeyed optimist (1:43) -- Twin soliloquies (2:26) -- Some enchanted evening (3:01) -- Bloody Mary (2:15) -- There is nothin' like a dame (3:36) -- Bali Ha'i (3:26) -- I'm gonna wash that man right outa my hair (3:27) -- A wonderful guy (3:32) -- Younger than springtime (3:26) -- Happy talk (3:32) -- Honey bun (2:02) -- You've got to be carefully taught (1:17) -- This nearly was mine (3:28) -- Dites moi (reprise) (3:00) -- bonus tracks: Loneliness of evening (Mary Martin) (3:20) ; My girl back home (Mary Martin) (2:58) ; Bali Ha'i (Ezio Pinza) (3:13) (orchestra conducted by Lehman Engel) ; South Pacific: Symphonic scenario for concert orchestra / [arranged by Robert Russell Bennett] (André Kostelanetz & the Philadelphia Orchestra "Pops"; originally released as CL 806, 1952) (9:48).