Porgy and Bess Cast recording

I recently re-listened to the cast album of the 2012 Porgy and Bess

.... Am I wrong in thinking it is a completely stunning album???

I know the orchestrations received some criticism at the time, but as I listen, the use of accordion and reeds along with the gorgeous strings is stunning. Not to mention the beautiful vocal work not only by the brilliant leads but the entire ensemble. Almost every track took my breath away. I don't remember it doing this the first listen, but I bought it very close to having seen the production. Now, after all these years, and so many bad scores with bad cast albums, this album really blew me away. I meant to just listen to a few songs but poured myself a glass of scotch and sat with the whole thing straight through.

Congrats to that cast, ORCHESTRA especially, and album producers. Exquisite. Not sure why we never revered this album before.

Trust me, I'm as much a classical purist as anyone, but I also respect what was done to make it a broadway show and I think it achieves it in spades.

Again, with the time since I saw it and listening again, it really moved me more than it did at first. As a classical music person, I feel there is a place for this version amongst the brilliant Houston Grand Opera or the Simon Rattle version. This is definitely more suited to broadway, which is what it was meant for, and I can't imagine a better cast or orchestra recording this on broadway.

Yes -

I saw the revival 3 times. the 3rd time, I found myself really drawn to the ensemble --- they each had their own story and path in a way I've never seen on broadway. I think you could have gone and watched just one of them and made yourself believe they were the protagonist. That's aside from their brilliant vocals. Honestly one of the best ensembles I've ever seen in my years of seeing almost everything.

The moments that stun me on the album are when they seem to be singing in many many parts, sometimes sounding totally improvised or "free" (like in the Doctor Jesus scene with the storm) and then all of a sudden they land on one chord simultaneously. Brilliant musicianship on the part of the singers, conductor, orchestra, etc.

I won't disagree re: Norm Lewis. Total misconception. I want a recording with Phillip Boykin as Porgy :)