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Bizet, G.: Carmen Jones (Original Broadway Cast Recording) (1943) / Carmen Jones (1954 Film Soundtrack) (Excerpts)

8/24/2009, 13 Tracks, 49:19

Featuring

  • Carlotta Franzell
  • Cozy Cole
  • Dick Montgomery
  • Ethel White
  • Glenn Bryant
  • Jessica Russell
  • Joseph Littau
  • June Hawkins
  • Luther Saxon
  • Muriel Smith
  • Randall Steplight
  • Sibol Cain
  • Urylee Leonardos
  • Dorothy Dandridge
  • Harry Belafonte
  • Herschel Burke Gilbert
  • LeVern Hutcherson
  • Marilyn Horne
  • Pearl Bailey
  • Original Broadway Cast Chorus
  • Original Broadway Cast Orchestra
  • Studio Chorus
  • Orchestra
  • Georges Bizet

Did you know?

1/6

Composition History

Oscar Hammerstein II, the lyricist for *Carmen Jones*, decided to write the work "just for myself" after a decade of theatrical flops.

Source: Booklet

Critical Reception

When *Carmen Jones* opened on Broadway in 1943, critics were unanimous in their praise, and the show ran for an impressive 503 performances.

Source: Booklet

Historical Context

Hammerstein adapted Georges Bizet's *Carmen* by setting it in the American South during World War II, transforming the cigarette factory in Seville into a South Carolina parachute factory.

Source: Booklet

Recording & Production

The 1954 film soundtrack of *Carmen Jones* features dubbed voices for many roles, including a young Marilyn Horne singing for Dorothy Dandridge and LeVern Hutcherson for Harry Belafonte.

Source: Booklet

Composition History

Hammerstein's adaptation of *Carmen* took about seven months to complete, after which he partnered with Richard Rodgers to create *Oklahoma!*

Source: Booklet

Composer's Artistic Vision

Hammerstein believed opera could reach a larger audience if it made sense to them, feeling that artificial styles and archaic translations hindered its success.

Source: Booklet

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