Broadway Records to release MY FAIR LADY cast album- Page 5

[broadwayboy223]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 1:42am

Just listened to a snippet and OMG Lauren actually has a gorgeous voice.

[JudyDenmark]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 2:49am

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Updated On: 6/8/18 at 02:49 AM

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 6:09am

jacobsnchz14 said: "https://www.broadwayrecords.com/cds/my-fair-lady-2018-broadway-cast-recording"

 

My first-ever iTunes download! I think I cried a bit listening to the Overture.

71 days and counting until I see the show!!!

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 6:55am

I really wish they could've found a better way to handle the ending, since what this specific production does NOT need is a rehash of the ending that keeps Shaw spinning in his grave.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 7:03am

Dancingthrulife2 said: "I really wish they could've found a better way to handle the ending, since whatthis specific production does NOT need is a rehash of the ending that keeps Shaw spinning in his grave."

 

Is this reflected in (you’re specifically referring to) this new cast album release? Maybe I shouldn’t listen to it all the way through then? 

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 7:14am

Without spoiling anything, all I can say is that the impression that the last track of the cast album left me is exactly the opposite of how I felt seeing the show live.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 7:20am

Dancingthrulife2 said: "Without spoiling anything, all I can say is that the impression that the last track of the cast album left me is exactly the opposite of how I felt seeing the show live."

 

So, would you recommend not listening to Track 19 “Finale”? Is this the one you’re referring to? 

[Dancingthrulife2]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 7:26am

If you have experienced the material in other forms before, it doesn't hurt to listen to that track. But it is not an accurate representation of the last few minutes of the production, also one of the most moving moments in this production. Just keep in mind that there's more in the finale than the "finale" track lets on and you should be fine.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 8:06am

Dancingthrulife2 said: "If you have experienced the material in other forms before, it doesn't hurt to listen to that track. But it is not an accurate representation of the last few minutes of the production, also one of the most moving moments in this production. Just keep in mind that there's more in the finale than the "finale" track lets on and you should be fine."

 

I’ve never read the book it’s based on, seen any of the movies or shows, nor listened to any version of the soundtracks before. I think maybe I’ll hold off on listening to that last track. 

[EvanstonDad]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 9:26am

So I'm looking at the track listing and see that the Servants' Chorus (not sure if that's actually what it's called) isn't on the album. I'm thinking of the scene where the servants sing "Poor Professor Higgins" over and over while he's teaching Eliza. For those who've seen the show, did they just leave it off, or is that song not part of this production?

[R. GreenFinch]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 9:30am

I do wish it was available on Apple Music, since that's a paid service.

[MackTheKnife2]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 9:37am

EvanstonDad said: "So I'm looking at the track listing and see that the Servants' Chorus (not sure if that's actually what it's called) isn't on the album. I'm thinking of the scene where the servants sing "Poor Professor Higgins" over and over while he's teaching Eliza. For those who've seen the show, did they just leave it off, or is that song not part of this production?"

 

The Servants’ Chorus is indeed in the production, just not on the album.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 9:41am

R. GreenFinch said: "I do wish it was available on Apple Music, since that's a paid service."

 

It’s not on Napster either. I checked this morning before going to iTunes to download the album. Still very happy with my purchase.

Updated On: 6/8/18 at 09:41 AM

[EvanstonDad]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 9:47am

The Servants’ Chorus is indeed in the production, just not on the album.

Thanks! Wonder why that song almost never gets recorded. The only recording of My Fair Lady I can think of that does include it is the expanded film soundtrack, and overall I just don't find that version of the score very satisfying to listen to. Would be nice to have an alternative that's as comprehensive.

 

[BroadwayConcierge]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 10:13am

Dancing, I don’t disagree that the Finale track fails to capture what this particular production does... but I’m hard-pressed to think of any way they could’ve preserved it on a cast album. Pretty much everything that makes this production’s finale heartbreaking, joyous, and triumphant is, well, visual. And done during silence. How could they have changed the track to reflect it?

Updated On: 6/8/18 at 10:13 AM

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow2]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 10:16am

We do get the tail end of the Servant's chorus in "Rain in Spain" but not the full performance.

Btw, when I saw it in previews, Lauren Ambrose did not have that lovely reprise of "Loverly" when she went back to Covent Garden after "Show Me" (the three men did though). However, on the album, she definitely has it and I was very happily surprised to hear her sing it. Is it in the show now? 

I also, don't know how the audio recording can truly capture the ending of this specific production considering it all happens in silence and then to the usual exit music. I guess they could have sustained some silence for a few beats after Hadden-Paton's line.

Updated On: 6/8/18 at 10:16 AM

[MackTheKnife2]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 10:21am

ScottyDoesn'tKnow2 said: "We do get the tail end of the Servant's chorus in "Rain in Spain" but not the full performance.

Btw, when I saw it in previews, Lauren Ambrose did not have that lovely reprise of "Loverly" when she went back to Covent Garden after "Show Me" (the three men did though). However, on the album, she definitely has it and I was very happily surprised to hear her sing it. Is it in the show now?

I also, don't know how the audio recording can truly capture the ending of this specific production considering it all happens in silence and then to the usual exit music."

Yes, Eliza’s reprise of Loverly is in the show. As much as I love this particular recording, I wish it would have included the Just You Wait and On the Street Where You Live reprises, as well as the full Servants’ Chrous.

Still, it’s a great cast album!

 

[divarobbie2]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 3:06pm

For those of you interested, Vulture has a first listen stream of the album through Monday. Enjoy!

http://www.vulture.com/2018/06/first-listen-my-fair-lady-revivals-broadway-cast-recording.html

[schubox]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 3:16pm

divarobbie2 said: "For those of you interested, Vulture has a first listen stream of the album through Monday. Enjoy!

http://www.vulture.com/2018/06/first-listen-my-fair-lady-revivals-broadway-cast-recording.html"

Thanks for this 

[steven22]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 5:31pm

Listened to this today on Vulture and immediately downloaded it via iTunes. It’s absolutely beautiful and lush. Lauren Ambrose sounds incredible. Very excited to see this in August.

[Ravenclaw]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 5:43pm

ScottyDoesn'tKnow2 said: "We do get the tail end of the Servant's chorus in "Rain in Spain" but not the full performance.

Btw, when I saw it in previews, Lauren Ambrose did not have that lovely reprise of "Loverly" when she went back to Covent Garden after "Show Me" (the three men did though). However, on the album, she definitely has it and I was very happily surprised to hear her sing it. Is it in the show now?

I also, don't know how the audio recording can truly capture the ending of this specific production considering it all happens in silence and then to the usual exit music. I guess they could have sustained some silence for a few beats after Hadden-Paton's line."

Yes, she does sing the reprise in the show, exactly as it is on this recording (and as it is in the script and in other productions). 

And I think the reason most recordings do not include Poor Professor Higgins is because it's the same verse repeated three times with different lyrics. Its primary function is to link scenes within a montage. It works beautifully onstage (particularly in this production) but when making cuts to fit an album on one disc, it's the obvious thing to go. This album also cut the reprise of With a Little But of Luck and the playoff verse of Get Me to the Church On Time (the slower section starting with "Mornin' is clearin' off to bed now". Ultimately, they only cut things that are repeated elsewhere on the album, but it would be nice to have the full score. There is a studio album from 1993 which recorded every single note of the score, although its performances aren't nearly as exciting as this cast.

[ScottyDoesn'tKnow2]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 5:56pm

This is such a lush and beautiful recording of this score. I cannot stop listening to it.

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 6:50pm

I think the clarity of sound is incredible. You can almost hear every instrument. Nothing gets lost. It's wonderful to hear these orchestrations recorded in 2018 with the technology we have now to allow us to hear the tiny details that might get a bit lost on older recordings. The first surprise was hearing the Overture with an ending. I've never heard the Overture with a big finish. It usually leads right into the second piece of music with the buskers. I probably would have preferred they record it as played in the theatre but it wasn't too distracting.

I think Lauren sounds delightful. Harry took a little getting used to since Rex Harrison's voice from the film and original Broadway cast recording is practically burned in my memory. Harry sings a bit more than Rex did. He's not afraid to sing it. He holds out some actual notes which is a refreshing change. Norbert Leo Butz is a pleasant surprise. When they announced his casting I wasn't sure about it because his voice is always so distinctly Norbert, and I didn't know if he'd be able to master the accent. I don't think I've ever heard him do an accent before this, but I should never have doubted him. He's perfect.

Some things I missed, like all the celebratory dialogue during the dance music in "The Rain in Spain" but that's minor. They also could have included more of the chorus bits leading up to "The Rain in Spain,"  "Ascot Gavotte," and some of the reprises in the second act. No big deal but there is extra space on the disc that would have allowed for it so why not? If I'm not mistaken, we do get a taste of the original Entr'acte at the start of "The Embassy Waltz" track. That was a nice surprise. I also think this is the first recording to include the "Flower Market" reprise, other than the 2 disc Jay Records album which seems to have included absolutely every piece of music in the show and is worth a listen for that alone. 

Overall, I found it enjoyable. Nothing can ever replace the original Broadway cast recording for me simply because the performances from Rex Harrison and Julie Andrews cannot be matched. Still, to have an updated recording with these orchestrations, additional dialogue, dance music that we didn't get the first time, and some strong performances, it's a worthy addition to sit on the shelf next to the original Broadway cast recording.

[MichelleCraig]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 6:55pm

I pay for both Apple Music and Spotify. Currently, it’s not available on either of these services. I think someone said earlier that this record label doesn’t release digitally for sometimes up to a year. That’s a shame as they’d realize revenues now from digital. In a year, demand will not be so great...or a lot of people will have moved on to next year’s cast albums. All of the majors release their cast albums day-and-date with the physical release. I “get” that this label wants to sell physical discs, but most of the audience has moved on to digital services. It’s just the way things are now...

i am listening to the recording on Vulture now. It’s quite good.I’ll “buy it” when it’s available on Apple Music or Spotify. Until then, the Original Broadway Cast recording and the London Cast recording, both with Julie Andrews, and the later in stereo, aren’t too shabby... 

Again, though, this new recording does not disappoint. It is beautifully produced.

[OlBlueEyes]

Posted: 6/8/18 at 8:20pm

It is entirely up to the holders of the copyrights for My Fair Lady to determine who will receive the rights to play or to record the music. Up until recently, the copyrights were controlled by organizations run by the heirs of Lerner and Loewe. If those holding the copyrights had no objection to your receiving the rights to play or record the music, you received the rights in exchange for royalty payments.

Last year the Lerner and Loewe copyrights were sold to an organization called Music Theater International. MTI should be less interested in preserving the original material by not allowing major changes.

So they might have refused rights to broadcasting the music to Spotify and Apple iTunes for a certain period so that the only way to listen was to buy the CD. I don't know if this makes any sense from a business point of view. Or Spotify simply did not license the music for broadcast. 

And eventually, or course, copyrights expire and the music passes into the public domain, where all can access the music for free.

Updated On: 6/8/18 at 08:20 PM