Meredith Willson, Robert Preston, Shirley Jones - The Music Man (1962 Film Soundtrack)

In light of all the hit Broadway musicals that have stumbled in their translation to the big screen, The Music Man stands out as an exception; it is one of the best-loved movie musicals of all time. A great deal of the credit goes to composer Meredith Willson, who resisted studio pressure to hire a big name for the title role (Frank Sinatra or Cary Grant) in favor of the Tony-winning stage star, Robert Preston, who turns in one of Hollywood's most magical performances as the spellbinder who hoodwinks a small town in Iowa. Shirley Jones did not perform the show on Broadway, but she had cut her teeth as a musical ingenue in the films of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! and Carousel and gives Marian the librarian a lovely voice and charming personality. Most importantly, Willson's score combines marching bands and barbershop quartets to capture perfectly the spirit of America's heartland at the turn of the century. A classic. --David Horiuchi Amazon.com

Just the Way I Remember It!

When I was a kid my family had The Music Man on video. I don't remember when I saw it last, but I got this soundtrack yesterday and played through it a couple times. I always enjoyed the movie and this CD captures all the fun I remember.

Robert Preston is excellent as the fast-talking con man Harold Hill (reprising the role he originated on Broadway) and Shirley Jones is good as Marian the Librarian. The songs (with some dialogue cues) are pulled right out of the movie, so the sound may not be as crisp and clear as a Broadway cast recording may be. But the sound is decent nonetheless and the music is wonderful.

The CD includes (as far as I can remember) all the songs from the movie. The first track is actually three songs back-to-back-to-back (the orchestral theme, the salesmen on the train, and the people of Iowa). I'm not sure why they couldn't separate these songs so they could be listened to individually, but it's not that big a deal.

The Music Man 1957 Broadway recording is also available, but the 1962 film version is the one I grew up with, so I opted for this particular recording. But Robert Preston was in the stage version, too, so it's probably just as good. (Although the song "My White Knight" from the Broadway show was replaced with "Being In Love" in the movie, if that makes a difference to you.)

The CD was released nearly twenty years ago (I reckon), so the jewel case isn't as sturdy as those of newer releases. No big deal. The liner notes are scant, with a backstory by Meredith Willson (the man who wrote the musical) but no song lyrics. But the CD content is great and the price can't be beat. If you haven't seen the play or the movie, I highly recommend it! January 18, 2008

Good CD but not studio edited as expected

The music is fun but a bit "raw" sounding. I thought it was going to sound more studio edited like other soundtracks I own. I still enjoy the CD though. My kids enjoy it too. June 2, 2007

The Music Man

Robert Preston's version of The Music Man is the ONLY version - Matthew Broderick is NOT the Music Man!!!
January 17, 2007

Seventy-six trombones...

I love this music, reminds me of watching the movie in the theater many many many years ago...
Opie was so cute back then...
What happened? January 8, 2007

Great

A true musical theater classic. Wonderful melodies that will last for years to come.
Other classics not to forget about are:
Mary Poppins
My Fair Lady
The Wizard of Oz
Chitty Chitty Bang Band
The first Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
The Sound of Music
Oliver
West Side Story
Fiddler on the Roof
Singing in the Rain
The Wiz
Little Mermaid
Aladdin
Beauty and the Beast
Grease
The King and I
Oklahoma
The Music Man
South Pacific

My Voice Students are always asking me for recommendations so I though I'd post it for all! We can't forget about these great musicals! November 7, 2006

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