Porgy and Bess - New Broadway Cast Recording Arrived!

[PianoMann]

Posted: 5/9/12 at 7:24pm

They shipped from PS Classics yesterday, and my copy arrived today!

Anyone else receive their copy yet? Has anyone had time to listen through?

Updated On: 5/9/12 at 07:24 PM

[CATSNYrevival]

Posted: 5/9/12 at 7:53pm

*jealous*

[Clewis1219]

Posted: 5/9/12 at 9:18pm

are you in NYC? I'm in Baltimore and can't wait for it!

[TheGirlUpstairs]

Posted: 5/9/12 at 9:23pm

I'm seething with jealousy.

[PianoMann]

Posted: 5/9/12 at 9:23pm

I'm in Connecticut, and fairly close to New York City.

Got to listen to about half of disc one (really busy night...) and it's terrific so far. The vocals are truly magnificent; truly captures the magic of the live sound.

[GlindatheGood22]

Posted: 5/9/12 at 10:16pm

Anyone know when it's set to hit iTunes?

[PianoMann]

Posted: 5/9/12 at 10:18pm

The official release date is May 22nd, so I assume the digital release date is the same.

[jdrye222]

Posted: 5/9/12 at 11:34pm

I got mine too!

The vocals do sound amazing. I have only listened to the first disc so far, but my main reaction is that the orchestra sounds AMAZING..... When I have seen it (twice now) in the theater, I was mixed about the orchestration (as many people are), but I had a hunch it was the sound design. Now I KNOW it is the sound design. I think this orchestra sounds luscious on this recording. I know they added some strings for the album, but it is intelligently orchestrated, and I now have a new appreciation for what Brohn and Jahnke did.

Also love the piano solo in the overture... Both times I've seen it, the associate conductor was conducting, so I guess there were subs on the piano for him, and they sounded tentative. It was awesome to hear it rock out.

[Matt2]

Posted: 5/10/12 at 1:55am

Very interested to read this feedback and look forward to hearing more about the cast album as it becomes available everywhere. I have been debating whether or not to buy another recording of Porgy and Bess (I have the 1989 Glyndebourne version). The changes in the orchestrations for this new revival made me rather hesitant to pick it up, but the draw of hearing McDonald and Lewis perform these wonderful songs (especially considering just how well both seem to be doing) is rather tempting. Is this new album worth the purchase price, in your opinions?

[jdrye222]

Posted: 5/10/12 at 2:20am

Matt2 - I am from a classical music background, and happen to love musicals... I am one of the few who loves the opera, and loves the current broadway production. I would argue that the Simon Rattle recording that you have is the definitive Porgy and Bess (sorry, Houston Grand Opera).... but - having listened to this new album, if you're a fan of the score, I think you will enjoy it. Audra is just spectacular, as is Phillip Boykin. It is the most well-acted Crown I've ever heard (even on the recording). Lewis is fine.... not a reason to buy the CD. But - I do recommend it. As I said in prior post, I was hesitant about the orchestration in the theater (the original orchestration is flawless), but having listened to the album, it is clear that in the theater it is a sound design issue. While the orchestration is different, it is incredibly smart and unique in its interpretation. (And as much as people complained about the accordion in Boston, I think it is a beautiful addition in this rendition).... Anyway... Let me know how you decide to go about it!

[Matt2]

Posted: 5/10/12 at 2:28am

Thanks jdrye! I adore the score, it's one of the few shows that I have the full score to. They were a gift from my great-uncle who loved the show and saw it several times in many incarnations over the years.
It's great to hear how this recording seems to be shaping up, and I'm definitely going to look into picking this recording up.

[jdrye222]

Posted: 5/10/12 at 2:33am

Yes. Of course.
Well, if you're that familiar with the opera score... just do NOT expect it to be the same. They intended to make a musical of it, and they did just that. So... the naysayers of this production will say it ripped it apart. As someone who loves both, I disagree, but at the same time I completely understand that point of view.
Mostly for me, this production is about the performances. It puts the acting on par with the singing, which operas just don't generally do by nature (except in very rare occasions). I think the score is a masterpiece, and much of the really interesting underscoring has been kept on this recording (under the "Crap Game" for instance). If you're openminded about the changes, I think you'll find it an interesting study in the differences... For me, I have a great admiration for the team's adaptation even if I don't agree with everything.

[Matt2]

Posted: 5/10/12 at 2:51am

Despite the sentimental feelings I have attached to this show, I'm more than willing to keep an open mind about looking into a new way to present the material- though to be perfectly honest, I am a little hesitant about what I've heard about this particular production. Some of the rather harsh reviews and questionable changes I heard gave me some doubts about the merits of the production. Since the acting performances seem to be so integral to this new version, I also wondered how well this would translate onto a recording, or if one just HAS to see the performances (particularly McDonald's) live to really appreciate it. For instance, as much as I love my CD of The Drowsy Chaperone, I really feel it never matched the thrill of a live viewing or at least really gave you a true sense of just how good it was. However, I'm not sure how they could have bettered the recording, some shows just have to been seen to really be appreciated.
Still rather interested to see/hear a different interpretation of the show and see what this creative team has to offer.



Updated On: 5/10/12 at 02:51 AM