BWW CD Reviews: Legacy Recordings' THE SOUND OF MUSIC – 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION is Truly Alive

The hills are still alive with THE SOUND OF MUSIC. To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 1965 film adaptation of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II's hit musical, Sony's Legacy Recordings is releasing a newly remastered and extended edition of the film's soundtrack. With THE SOUND OF MUSIC - 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION fans of the film will have every sung moment and more orchestral cues all on one disc, making this re-release of the cherished score one worth climbing every mountain and fording every stream for.

When THE SOUND OF MUSIC first premiered on Broadway, the critics praised the show, but were also keen enough to recognize the potency of the score. "The best of THE SOUND OF MUSIC is Rodgers and Hammerstein in good form" said Walter Kerr of The New York Times. Because of the recognition the score got, the orchestrator for the film, Irwin Kostal, smartly decided to use Robert Russell Bennett's full Broadway scores and Trude Rittmann's dance and vocal arrangements for a majority of the film, making only small adjustments for the medium of film. While unconventional, this risk would ensure that the score for THE SOUND OF MUSIC would become a lasting favorite in homes the world over.

On THE SOUND OF MUSIC - 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION, the beloved and cherished music sounds marvelously fresh. The digital restoration enhances the music as much as possible, presenting a product that shimmers despite its age. When speakers are turned up loud enough, audiences will hear the inescapable hiss that comes with the way the score was originally recorded; however, at this same volume the resplendent bass notes resonate through the room and can be felt bodily. With this release, listeners can relish in the lush opulence of the orchestra, taking in the previously unreleased orchestral cues and vibrant music that accompanies the vocal performances.

Naturally, hearing the sound of Julie Andrews' effervescent instrument fill the room instantly floods the heart with joy. As with previous releases, THE SOUND OF MUSIC - 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION has listeners grinning from ear to ear and beaming as they hear Julie Andrews charismatic and cheerful voice sing these beloved and classic tunes. Popping the disc into my stereo and hearing the rushing wind and birds chirping on the first track, I was instantly transported to the now iconic footage of Julie Andrews running up the Austrian mountains and spinning at the crest of one in time with the swelling of the orchestra. Listening to this album, that particular and incredible endorphin driven moment is just as viable as it is when paired with the unforgettable imagery that is forever seared into our brains. Moreover, every one of our favorite moments exists with splendor on the album. From "I've Got Confidence" to "My Favorite Things" and more, there are just so many warm memories captured on this album.

The longevity and the long lasting appeal of THE SOUND OF MUSIC is largely due to its undeniably wonderful score. Sure, the story is strong and recognized for being good; yet, the inescapable and enchanting magnetism of this music is rather indescribable and incomparable. THE SOUND OF MUSIC, whether you watch it as a child in a music class in elementary school, at home surrounded by your family, or in any other venue, instantly draws you in. The music casts a spell, and these glorious melodies become as much a part of you as your DNA. If anything Legacy Recordings' release of THE SOUND OF MUSIC - 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION simply proves this true and ensures that this landmark piece will continue to be a part of the world's cultural fabric for generations to come.

Legacy Recordings released THE SOUND OF MUSIC - 50th ANNIVERSARY EDITION both physically and digitally on March 10, 2015. The album can be purchased from iTunes, Amazon, and elsewhere music is sold. Additionally, Razor & Tie's new audiophile imprint ANALOG SPARK released single LP, dual disc LP, and SACD formats of the album. Likewise, 20th Century Fox released 50th Anniversary editions of the film on Blu-Ray, DVD, and digitally as well.

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