The Sound of Music — Music From the NBC Television Event 2013

PURCHASE THE ALBUM NOW!

On Dec. 3 Sony Masterworks will release the companion soundtrack to NBC’s live broadcast of “The Sound of Music,” based on the classic stage musical. The three-hour live production, starring six-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood as Maria von Trapp, will air Dec. 5.

The cast also includes Audra McDonald (“Private Practice”), who has won five Tony Awards and two Grammys, as Mother Abbess; Stephen Moyer (“True Blood”), who will play Capt. Georg von Trapp; Tony Award winner Christian Borle (“Smash”), who will portray von Trapp family friend Max Detweiler; and Tony winner Laura Benanti (“Go On”), who will portray Elsa Schrader, the captain’s onetime fiancée.

“The Sound of Music” — Music From the NBC Television Event will include studio recordings for all of the musical numbers that are performed by the cast members in the live broadcast, including Rodgers and Hammerstein favorites “The Sound of Music,” “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen” and “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” among others.

Executive producers for the telecast are Neil Meron and Craig Zadan (“Smash,” “The Academy Awards”). Directors are Rob Ashford (“Evita”) and Beth McCarthy-Miller (“30 Rock”). David Chase (“Cinderella”) serves as musical director. The soundtrack is licensed through the NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products Group.

“The Sound of Music,” set in the 1930’s before and during “Anschluss” when the Nazi’s annexed Austria, is based on the romantic true story of Maria von Trapp, an aspiring nun who leaves the abbey to become a governess for the widower Capt. von Trapp's seven children. She soon finds herself falling in love with her employer and questioning her religious calling. It premiered on Broadway in 1959 where it broke box-office records and won the Tony Award for best musical. The 1965 film adaptation won the Oscar for best picture. David Says:
Sony Masterworks has released a charming studio album of Rodgers & Hammersteins THE SOUND OF MUSIC, featuring the 2013 NBC cast. In my opinion, Carrie Underwood does a fine job with the role. She is no Julie Andrews or Mary Martin, but honestly who wants her to be? With her pop and country roots, the songstress' belt is anything but a Broadway belt. It sounds as if she pushes from her throat instead of her diaphragm. Despite this, her sweet, idyllic soprano fits the role of Maria, creating a character that sounds youthful and vibrant. A truly pleasant surprise on the album is Stephen Moyer's delightful baritone instrument. He sings with a swoon worthy, dapper charisma. Ariane Rinehart, Michael Campayno, Audra McDonald, Christiane Noll, Laura Benati, and Christian Borle all make their presences known and appreciated on the album. NBC and this cast put their best feet forward and have created a THE SOUND OF MUSIC cast recording that can be cherished by fans of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic while attracting new fans to the musical theatre medium. Label: Sony Masterworks