Camelot

This original Broadway cast recording from 1960 has a fabulous Orchestra as well as great songs.There is an information booklet enclosed which tells the story of Camelot, as well of course, as information on this Broadway production. The information tells you where the songs come in, as you would expect, and how they form part of the story for the characters.Julie Andrews had the lead part of 'Guinevere', Richard Burton; King Arthur, and Robert Goulet played Lancelot; a character who a naive and slightly heartless Guinevere initially despises. According to the information gained from the booklet, after some time, Lancelot realises he is falling in love with Guinevere who is King Arthur's 'Queen' so out of loyalty to Arthur, he asks the King (Arthur) for permission to leave. It is during this time, that Guinevere realises she in turn has fallen in love with Lancelot; it is here that she sings the song 'Before I Gaze at You Again'. This song is a 'lament' and Julie Andrews ends the song on perfect pitch with the orchestra. Also, the last word of the song, which she holds on pitch is "Goodbye"...curiously, by coincidence, the vocal here sounds just like the ending of 'So Long, Farewell' from the The Sound of Music!Other songs which Julie sang for this recording are what I to believe to be in the 'Bel Canto' style; someone correct me if I am wrong, but this is a kind of comic opera style, the other songs in the production being quite jovial, prime examples being 'The Lusty Month of May' & 'Then You May Take Me to the Fair', with the occasional speaking and bursting back into song, and of course Julie was hitting those golden notes with the clarity and enunciation which was familiar to anyone listening to her at the time; this was just after My Fair Lady, where Julie Andrews had the part of Eliza Doolittle in the Broadway and subsequent West End runs.Returning to Guineveres lament, 'Before I Gaze at You Again', it is after 2 years that Lancelot returns; 'If Ever I Would Leave You', a very romantic love song Lancelot sings here, expressing his love for Guinevere, recorded of course, by Robert Goulet.The finale, 'Ultimo/Camelot' reprise is sung by Richard Burton, as a now weary King Arthur, and it ends once more with that rousing Orchestra; the last time I listened, after this last track had finished, I actually felt a lump in my throat, and no recording has ever done that to me before! "Don't let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot"!

I love the film version of this musical, and was intrigued to hear the original Broadway version made many years before. Although some of the sexual politics of the songs may have aged badly, the melodies and overall story and characters make this my second favourite musical of all time (after Les Miserables). This version is wonderfully recorded and sounds great and fresh, with wonderful performances and a different approach to the movie. It also comes with a fascinating and peculiarly written history of the musical in a thick booklet.I still love the film version more, but then I have known that for a long time. For me, this is a superb companion, although I understand there re many (including the booklet writer) who far prefer this interpretation.

I have this on vinylIt is a great tribute to the great talents of burton and andrewsRichard burton was the best king arthurI saw him on broadway in the show in 1980 !He was outstanding even thenIts tribute to julie andrews who was super in her partI think both stars should have been in the film version

This brought back great memories. I took my father to see this production in San Francisco on the way home from a holiday in NZ. A really enjoyable show, great songs and what a cast. Don't be put off by the awful film version - this is be bees knees!

Joy in the midst of Covid-a delight for the ears. Thank you.

Sound is a little low but worth it.

Since getting this CD I have listened to it daily. To hear Richard Burtons voice on a daily basis is wonderful.

Excellent, Richard Burton voice is outstanding, it’s a shame this original cast didn’t make the film !

CD sounds fine

Excellent recording of the NYC original cast. Brought back memories of one of my favourites. Very happy with my choice.

Un vrai bonheur! Super casting de choix👌

.... it must have been a great pleasureto sit at the Majestic Theatre in the audience and watch this performance live on stage.The songs are beautiful and a treasure - I love them.It's a shame there isn't any footage from 1960/61 -with the lovable Julie Andrews and the handsome Robert Goulet -also the great Richard Burton.I am very happy with this audio CD ... I hear it over and over again.

No conocí este musical y realmente es bellísimo. Escuchar a Julie Andrews y a todo el elenco y las composiciones es un deleite para quienes amamos los musicales. Sin duda una joya que no debe faltar en tu colección.