Lerner and Loewe's elegant, indestructible musical is one of those rare Broadway triumphs to be transferred to the big screen with practically every note and lyric intact. Warner's plush film version also preserved for posterity the definitive performances of Rex Harrison as Professor Higgins (though Jack Warner originally wanted Cary Grant) and Stanley Holloway as Alfred Dolittle. But if the ...
From the exquisite phrasing of the opening orchestra, this recording establishes itself as the standard by which all others should be measured. Herbert von Karajan's orchestra is no less than perfect, as much a virtuostic performer as the singers, evoking each moment's unique mood. Can there be any doubt that Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni were born to sing Puccini? Their sweet, creamy voices ...