Oklahoma! (soundtrack)
The Oklahoma! soundtrack refers to various recordings of the musical Oklahoma!, composed by Richard Rodgers, with lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II. Given its immense popularity and cultural significance, multiple recordings have been produced throughout the years, encompassing original cast recordings, revival cast recordings, film soundtracks, and studio albums.
The original cast recording of the 1943 Broadway production is a landmark album, generally considered the first original Broadway cast recording. It was initially recorded on 78 rpm records and later reissued in various formats, including LP and CD. This recording features members of the original Broadway cast, performing iconic songs such as "Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'," "People Will Say We're in Love," and the title song, "Oklahoma!".
The soundtrack of the 1955 film adaptation of Oklahoma! is another notable recording. It features a cast including Gordon MacRae, Shirley Jones, and Rod Steiger. The film soundtrack often features orchestrations and arrangements slightly different from the stage versions to suit the cinematic medium. It was a commercially successful album that helped to further popularize the musical.
Subsequent revivals of Oklahoma! have also generated cast recordings, each offering a unique interpretation of the score. These recordings may feature updated orchestrations, different vocal stylings, and reflect the specific artistic vision of each production.
In addition to cast recordings, numerous studio albums featuring artists performing songs from Oklahoma! exist. These recordings showcase diverse interpretations of the musical's score and appeal to a wide audience.
The various Oklahoma! soundtracks serve as both historical documents of the musical's evolution and as enduring artistic representations of Rodgers and Hammerstein's work. The specific contents and sound of each soundtrack vary depending on the recording date, performers, and artistic choices.