The Music of Richard Rodgers (official title including the series name: Broadway: The Music of Richard Rodgers) is the eleventh studio album by English singer Julie Andrews. It was released in 1994 by Philips Records. The album was the first in a series of Broadway-themed records that Philips proposed for the singer. It began with a tribute to Richard Rodgers, whom Andrews admires.[1] It was released on both CD and tape cassette.[2]
Julie Andrews expressed deep appreciation for Richard Rodgers, with whom she shared a generous and supportive relationship, and highlighted the range of his collaborations on her album. The recording process was documented in a 1994 video that showcased her emotional connection to the material and her long-standing collaboration with conductor Ian Fraser.
Critics offered favorable reviews, some of them praised the album's polish and Andrews’ mature interpretations, while others gave it a moderate rating, noting fine orchestration and appeal for light music fans. The album had a short chart presence in Belgium and, though it didn't chart in the U.S., it achieved strong sales according to RPM magazine. In 1996, it was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.[3]
Background and production
The relationship between Rodgers and Andrews was marked by generosity. When she auditioned for him, he advised her to accept My Fair Lady if offered but asked to be informed if she wasn't chosen, as he wanted to work with her. Andrews deeply appreciated his support. Regarding the song selection of the album, Andrews revealed in an interview: "The miracle is that this album was written- it's Rodgers and Hart, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Rodgers and Sondheim, and Rodgers and Rodgers. He actually wrote one of the songs, the lyrics himself. But that one man wrote all those melodies is amazing to me".[4]
The making of the album was documented in a video titled Julie Andrews: The Making of Broadway - The Music of Richard Rodgers, capturing a 1994 London recording session. The film showcases Andrews' heartfelt interpretations of Rodgers' compositions, reflecting her deep connection to Broadway classics. It also highlights her remarkable 22-year collaboration with conductor Ian Fraser, as they meticulously refine each performance with shared artistry and insight. The video shows Andrews' joy and passion for the project, culminating in her lighthearted quip, "Not bad for an old mum!" after a playback.[5]
The editors from AllMusic rated the album three stars out of five but provided no written commentary.[6]
Writing for Amazon, journalist Piers Ford highlighted Julie Andrews' 1995 album as a polished collection of Richard Rodgers classics, including "The Sound of Music" and "My Funny Valentine". According to the critic, while her voice had darkened in places, her control and phrasing remained sharp, and her mature interpretation brought new depth to the material. He praised the album for its class and refinement, noting that it showcased her enduring talent as one of the 20th century's greatest musical stars.[8]
The music critic of New Straits Times, R. S. Murthy, described Andrews' performance as persuasive and highlighted the marvelous accompaniment by the London Musicians Orchestra under Ian Fraser. The review suggested that the album is strictly for lovers of light music. The performance received a rating of two and a half stars, which typically indicates a moderately good performance but with some noticeable flaws or areas for improvement. The sound quality was rated four stars, indicating high-quality audio production.[7]
Broadway: The Music of Richard Rodgers had a brief but notable run on the charts in Flanders, Belgium. According to Ultratop, it entered the chart at its peak position of 32 during the week of March 16, 1996, showcasing a modest reception in the region.[11] The following week, on March 23, 1996, it slipped slightly to position 34, marking its second and final week on the chart before dropping off entirely.[12]
Even though the album failed to chart in the U.S., RPM magazine reported that the album had "excellent sales" to Phillips Classic label.[13]
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