This recording is so good, I remember being really disappointed when I saw the show at the Lyric Opera because the orchestra was no where near as skilled nor fully fledged as here and the NY Phil recording- lol
In remembering Richard Rodgers for this beautiful piece, I think we should also acknowledge Robert Russell Bennett who arranged and orchestrated most all of R and H's work as well as hundreds of other pieces for musical theater. Rodgers came up with the basic themes on the piano while Bennett did the rest, creating the distinctive R and H "sound" we are familiar with. Often his name does not appear in the credits, although he was well appreciated and well paid for his work. He truly was a musical genius in his own right. For Carousel, the arranging was shared by Donald Walker and Hans Spialek.
This is a performance of the film version of the Carousel Waltz. It almost certainly bears little resemblence to the version scored for a theatre pit orchestra which may have numbered perhaps forty players at most. The music for the film versions was re-arranged to be played by full sized symphony orchestras. John Wilson has admitted to using the film versions rather than the original theatre scores.
A magnificent piece magnificently performed. The darkness, poignancy, mystery, and heartbreaking tragedy of the play is everywhere present in this glorious overture to Rodgers & Hammerstein's greatest work. My whole life has been devoted to the study and performance of "classical" music, but THIS truly does BELONG in the realm of serious, deeply affecting works of musical art. I am in tears.
@@francoaragosta4285 My brother loves classical music. He is a true musician and I love him for that. I just heard this tonight in a movie and instantly thought Mozart. Yes I'm ignorant but truly appreciate something's beautiful as this. Job well done Rodgers and Hammerstein.❤
I never thought that anything done in the last hundred years could match the classics. But this should be considered alongside those great waltzes of 200 yrs ago.
Indeed, Richard Rodgers, Bernard Hermann, Danny Elfman, Henry Mancini, Alan Menken, and of course the incomparable John Williams, are the creators of the classical music of our time. Rodgers is now often played by orchestras and getting his due as a masterful composer!
Rich and dark, with swirls of color magnificent and mysterious, a beautiful and indefinable masterpiece, the main melody gives me chills as to its richness and the feeling is indescribable!
James Fife . No. ........Oscar Hammerstein 2nd did not write music. He wrote the lyrics, and the lyrics always were written before Richard Rodgers began writing the music.
@@imonthebox1148 Yes, I did know that, thanks. Probably didn't choose my words correctly. As lyricist (Oscar) and music composer (Richard) they made a dynamic collaborative team. Cheers, James.
Initially Gershwin, Puccini and Kurt Weill were among those composers who would like to write a score for the original Franz Molnar play called Liliom, the basis of what became Carousel. Much later when the idea came up to form a musical from the play, Molnar gave the rights to Rodgers and Hammerstein. As we can hear the results, this was definitely one of the best decisions in the 20th century.
+Geoff P Me too Geoff. On Sunday afternoons in the early 1960's I would listen to a 'radio' programme that had the Carousel Waltz as its signature tune. It was called Movie-Go-Round & the compare, Peter Haigh, would review & play excerpts from new release films on radio - how strange that seems today. Of course I fell madly in love with Shirley Jones.
+Ianc Gunn Too, I saw this film in childhood (in the theatre, widescreen and full amplitude) and since have heard the soundtrack over and over. And I cry Every.Single.Time, it is so uberglorious a tender yet exuberant musical, ballet and tale of intergenerational tragic romance yet redemption. My crush was Gordon MacRae (also from R&H musical Oklahoma).
I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who blubbers every time I hear this! IMHO, one of the most beautiful pieces of modern music. Rodgers and Hammerstein were masters of their craft! Brings back memories of my youth when I first saw the movie in wide screen Cinerama in San Francisco in 1956. I was about 14 yo. Because I was so impressed with the movie, I love carousels and still collect carousel horse figurines! :)
Wade Kingston , No. Oscar Hammerstein 2nd did not write music. He wrote lyrics and his lyrics were always written first. Then Rodgers wrote the melody.
Wade Kingston , Rodgers and Hammerstein didnt write music. They wrote songs for the musicals they created. Hammerstein's lyrics were always written first, then Rodgers wrote the melody.
@@emilygaul7389 To all intents and purposes this is an overture. It’s an instrumental piece played at the beginning of a musical. If you mean that in the film there is a short dramatic piece which precludes the musical introduction, that is open to interpretation. This is an overture, but possibly in an unconventional position.
I grew up hearing the soundtracks to musicals like this. They scored my days with robust swells and wistful cadences, and infused my life with a continual, enthusiastic energy. I am grateful to my parents, both gone now but ever-present in the memory of our tiny Brooklyn apartment, singing and dancing to the records that captured these scores. They will remain with me.
I suspected as much re: it being the same orchestration used in the film. Very (very!) faithful to the original. What an amazing piece of video this is. The producers/director really "got it right" as it seems that every shot was pre-planned to highlight the particular section of the orchestra that was prominent during the shot. And of course, kudos to the conductor and players for what (at least to my ears) was a flawless execution.
This orchestra seems to always get it right, whatever piece they're playing. Can always close my eyes and picture the film in my mind, e.g. their "The Adventures of Robin Hood" suite.
I heard this being played live last night at The Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow and then got to meet Mr Wilson himself afterwards! What a night - to say the whole experience was a thrill doesn't even do it justice!! Just love this man, his work and these wonderful musicians! Thank you!!
Your comment is perfect. It leaves us feeling "like a child, riding on a carousel, closing your eyes and enjoying this wonderful waltz! Thank you for your note, Violet Gruner.
Absolutely wonderful. I was in the Royal Albert Hall for this performance in August 2010, and it was an incredible experience. Apparently this was the first time the 20th Century Fox arrangement had been played live, in full, since the movie was made back in the 1950's.
I woke up may 24, '22 hearing the main theme in my head and looked it up. I saw movie a couple of times when much younger...couldn't exactly remember the violent parts loved the father returning to help his daughter w memories. I liked that.
The original character of Liliom was a little rougher in the original play by Molnar and both of the film versions, made in 1930 and 1934. The tv version in 1967 also portrayed the character of Billy in “Carousel” in a less innocent way. You’ll have to see all of these film adaptations to know what I really mean. He smokes, drinks, pushes and even strikes others although the original concept is that he only did that once with Julie and once with his own daughter Louise (supposedly based on a real incident in Molnar’s life, hence the story being written as a type of apology…) The story has always met with controversy but many would agree with me that it is also somewhat resolved and emotionally beautiful; Molnar himself approved of “Carousel” due to its more uplifting ending. The 2013 filmed concert on dvd with the NY Philharmonic did a nice job on all of it too but some dialog lines were regrettably missing…for example, you mentioned the nice things Billy was saying to give his daughter a positive outlook and memory of her dad…there was originally a line in both the original play of “Liliom” and the 1945 show of “Carousel” as well as the 1956 film version where he says “he used to tell funny jokes at the carousel and he made people laugh”.
I believe that was the intent - to replicate the original in terms of the arrangement and faithfulness to the original. And they succeeded wonderfully!
Bravo, bravo! What an extraordinary performance by the John Wilson Orchestra. They played "Carousel Waltz" with all their heart, body & soul. It's one thing to listen to this Richard Rogers piece, but to see the how it's performed by the musicians themselves is amazing. You can see them "waltzing" to the music they are creating. Vondervul! I first heard the "Carousel Waltz" as a little girl from my dad's record & seen the musical on TV with Shirley Jones & Gordon MacRae many times. I love R&H!
Corruption in government and politics but some of the best music and art comes out of the "good old USA" And Carousel is a brilliant example of the high American standard of our diverse, cultural expressions
Seven minutes and 32 seconds of pure perfection. We have tickets for JW and the London Sinfonia playing R&H next June, cannot wait to see this live!!!!
You have been to The Proms at Royal Albert Hall. Envy you. Not least for getting to see -- as in this splendid video -- the world's greatest symphony and philharmonic musicians (ask any of the great singers who got to record with them). Beginning in 1962 when "The Guv'nor" as Sinatra called him arranged Frank's only album recorded outside America. That's Robert Farnon acknowledged as a primary influence by all the other great arrangers. In those days the musicians themselves were known as "Bob's Band." The album is "Great Songs from Great Britain" and if you don't own it, you're in for a treat. This Carousel was was orchestrated by Richard Rodgers' go-to arranger, Richard Rodney Bennet -- an arrangement that wouldn't be equaled until the greatest American arranger Nelson Riddle got together with Frank for "The Concert Sinatra." If you purchase only of our favorite singer's CDs, make it that one.
I envy you so much. That is the very best music festival in the world and to listen to the John Wilson Orchestra in the Royal Albert Hall would be like going to heaven.
imonthebox I love the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein and even if they hadn't made this masterpiece John Wilson would have found other great music to conduct .
A magnificent piece magnificently performed. The darkness, poignancy, mystery, and heartbreaking tragedy of the play is everywhere present in this glorious overture to Rodgers & Hammerstein's greatest work. My whole life has been devoted to the study and performance of "classical" music, but THIS truly does BELONG in the realm of serious, deeply affecting works of musical art. I am in tear.
You said it all -- and in so few words! "The darkness, poignancy, mystery, and heartbreaking tragedy of the play is everywhere present in this glorious overture to Rodgers & Hammerstein's greatest work." Some of us, including NYC musicologist Jonathan Schwartz consider this our "favorite musical piece -- period."
Been playing it over and over most of my life. I’m 65 and I’m a rocker forever, but this transports me to other place’s and I’ll cherish it forever. Glad you love it Dave.
@@imonthebox1148 Orchestrated for the stage by Don Walker and this version by Edward Powell for the film. It's the orchestration that gives it its power and enduring appeal. Orchestrators are the unsung heroes of the film and theatre industry. Also played here by a very special orchestra composed of the finest mix of UK orchestral and session musicians, personally hand picked by the conductor.
All my long life I mistakenly thought this was just a good piece of show music. I was wrong. I see now -- at age 72 -- that it is really a very great thing, indeed. This was a wonderful performance. I hated to hear it end.
I really enjoyed this performance. I liked the touches I hadn't picked up on before in other recordings, like the trumpet flourishes at 2:35 or the quiet flute/oboe bit just after 6:00. My personal favorite part is where the music slows and then bursts out at 6:16 and 6:24. I know not everyone will say so, because there are so many pieces to choose from, but I think this is the prettiest music Rodgers ever composed!
fredo corleone jr Yes- the music has the soft oboe & flute at 6:04, because this is where Mrs Mullin confronts Julie and demands a ticket, and it’s right by the carousel, and the band organ would be near both of them, we can assume from the orchestration..And yes, you’re right about the music effectively slowing and the bursts that follow, especially the one at 6:24 where most conductors forget to slow down before the burst!
Great comment -- that elicited such an informed response by Anthony Simpson. You said it so well, Fredo Corleone Jr. -- and in so few words. Nice economy of style, as the editors used to say.
Note this is the same orchestration as used in the film. Orchestrations by Edward Powell. If you really want to hear this piece, listen to the soundtrack recording conducted by Alfred Newman.
Rodgers was very proud of this music, as well he should have been. "Carousel" was his favorite of all his collaborations with Hammerstein, and it's my favorite R&H musical, too.
I guess if your watching this TRULY WONDERFUL music video, your a fan already. But I'd like to point out, to those unaware, that ALL the music, of these great R&H films, are available on the EMI 'Angel' Cd labels. and on these , are a FULL version of ALL the actual recorded music--even that not used in the films, and although I have the vinyl and previously released CD's, I Only play the 'ANGEL' issues now---you get the whole thing--marvelous!!
The Flute Principle in this concert was Stewart McIlwham. He mainly plays for the London Philharmonic Orchestra and is also Professor of Piccolo at the Royal College of Music. Did you get to look at any of the Hollywood Rhapsody Prom. The whole concert is posted on RUclips and Tom & Jerry is nearly at 600,000 views.
I hear the authentic tinny turn of the carousel at 1:20 onwards (percussionists what is this?)--really captures the flavor of the carnival. Though a waltz, this masterpiece has distinctively naive (and I mean that in the best sense), open flavored American tones. This version has a very colorful, juicy flavor to it--they've really captured the exuberance, joy and innocence of the carousel.
1945 - the second Broadway musical for Rodgers and Hammerstein is called Carousel. After their tremendous success with Oklahoma! in 1943, could they do it again? This is the opening number and the audience knew they were in for a great night. Playing the male lead, carnival barker Billy Bigelow, was John Raitt. His daughter, Bonnie Raitt, was born in 1949.
This is wonderfully orchestrated, and beautifully done! I've always loved any music that Rogers and Hammerstein wrote together! Thank you so much for sharing this one with us!. Love, Liz
Elizabeth Smith , No......Rodgers and Hammerstein didnt write music. Richard Rodgers wrote music. Oscar Hammerstein wrote the worlds or lyrics. And the lyrics always were written before Richard Rodgers started writing the musical notes.
Elizabeth Smith , Rodgers and Hammerstein did not write music together. On all their musicals, Oscars' lyrics were always written first, then Rodgers' wrote the melody.
It is amazing how few Americans know about the BBC Proms. And the last night of the Proms is unbelievably great. Just one question: would they allow me to be a British citizen for that one night at least? I would love it.
This brings back memories of the first time I went on a carousel, I know the feeling will never be the same, even though there's that same excitement, but it is just not the same, the carousel waltz is a complete masterpiece! Thank you Richard Rodgers for doing such a Beautiful job! 😀😆🥰
Damn, this sounds perfectly like the one in the movie!! That's the version I love, I can't listen to any but the original!! Thanks so much for sharing!
cowgirlinla22: This performance utilizes the arrangement from the 1956 20th Century Fox film version. The ORIGINAL was orchestrated by Robert Russell Bennett for the 1945 Broadway version. It’s available on a Decca CD with John Raitt and Jan Clayton. Being in LA it must be hard for you to know the difference between real and imitation. Or even a real cow!! Don’t try milking a bull!!
A fab version of a forties classic, recreated with his usual care and accuracy by Mr Wilson and his collaborators. Has anyone got an original recording that could be transcribed to video at higher resolution? 240 is much better than nothing, _and very grateful thanks to the OP_ of course, but the whole thing would really come alive in HD.
There is a raw circus/carnival tone to the brass and some other instruments that hits it just right, there is joy, exuberance, poignancy, and foreboding all rolled into one.
Magnificent. Sophisticated. Aren't you just glad that 'Head banging rock' and 'Gangsta rap', really are not your thing in music? I certainly as hell, am................
+Someone Else Ugh omg yasss I wish I could like your comment more. I hate how many assholes try to make themselves seem better because of their musical taste. I mean you can listen to Beyonce and Beethoven without diminishing the quality of either artist.
I have only one RAP friend/connection. He is called the RAPSODIST. His language is tough to deal with a tough audience but he is actually preaching such things as telling blacks to get jobs and support their women instead of just getting them pregnant.
This still proves to be the most beautiful version of this masterpiece, and the arrangements based on those used in the 1956 film certainly remain unsurpassed. John Wilson still adds a few new touches here and there, while remaining faithful to the original. There's also a new cd recording of John Wilson conducting his orchestra which includes this and other musical compositions by Rodgers and Hammerstein as they were arranged for "Carousel" and other movies based on their shows.
I had tickets for the broadway 2018 revival. the show closed before my date. Heartbroken, imagine Renee Fleming singing You'll never walk alone, gives me goose bumps
Thanks very much for the info - Mike Lovatt is an awesome trumpet player.. You are very fortunate to have such an unusual orchestra as the John Wilson Orchestra in your country. Maybe one day they'll tour and visit us here in sunny Florida!
+Rick Miller This chart was orchestrated by Edward B. Powell for the 1956 film version, as it was featured on the John Wilson album "Rodgers & Hammerstein At the Movies".
It's not the genius of anyone except Robert Russell Bennett, whom everyone else steals from. And how exactly does your John Wilson "fine tune" HIS orchestra? Rodgers wrote the music. That's were the genius lies.
Wonderful orchestration. But the sad fact is listening to it here and not in the actual concert hall is the difference between looking at a picture of the Grand Canyon and being there.
Great music like this will live on; unlike the cr*p that passes for music today. Oops, don't call today's music that, call it for what it is... garbage and noise.
What a treat! This, Prokofiev's Cinderella Waltz, and Khachaturian's Masquerade Waltz are my favorites from the 20th century. Maybe all similar but with distinctive national differences too.
Quelle belle orchestration !!! Ce superbe thème me laisse une profonde envie de m'envoler dans une grande ronde aérienne : il me tire ,il me pousse , et je rêve !!!
Favorite Broadway Overture Rodgers & Hammerstein's personal favorite of their shows was Carousel which opened just after WWII ended in 1945. My Mom and Dad went to New York City for “the honeymoon they never had” before Dad shipped off to war. I remember the joy in their eyes when they recalled to me, decades later that they saw Duke Ellington's orchestra at the Club Zanzibar. The other highlight - seeing Carousel - which starred a young John Raitt (Bonnie's Dad). I've often thought the 'Overture' for Carousel is the greatest piece of music my favorite composer Richard Rodgers ever wrote; which is saying something. As I said in my letter to Mr. Sinatra (December 1992) “Rodgers wrote more strong melodies” (over 50) than any of his Great Songbook peers - “melodies I could hum or whistle half a lifetime after hearing them for the first time.” Just as an aside: when I was in my teens, my family purchased the black vinyl LP of Carousel the movie - and I just couldn't get enough of this amazing 'not-really-an-overture' (because it didn't quote from any of Carousel's wonderful songs). A decade ago I obtained a CD version - that was missing the first 30 seconds of the opening movement - music that depicts the eerie feeling of a deserted fairground at night - evoking faintly discordant notes on a ghostly carousel organ. (That's how I'd describe it.) Best version I can find this night - the only one with those opening notes that gave me goosebumps (still do!) - this live performance by London symphony musicians. If you can spare seven minutes - please enjoy my single “most favorite work of art.” p.s. Thanks to Masses Esclaves for posting and to "Kaneohe" (below) for noting the name of the man who orchestrated and selected all the 'voicings' for this: "And credit must be given to Robert Russell Bennet, Rodgers' go-to arranger, whose beautifully complex orchestrations were the icing on the cake!" p.s. I've often thought that Richard Rodgers wrote 16 of the 20 greatest waltzes of the last century. (It's easier to list the great ones he DID'NT write: Leroy Anderson's Belle of the Ball, pre-eminent on a list that also includes Frank (Guys & Dolls) Loesser's Wonderful Copenhagen from the Hans Christian Anderson movie starring Danny Kaye]. And as I said in my own note (above) this night, this was his greatest musical achievement. Thanks InFernem Land for posting. Shared elsewhere (3/15/2022) at "Great Melody, Great Lyric, Great Rendition, Songwriting Workshop, Harmony Central "
So many informed comments below. My favorite? Paul Lees 11 years ago "Absolutely wonderful. I was in the Royal Albert Hall for this performance in August 2010, and it was an incredible experience. Apparently this was the first time the 20th Century Fox arrangement had been played live, in full, since the movie was made back in the 1950's."
Some of the latest John Wilson concert is now on RUclips. Ben Hur. Tom & Jerry, and Robin Hood are uploaded so far. I was at the Concert and it was seriously good. I have also discovered that they are performing in LA on 25th October 2013, but I do not know at what venue.
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
The fact people are still watching this after 12 years is a testament to the skill of this orchestra. Utterly amazing…
This recording is so good, I remember being really disappointed when I saw the show at the Lyric Opera because the orchestra was no where near as skilled nor fully fledged as here and the NY Phil recording- lol
In remembering Richard Rodgers for this beautiful piece, I think we should also acknowledge Robert Russell Bennett who arranged and orchestrated most all of R and H's work as well as hundreds of other pieces for musical theater. Rodgers came up with the basic themes on the piano while Bennett did the rest, creating the distinctive R and H "sound" we are familiar with. Often his name does not appear in the credits, although he was well appreciated and well paid for his work. He truly was a musical genius in his own right. For Carousel, the arranging was shared by Donald Walker and Hans Spialek.
This is a performance of the film version of the Carousel Waltz. It almost certainly bears little resemblence to the version scored for a theatre pit orchestra which may have numbered perhaps forty players at most. The music for the film versions was re-arranged to be played by full sized symphony orchestras. John Wilson has admitted to using the film versions rather than the original theatre scores.
THIS is why I love reading the comments section. Excellent informative facts which I wasn't aware of. Thank you sir for this post.
Here in 2024, my favourite film
Nothing lovelier ever came from Richard Rogers' pen.
A magnificent piece magnificently performed. The darkness, poignancy, mystery, and heartbreaking tragedy of the play is everywhere present in this glorious overture to Rodgers & Hammerstein's greatest work. My whole life has been devoted to the study and performance of "classical" music, but THIS truly does BELONG in the realm of serious, deeply affecting works of musical art. I am in tears.
@@francoaragosta4285 My brother loves classical music. He is a true musician and I love him for that. I just heard this tonight in a movie and instantly thought Mozart. Yes I'm ignorant but truly appreciate something's beautiful as this. Job well done Rodgers and Hammerstein.❤
I never thought that anything done in the last hundred years could match the classics. But this should be considered alongside those great waltzes of 200 yrs ago.
Love your sight's list of music!
@@yaffayafo82 Thank you!
Indeed, Richard Rodgers, Bernard Hermann, Danny Elfman, Henry Mancini, Alan Menken, and of course the incomparable John Williams, are the creators of the classical music of our time. Rodgers is now often played by orchestras and getting his due as a masterful composer!
200 dog years? Well, maybe not quite dog years, but Johann Strauss the Deuce lived from 1825 to 1899.
@@olly-kai And Alma Deutscher is waltzing in Vienna now.
-- I wish I could give this a love instead of a like.
Rich and dark, with swirls of color magnificent and mysterious, a beautiful and indefinable masterpiece, the main melody gives me chills as to its richness and the feeling is indescribable!
Poetic perfection -- your description. You said it all and in so few wonderful words. Thanks, ReaperTalon.
Yes, I imagine whirling about to this song, with ever increasing verve as it crescendos at the end. So lovely and powerful.
Amen to that.
The Carousel Waltz the way it DESERVES to be performed. magnificent, amazing, awe-inspiring!
Love the music, love the orchestra, love the Proms! You Brits sure are lucky and thanks for sharing the experience with the world.
YEAH BRITS FEEL THE AAMERICAN MUSIC TOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written. Richard Rogers was absolutely brilliant.
I can just imagine a ballròom filled with beautiful waltzing and beautiful gowns.
You should see the movie, then. Not quite Vienna high society. More salt of the earth... or sea.
have you seen the 93 London production? very beautiful dancing
Funny, I imagine a carousel, at night with all its color and lights.
Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein ll, the greatest composers of all time. Their music has stood the test of time and will be enjoyed forever.
James Fife
. No. ........Oscar Hammerstein 2nd did not write music. He wrote the lyrics, and the lyrics always were written before Richard Rodgers began writing the music.
@@imonthebox1148 Yes, I did know that, thanks. Probably didn't choose my words correctly. As lyricist (Oscar) and music composer (Richard) they made a dynamic collaborative team. Cheers, James.
Initially Gershwin, Puccini and Kurt Weill were among those composers who would like to write a score for the original Franz Molnar play called Liliom, the basis of what became Carousel. Much later when the idea came up to form a musical from the play, Molnar gave the rights to Rodgers and Hammerstein. As we can hear the results, this was definitely one of the best decisions in the 20th century.
I can't listen to anything from Carousel without welling up with tears within the first 30 seconds!
+Geoff P Me too Geoff. On Sunday afternoons in the early 1960's I would listen to a 'radio' programme that had the Carousel Waltz as its signature tune. It was called Movie-Go-Round & the compare, Peter Haigh, would review & play excerpts from new release films on radio - how strange that seems today. Of course I fell madly in love with Shirley Jones.
+Ianc Gunn Too, I saw this film in childhood (in the theatre, widescreen and full amplitude) and since have heard the soundtrack over and over. And I cry Every.Single.Time, it is so uberglorious a tender yet exuberant musical, ballet and tale of intergenerational tragic romance yet redemption. My crush was Gordon MacRae (also from R&H musical Oklahoma).
I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who blubbers every time I hear this! IMHO, one of the most beautiful pieces of modern music. Rodgers and Hammerstein were masters of their craft! Brings back memories of my youth when I first saw the movie in wide screen Cinerama in San Francisco in 1956. I was about 14 yo. Because I was so impressed with the movie, I love carousels and still collect carousel horse figurines! :)
I just watched the movie last night on YT and cried like a baby.
The bridge in this waltz makes me cry
Sublime. It just doesn't get any better than this. Rodgers & Hammerstein gave us so much fantastic music. May it live forever!
Wade Kingston
, No. Oscar Hammerstein 2nd did not write music. He wrote lyrics and his lyrics were always written first. Then Rodgers wrote the melody.
Wade Kingston
, Rodgers and Hammerstein didnt write music. They wrote songs for the musicals they created. Hammerstein's lyrics were always written first, then Rodgers wrote the melody.
@@imonthebox1148 And the words for this that Rodgers wrote?
@@warrengwonka2479, What are you talking about ?.
Get chills every time I hear this. Wow, just beautiful. Truly Rogers was gifted.
Still the best overture ever written for the Broadway stage.
Certainly one of them.
Not actually an overture but yes. Saw the actors put up at carousel to this at Stratford Festival in Canada. Wonderful
@@emilygaul7389 To all intents and purposes this is an overture. It’s an instrumental piece played at the beginning of a musical. If you mean that in the film there is a short dramatic piece which precludes the musical introduction, that is open to interpretation. This is an overture, but possibly in an unconventional position.
The greatest piece of music ever composed by Richard Rodgers.
I grew up hearing the soundtracks to musicals like this. They scored my days with robust swells and wistful cadences, and infused my life with a continual, enthusiastic energy. I am grateful to my parents, both gone now but ever-present in the memory of our tiny Brooklyn apartment, singing and dancing to the records that captured these scores. They will remain with me.
Mindy, what a lovely memory. I can just imagine that apartment, and the love of music. All the very best to you.
@@paulkirkland3263 Thank you so much.
I suspected as much re: it being the same orchestration used in the film. Very (very!) faithful to the original. What an amazing piece of video this is. The producers/director really "got it right" as it seems that every shot was pre-planned to highlight the particular section of the orchestra that was prominent during the shot. And of course, kudos to the conductor and players for what (at least to my ears) was a flawless execution.
This orchestra seems to always get it right, whatever piece they're playing. Can always close my eyes and picture the film in my mind, e.g. their "The Adventures of Robin Hood" suite.
@@spikespa5208 I agree!
I heard this being played live last night at The Royal Concert Hall in Glasgow and then got to meet Mr Wilson himself afterwards! What a night - to say the whole experience was a thrill doesn't even do it justice!! Just love this man, his work and these wonderful musicians! Thank you!!
I feel like a child riding on a Carousel, closing my eyes and enjoying this wonderful waltz!! Thank you!!!
Your comment is perfect. It leaves us feeling "like a child, riding on a carousel, closing your eyes and enjoying this wonderful waltz! Thank you for your note, Violet Gruner.
Absolutely wonderful. I was in the Royal Albert Hall for this performance in August 2010, and it was an incredible experience. Apparently this was the first time the 20th Century Fox arrangement had been played live, in full, since the movie was made back in the 1950's.
C'mon folks, wonderful performance, wonderful orchestra, and thank the Lord for Richard Rodgers.
I woke up may 24, '22 hearing the main theme in my head and looked it up. I saw movie a couple of times when much younger...couldn't exactly remember the violent parts loved the father returning to help his daughter w memories. I liked that.
The original character of Liliom was a little rougher in the original play by Molnar and both of the film versions, made in 1930 and 1934. The tv version in 1967 also portrayed the character of Billy in “Carousel” in a less innocent way. You’ll have to see all of these film adaptations to know what I really mean. He smokes, drinks, pushes and even strikes others although the original concept is that he only did that once with Julie and once with his own daughter Louise (supposedly based on a real incident in Molnar’s life, hence the story being written as a type of apology…) The story has always met with controversy but many would agree with me that it is also somewhat resolved and emotionally beautiful; Molnar himself approved of “Carousel” due to its more uplifting ending. The 2013 filmed concert on dvd with the NY Philharmonic did a nice job on all of it too but some dialog lines were regrettably missing…for example, you mentioned the nice things Billy was saying to give his daughter a positive outlook and memory of her dad…there was originally a line in both the original play of “Liliom” and the 1945 show of “Carousel” as well as the 1956 film version where he says “he used to tell funny jokes at the carousel and he made people laugh”.
I believe that was the intent - to replicate the original in terms of the arrangement and faithfulness to the original. And they succeeded wonderfully!
Magnificent, Time John Wilson became Sir John Wilson. There are people being Knighted for doing less than this man.
keep waiting for dire straits to start playing.
Bravo, bravo! What an extraordinary performance by the John Wilson Orchestra. They played "Carousel Waltz" with all their heart, body & soul. It's one thing to listen to this Richard Rogers piece, but to see the how it's performed by the musicians themselves is amazing. You can see them "waltzing" to the music they are creating. Vondervul! I first heard the "Carousel Waltz" as a little girl from my dad's record & seen the musical on TV with Shirley Jones & Gordon MacRae many times. I love R&H!
JOHN WILSON's orchestration is the very very very best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Corruption in government and politics but some of the best music and art comes out of the "good old USA" And Carousel is a brilliant example of the high American standard of our diverse, cultural expressions
Seven minutes and 32 seconds of pure perfection. We have tickets for JW and the London Sinfonia playing R&H next June, cannot wait to see this live!!!!
i was there ...great night
Cool!
You have been to The Proms at Royal Albert Hall. Envy you. Not least for getting to see -- as in this splendid video -- the world's greatest symphony and philharmonic musicians (ask any of the great singers who got to record with them). Beginning in 1962 when "The Guv'nor" as Sinatra called him arranged Frank's only album recorded outside America. That's Robert Farnon acknowledged as a primary influence by all the other great arrangers. In those days the musicians themselves were known as "Bob's Band." The album is "Great Songs from Great Britain" and if you don't own it, you're in for a treat. This Carousel was was orchestrated by Richard Rodgers' go-to arranger, Richard Rodney Bennet -- an arrangement that wouldn't be equaled until the greatest American arranger Nelson Riddle got together with Frank for "The Concert Sinatra." If you purchase only of our favorite singer's CDs, make it that one.
I envy you so much. That is the very best music festival in the world and to listen to the John Wilson Orchestra in the Royal Albert Hall would be like going to heaven.
Oh baby. I'm crying my eyes out. . . Beautiful. Beautiful.
A timeless masterpiece for all to enjoy...and quite masterfully done by the John Wilson Orchestra. Beautiful!
Dale Andrews
, No. Masterfully written by Richard Rodgers....Without whom John Wilson wouldnt have it to conduct..
Dale Andrews, John Wilson wouldnt have been able to conduct this music, if Richard Rodgers' hadnt composed it...Remember that!
imonthebox
I love the music of Rodgers and Hammerstein and even if they hadn't made this masterpiece John Wilson would have found other great music to conduct .
A magnificent piece magnificently performed. The darkness, poignancy, mystery, and heartbreaking tragedy of the play is everywhere present in this glorious overture to Rodgers & Hammerstein's greatest work. My whole life has been devoted to the study and performance of "classical" music, but THIS truly does BELONG in the realm of serious, deeply affecting works of musical art. I am in tear.
Bitter sweet
You said it all -- and in so few words! "The darkness, poignancy, mystery, and heartbreaking tragedy of the play is everywhere present in this glorious overture to Rodgers & Hammerstein's greatest work." Some of us, including NYC musicologist Jonathan Schwartz consider this our "favorite musical piece -- period."
Absolutely Breathtaking! Magnificent orchestra, conducted by a Magnificent Maestro!!
No wonder Carousel was voted the best Broadway musical of all time.
I love this and play it over and over.
Been playing it over and over most of my life. I’m 65 and I’m a rocker forever, but this transports me to other place’s and I’ll cherish it forever. Glad you love it Dave.
Me too!
Such a stunning, gorgeous piece of music - so beautifully performed.
OUTSTANDING Tribute to Rogers and Hammerstein!
Carla Kelton
, No. This melody is an outstanding tribute to Richard Rodgers.
Carla Kelton, No. This is a tribute to Richard Rodgers. Oscar Hammerstein 2nd, didnt have any part in writing this music.
@@imonthebox1148 Orchestrated for the stage by Don Walker and this version by Edward Powell for the film. It's the orchestration that gives it its power and enduring appeal. Orchestrators are the unsung heroes of the film and theatre industry. Also played here by a very special orchestra composed of the finest mix of UK orchestral and session musicians, personally hand picked by the conductor.
Spectacular. As a lifelong lover of Rodgers work this performance is truly stand-out in every possible way.
All my long life I mistakenly thought this was just a good piece of show music. I was wrong. I see now -- at age 72 -- that it is really a very great thing, indeed. This was a wonderful performance. I hated to hear it end.
I really enjoyed this performance. I liked the touches I hadn't picked up on before in other recordings, like the trumpet flourishes at 2:35 or the quiet flute/oboe bit just after 6:00.
My personal favorite part is where the music slows and then bursts out at 6:16 and 6:24.
I know not everyone will say so, because there are so many pieces to choose from, but I think this is the prettiest music Rodgers ever composed!
fredo corleone jr Yes- the music has the soft oboe & flute at 6:04, because this is where Mrs Mullin confronts Julie and demands a ticket, and it’s right by the carousel, and the band organ would be near both of them, we can assume from the orchestration..And yes, you’re right about the music effectively slowing and the bursts that follow, especially the one at 6:24 where most conductors forget to slow down before the burst!
Great comment -- that elicited such an informed response by Anthony Simpson. You said it so well, Fredo Corleone Jr. -- and in so few words. Nice economy of style, as the editors used to say.
OUTSTANDING!
Dad..you & me...this is our music, and I'll love you for ever
That is so sweet, and it you are right, no matter where you are, your dad will always love you no matter what!
flavia bordonali
, Your father was Richard Rodgers ?
Richard Rodgers spoke to me in a dream last night, and he related that he found this performance to be magnificent, including the trumpets.
Note this is the same orchestration as used in the film. Orchestrations by Edward Powell. If you really want to hear this piece, listen to the soundtrack recording conducted by Alfred Newman.
Rodgers was very proud of this music, as well he should have been. "Carousel" was his favorite of all his collaborations with Hammerstein, and it's my favorite R&H musical, too.
My favorite R & H musical too!
Oh my God. What else can you say but BLOODY BRILLIANT ! I miss Richard Roberts so much that it makes my bones ache.
Tom MacEgan: So you get an aching boner listening to the music of Richard Rodgers. Ok, if that does it for you, enjoy stroking!!🤪😆👍
The best I've ever heard. Beautiful!
I love that, too!
I guess if your watching this TRULY WONDERFUL music video, your a fan already. But I'd like to point out, to those unaware, that ALL the music, of these great R&H films, are available on the EMI 'Angel' Cd labels. and on these , are a FULL version of ALL the actual recorded music--even that not used in the films, and although I have the vinyl and previously released CD's, I Only play the 'ANGEL' issues now---you get the whole thing--marvelous!!
For those of you who thought it too fast.........This is the original film soundtrack orchestration reconstructed from the soundtrack the film!
The musicians look like they are really enjoying playing this. They did a grand job.Thanks.
I'm Speechless indeed, when you wish to listen to the piece with the same tune and harmony as it was played in 1955, you're indeed speechles
I discovered this music late in life, and cannot believe how beautiful it is.
The Flute Principle in this concert was Stewart McIlwham. He mainly plays for the London Philharmonic Orchestra and is also Professor of Piccolo at the Royal College of Music. Did you get to look at any of the Hollywood Rhapsody Prom. The whole concert is posted on RUclips and Tom & Jerry is nearly at 600,000 views.
I hear the authentic tinny turn of the carousel at 1:20 onwards (percussionists what is this?)--really captures the flavor of the carnival. Though a waltz, this masterpiece has distinctively naive (and I mean that in the best sense), open flavored American tones. This version has a very colorful, juicy flavor to it--they've really captured the exuberance, joy and innocence of the carousel.
One of the most beautiful and uplifting pieces of music ever written ...
NOTHING--COMES CLOSE TO THIS PERFORMANCE, OF THE GREATEST MUSICAL CREATION---FOR A STAGE MUSICAL TOO.
The 2016 proms version is great also. Not sure if on RUclips yet but on bbc I player
1945 - the second Broadway musical for Rodgers and Hammerstein is called Carousel. After their tremendous success with Oklahoma! in 1943, could they do it again? This is the opening number and the audience knew they were in for a great night. Playing the male lead, carnival barker Billy Bigelow, was John Raitt. His daughter, Bonnie Raitt, was born in 1949.
This is wonderfully orchestrated, and beautifully done! I've always loved any music that Rogers and Hammerstein wrote together! Thank you so much for sharing this one with us!. Love, Liz
Think it was just Rogers on this piece with Hammerstein providing moral support.
Elizabeth Smith
, No......Rodgers and Hammerstein didnt write music. Richard Rodgers wrote music. Oscar Hammerstein wrote the worlds or lyrics. And the lyrics always were written before Richard Rodgers started writing the musical notes.
Elizabeth Smith
, Rodgers and Hammerstein did not write music together. On all their musicals, Oscars' lyrics were always written first, then Rodgers' wrote the melody.
@@imonthebox1148 Who cares who did what and what order it was done in I'm just pleased that they got together and did it ,sheer magnificence .
@@hsltr1 , I care, and so should you.
What a magnificent treat for your ears and your soul!
It is amazing how few Americans know about the BBC Proms. And the last night of the Proms is unbelievably great. Just one question: would they allow me to be a British citizen for that one night at least? I would love it.
This brings back memories of the first time I went on a carousel, I know the feeling will never be the same, even though there's that same excitement, but it is just not the same, the carousel waltz is a complete masterpiece! Thank you Richard Rodgers for doing such a Beautiful job! 😀😆🥰
Damn, this sounds perfectly like the one in the movie!! That's the version I love, I can't listen to any but the original!! Thanks so much for sharing!
cowgirlinla22: This performance utilizes the arrangement from the 1956 20th Century Fox film version. The ORIGINAL was orchestrated by Robert Russell Bennett for the 1945 Broadway version. It’s available on a Decca CD with John Raitt and Jan Clayton. Being in LA it must be hard for you to know the difference between real and imitation. Or even a real cow!! Don’t try milking a bull!!
A fab version of a forties classic, recreated with his usual care and accuracy by Mr Wilson and his collaborators. Has anyone got an original recording that could be transcribed to video at higher resolution? 240 is much better than nothing, _and very grateful thanks to the OP_ of course, but the whole thing would really come alive in HD.
Can’t remember hearing a more grand rendition of a Broadway standard. Audio superb. Tnanks
There is a raw circus/carnival tone to the brass and some other instruments that hits it just right, there is joy, exuberance, poignancy, and foreboding all rolled into one.
Awesome! WOW! Absolutely beautiful!
Magnificent. Sophisticated. Aren't you just glad that 'Head banging rock' and 'Gangsta rap', really are not your thing in music? I certainly as hell, am................
As someone who's into both gangsta rap and Broadway tunes - your self perceived superiority is nauseating.
+Someone Else Ugh omg yasss I wish I could like your comment more. I hate how many assholes try to make themselves seem better because of their musical taste. I mean you can listen to Beyonce and Beethoven without diminishing the quality of either artist.
+Someone Else Let's face it...there are many genres of music worthy or appreciation, but a lot of rap is cynical, ugly, sexist, and racist....
I have only one RAP friend/connection. He is called the RAPSODIST. His language is tough to deal with a tough audience but he is actually preaching such things as telling blacks to get jobs and support their women instead of just getting them pregnant.
***** Yeah because the "blacks" are a monolith... how patronising.
Remember 'Slaughter on 10th Ave' by the Ventures back in '64? Hard to imagine the same person wrote this. Tops. Both pieces.
The main theme is my favorite melody of all time
Napakaganda naman. Superb performance by the Symphonic Orchestra. Of a classical masterpiece.❤️❤️🌹🌹🎻🎻💝💝🎹🎹💐💐🎵🎵
Personally, I think the trumpets sound wonderful, as they do throughout the concert. This is the perfect sound this style of music in my opinion.
This still proves to be the most beautiful version of this masterpiece, and the arrangements based on those used in the 1956 film certainly remain unsurpassed. John Wilson still adds a few new touches here and there, while remaining faithful to the original. There's also a new cd recording of John Wilson conducting his orchestra which includes this and other musical compositions by Rodgers and Hammerstein as they were arranged for "Carousel" and other movies based on their shows.
Brings back wonderful memories of performing in this at Bramhall High School in the 1970's. We even had a real carousel I seem to recall!
One of my two favorite waltzes -- Carousel and the Orient Express.
John Wilson sin duda alguna es mi Director favorito. Amo sus trabajo y su Orquesta.
Just brilliant.
What is it about British orchestras that makes them so good? LPO, RPO, LSO, Philharmonia, many others are so good!
I had tickets for the broadway 2018 revival. the show closed before my date. Heartbroken, imagine Renee Fleming singing You'll never walk alone, gives me goose bumps
Thanks very much for the info - Mike Lovatt is an awesome trumpet player.. You are very fortunate to have such an unusual orchestra as the John Wilson Orchestra in your country. Maybe one day they'll tour and visit us here in sunny Florida!
This waltz shows off the genius of DON WALKER, his orchestration allowed John Wilson to fine tune his orchestra beautifully.
Rick Miller I've found John Wilson's orchestra to be the best at doing these great numbers.
+Rick Miller This chart was orchestrated by Edward B. Powell for the 1956 film version, as it was featured on the John Wilson album "Rodgers & Hammerstein At the Movies".
The orchestration was taken from the film orchestrator Edward Powell
Not only DON WALKER, but also NELSON RIDDLE.
It's not the genius of anyone except Robert Russell Bennett, whom everyone else steals from. And how exactly does your John Wilson "fine tune" HIS orchestra? Rodgers wrote the music. That's were the genius lies.
definitive
Wonderful orchestration. But the sad fact is listening to it here and not in the actual concert hall is the difference between looking at a picture of the Grand Canyon and being there.
Great music like this will live on; unlike the cr*p that passes for music today. Oops, don't call today's music that, call it for what it is... garbage and noise.
Agreed again.
Partly agree, but some dubstep, and some old game music, such as undertale's Meglovania, are not garbage. Oh, and try Forza Horizon 4's theme song!
@@zhaomarina8786 Granted, there are some rare exceptions to the contemporary crap genre.
What a treat! This, Prokofiev's Cinderella Waltz, and Khachaturian's Masquerade Waltz are my favorites from the 20th century. Maybe all similar but with distinctive national differences too.
Absolutely beautiful!
Age and sex is okay, but Rodgers is even better because he could write memorable melodic material that conveyed a lot of emotion.
Wow !!! What more can you say to compliment such a musical performance than what your ears just heard.
instant goosebumps.
the melody at 4:20 is beyond heart warming.
I remember John Williams smiling as he conducted that section in a Boston Pops concert and the strings flooded in like an aqua wave.
Quelle belle orchestration !!! Ce superbe thème me laisse une profonde envie de m'envoler dans une grande ronde aérienne : il me tire ,il me pousse , et je rêve !!!
Favorite Broadway Overture
Rodgers & Hammerstein's personal favorite of their shows was Carousel which opened just after WWII ended in 1945. My Mom and Dad went to New York City for “the honeymoon they never had” before Dad shipped off to war. I remember the joy in their eyes when they recalled to me, decades later that they saw Duke Ellington's orchestra at the Club Zanzibar. The other highlight - seeing Carousel - which starred a young John Raitt (Bonnie's Dad).
I've often thought the 'Overture' for Carousel is the greatest piece of music my favorite composer Richard Rodgers ever wrote; which is saying something. As I said in my letter to Mr. Sinatra (December 1992) “Rodgers wrote more strong melodies” (over 50) than any of his Great Songbook peers - “melodies I could hum or whistle half a lifetime after hearing them for the first time.”
Just as an aside: when I was in my teens, my family purchased the black vinyl LP of Carousel the movie - and I just couldn't get enough of this amazing 'not-really-an-overture' (because it didn't quote from any of Carousel's wonderful songs). A decade ago I obtained a CD version - that was missing the first 30 seconds of the opening movement - music that depicts the eerie feeling of a deserted fairground at night - evoking faintly discordant notes on a ghostly carousel organ. (That's how I'd describe it.)
Best version I can find this night - the only one with those opening notes that gave me goosebumps (still do!) - this live performance by London symphony musicians. If you can spare seven minutes - please enjoy my single “most favorite work of art.” p.s. Thanks to Masses Esclaves for posting and to "Kaneohe" (below) for noting the name of the man who orchestrated and selected all the 'voicings' for this: "And credit must be given to Robert Russell Bennet, Rodgers' go-to arranger, whose beautifully complex orchestrations were the icing on the cake!"
p.s. I've often thought that Richard Rodgers wrote 16 of the 20 greatest waltzes of the last century. (It's easier to list the great ones he DID'NT write: Leroy Anderson's Belle of the Ball, pre-eminent on a list that also includes Frank (Guys & Dolls) Loesser's Wonderful Copenhagen from the Hans Christian Anderson movie starring Danny Kaye]. And as I said in my own note (above) this night, this was his greatest musical achievement.
Thanks InFernem Land for posting. Shared elsewhere (3/15/2022) at "Great Melody, Great Lyric, Great Rendition, Songwriting Workshop, Harmony Central "
So many informed comments below. My favorite?
Paul Lees
11 years ago
"Absolutely wonderful. I was in the Royal Albert Hall for this performance in August 2010, and it was an incredible experience. Apparently this was the first time the 20th Century Fox arrangement had been played live, in full, since the movie was made back in the 1950's."
A perfect rendition of this wonderful music!
Magnificent. Positively magnificent!
Some of the latest John Wilson concert is now on RUclips. Ben Hur. Tom & Jerry, and Robin Hood are uploaded so far. I was at the Concert and it was seriously good. I have also discovered that they are performing in LA on 25th October 2013, but I do not know at what venue.
Im crying already.... fantastisk musik.
Ich höre gern musik mit grossen Orchestern z.b. john wilson
@TheTylwythTeg I sure did--at St. Davids Hall Cardiff, just before Christmas. It was their final performance of their UK tour for 2011. MAGNIFICENT!!