Composer: Richard Rodgers
Works: Too Many Girls (1939), The Boys from Syracuse (1938), Higher and Higher (1940), Pal Joey (1940), Up and Doing (1940), They Met in Argentina (1941), By Jupiter (1942), Words and Music (film 1948), Young Man with a Horn (film 1950)
Performers: Mary Jane Walsh, Diosa Costello, Allan Jones, Shirley Ross, Gene Kelly, Patricia Burke, Alberto Vila, Ray Boggier, Mel Tormé, Lena Horne, Perry Como, Doris Day, various orchestras and conductors (unknown)
Recording: Pearl GEM 0118 [62.52]
Label: Pearl
The latest installment in Pearl’s Ultimate Rodgers and Hart series, Volume 3, captures a pivotal moment in the evolution of American musical theatre, bridging the gap between the exuberant Broadway of the 1930s and the burgeoning film musical of the 1940s. Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart, working in the heady atmosphere of pre-war America, produced a remarkable body of work during this period, with each piece embodying a distinctive blend of lyrical sophistication and melodic charm. This volume features original cast recordings from an array of their shows, showcasing the duo’s ability to craft songs that have become staples of the Great American Songbook.
The performances presented here vary significantly in terms of vocal delivery and orchestration. Notably, Shirley Ross’s rendition of “Nothing but You” from Higher and Higher is a standout, characterized by a velvety tone that perfectly captures the light, optimistic essence of the music. This interpretation highlights the seamless integration of vocal line and orchestral support, a hallmark of Rodgers’s style, which often favors straightforward melodic lines over complex harmonic structures. However, while Ross’s interpretation shines, Doris Day’s performance in “With a Song in My Heart” suffers from an unfortunate orchestral misstep; the presence of a garish trumpet distracts rather than enhances, overshadowing her warm, inviting vocals.
The historical context of these works cannot be overlooked. The period from 1939 to 1942 saw Rodgers and Hart at the zenith of their creative output, coinciding with the rise of the talkies and the adaptation of their work for film. While some musicals like Pal Joey have enjoyed lasting acclaim, their Broadway runs were often eclipsed by those of contemporaries. This dichotomy raises questions about the ephemeral nature of musical success and the role of film adaptations in solidifying a song’s legacy. The inclusion of excerpts from lesser-known works such as They Met in Argentina and Up and Doing allows listeners to appreciate Rodgers’s versatility, even if these compositions have not achieved the same level of recognition as their more famous counterparts.
The recording quality on this disc is commendable, with Pearl’s engineers successfully transferring the original cast recordings with clarity and attention to detail. The sound is warm, allowing the nuances of both vocal and orchestral elements to emerge, although some tracks do exhibit a touch of surface noise, particularly noted in the woodwinds of track 12. This serves as a reminder of the historical context from which these recordings originate, adding a layer of authenticity to the listening experience. However, the liner notes could benefit from greater detail regarding the orchestras and conductors involved, as well as the specifics of the recording venues, which would provide further insight into the artistic environment of the time.
Rodgers’s music, while often characterized by its melodic accessibility, can occasionally tread into monotony when overly familiar. The effectiveness of his compositions frequently hinges on the strength of the vocalists who interpret them. The tracks that allow singers to fully inhabit their characters tend to resonate more deeply, illustrating the importance of interpretative choices in the overall impact of the music.
The collection ultimately serves as both a tribute to the enduring partnership of Rodgers and Hart and a reflection on the broader landscape of American musical theatre during a time of great change. While it presents a diverse array of performances, not all of them achieve the same artistic heights, yet each contributes to a richer understanding of the duo’s oeuvre. The juxtaposition of celebrated standards alongside more obscure selections creates an engaging and enlightening listening experience, inviting both seasoned aficionados and newcomers alike to delve into the timeless charm of Rodgers and Hart’s music.
