1776

1776 is one of the most underrated musicals in Broadway history. With clever lyrics and a creative score and set of songs, this show should be recognized as a classic. This particular soundtrack has its moments, but does suffer in some areas... most especially, in the caliber of some of the singing/singers. William Daniels, most notably, portrays a very passionate John Adams, but he is a LOUSY singer. Consistently flat, anyone who has a musical ear will find him very difficult to listen to. With a little coaching, he could have done a much better job. (He just strains and pushes too much.) And Rex Everhart is also less than stellar - again, a better actor than singer. But that being said, this soundtrack is a must-have for all 1776 enthusiasts, and if you don't have a terribly discerning musical ear, you will probably be pleased, all in all. Those of you who have this soundtrack already should be also be very pleased with the recent Revival Cast recording, which is more consistent in its quality, though the some new orchestrations can be a little wimpy. If you love the movie, but this soundtrack. If you just saw the show and want to duplicate that experience, buy the 1999 Revival Cast recording.

Where is the movie soundtrack? I recently attended a performance of "1776" in Seattle. It was great. On the way out I treated myself to a CD copy of this album and looked forward to hearing it. I had a cassette of the movie soundtrack that I'd recorded from a LP borrowed from the public library 25 years ago. The CD was disappointing. I missed the bits of movie dialog that tied the songs together and often made the joke. "Mama Look Sharp" and "The Triangle Trade" were bland. They should of been among the strongest songs. Even though William Daniels sings on this soundtrack, it just doesn't seem to have the excitement and humor that the movie soundtrack has. However, the number "Cool, Considerate Men" is a wonderful piece missing from both the movie soundtrack and movie itself. If you haven't seen it performed, you really should if the opportunity arises. This Broadway soundtrack is just not as much fun or exciting as it should be. I'm looking for a copy of the movie version.

I first bought the vinyl version of this marvelous recording shortly after the musical opened on Broadway, and now own it on CD. I really enjoy it. It may not be totally acurate historically but, it is a good way to get your dose of american history. William Daniels,and Ken Howard are superb... I was told that Howard Da Silva was not able to do the actual recording for Franklin... Clifford David lacks the power and fire of John Cullum(Rutledge in the film version),but non the less does a good job and Rutledge who single handedly nearly destroys the whole effort. I have seen two professional and semi professional productions of the show(My community theatre is doing it in the spring,so I have loaned out my vinyl copy of the film recording(not currently available.) Does anybody know whatever happened to Virginia Vestoff, who was so wonderful as Abigal?? Havent seen or heard anything about here in ages.Anyway I am glad that this CD was finally made available on CD...now if they would just release the movie version too!

All other versions are inferior to this origional 1776 production.

I own both the original cast and the latest revival recording of "1776" and the original recording is still the best for a number of reasons. First and foremost, though I admire Brent Spiner greatly, William Daniels is the seminal John Adams, brash and pungently witty. In spite of the fact that I am glad to have the recordings of songs not included on the original cast album, I am not satisfied that the orchestration and direction are of the same quality. That may be due to the fact that Sherman Edwards is not around to make sure the songs are not sloppily handled. For example, "He Plays the Violin" is no longer a duet between the the violin and Martha Jefferson. It is now mostly a loud and slightly obnoxious horn section that carries the melody. Some musicals may do well with a modernization of their scores, but I am not convinced that "1776" is one of them. I do, however find "Molasses to Rum to Slaves" to be superior on the revival album and I like the fact that more dialogue lead ins are available. I have recently read the letters between John and Abigail and am reminded again why Edwards' lyrics still have the power to stir such sentiment in me. Whatever version you get, you will hear history. But the original is still the best.