Arachnophonia: The Color Purple

Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student [assistant / manager] [name] (class of 202*) and features the 2016 Broadway cast recording of The Color Purple. Thanks, Amy!

The Color Purple: New Broadway Cast Recording (2016)

The Color Purple: New Broadway cast recording (2016)

One musical masterpiece that has left a mark on the Broadway stage is The Color Purple. Beyond its powerful performances and captivating narrative, the new Broadway cast recording (released in 2016) stands as a testament to the emotional depth embedded in this timeless production. And seeing as the movie adaptation hit late last year, I thought I would bring some recognition to the musical it was inspired by.

The Color Purple, adapted from Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, weaves a rich tapestry of storytelling, empowerment, and redemption. The new Broadway cast recording, capturing the live energy of the performances, transports listeners into the heart of the narrative, enveloping them in the struggles and triumphs of its characters.

The cast of The Color Purple not only possesses remarkable vocal prowess but also embodies the emotional complexity of their roles. From the soul-stirring melodies of Celie to the powerful anthems of empowerment, each track showcases the diversity and depth of the performers.

The Color Purple new Broadway cast recording contributes to the cultural landscape by amplifying narratives that are often marginalized. The celebration of African American culture, the exploration of sisterhood, and the unapologetic embrace of individuality contribute to its enduring legacy.

Some of my favorite musical highlights are as follows:

I’m Here,” performed by Cynthia Erivo, stands as a towering pinnacle of vocal prowess and emotional intensity. The raw vulnerability and strength she brings to this anthem of self-discovery resonate long after the final note.

What About Love?” is a dynamic duet between Jennifer Hudson and Cynthia Erivo. Hudson and Erivo create a harmonious blend of two powerhouse voices. Their chemistry elevates the song, infusing it with a poignant sense of longing and hope.

The Color Purple,” the titular track, performed by the ensemble cast, serves as the musical thread that ties the narrative together. Its hauntingly beautiful melody captures the essence of the characters’ shared journey and the overarching theme of resilience.

The Color Purple new Broadway cast recording is more than a compilation of songs; it is a journey through the human experience, a celebration of resilience, and a testament to the transformative power of music. As the notes linger in the air, they carry with them the echoes of a narrative that has touched the hearts of audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the annals of Broadway history.

New CDs added in October!

New CDs for October 2017

Orchestral Music

Dimitri Shostakovich – Under Stalin’s Shadow : Symphonies Nos. 5, 8, 9
Dimitri Shostakovich – Under Stalin’s Shadow : Symphonie No. 10

Shostakovich - Under Stalin's Shadow

Concertos and Chamber Music

J.S. Bach – The Cello Suites According to Anna Magdalena
J.S. Bach – Solo Works for Marimba — Kuniko
Ferio Saxophone Quartet – Flux : Original Works for Saxophone Quartet
Joseph Haydn – Flute Sonatas

Haydn - Flute Sonatas

Eunmi Ko – She Rose, and Let Me In
Isang Yun – Chamber Music
Isang Yun – Chamber Music : World Premier Recordings

Isang Yun - Chamber Music

Electronic Music

Various artists – Space, Energy & Light: Experimental Electronic and Acoustic Soundscapes 1961-88

Space Energy & Light

Jazz

Bill Evans – Another Time : The Hilversum Concert
Gary Smulyan Quartet – Royalty at Le Duc: Live at Le Duc des Lombards
Harry Allen’s All Star New York Saxophone Band – The Candy Men
Fred Hersch – Open Book
Junior Mance – The Complete Albums Collection, 1959-1962

Junior Mance Collection

Jeremy Rose – Within & Without
San Francisco String Trio – May I Introduce To You
Triocity – I Believe In You
Chris Washburne – Rags and Roots

San Francisco String Trio Cover

Opera, Opera Excerpts and Art Songs

Jamie Barton – All Who Wander
George Frideric Handel – Rinaldo

Dimitri Hvorostovsky – Dimitri Hvorostovsky sings of war, peace, love and sorrow
Louis Karchin – Romulus

Louis Karchin - To The Sun and Stars

Louis Karchin – To The Sun And Stars
Franz Schubert – Schubert Songs — Thomas Meglioranza & Reiko Uchida
Franz Schubert – Winterreise — Thomas Meglioranza & Reiko Uchida
Pretty Yende – A Journey

Pretty Yende - A Journey

Choral Music

Henricus Isaac – Nell tempo di Lorenzo de’Medici & Maximilian I, 1450-1519
ORA – Many Are The Wonders: Renaissance Gems and Their Reflections

Henricus Isaac

World Music

Trio Da Kali and Kronos Quartet – Ladilikan
Various Artists – Sweet As Broken Dates: Lost Somali Tapes from the Horn of Africa

Sweet As Broken Dates

Musicals

Brenda Russell – The Color Purple : New Broadway Cast Recording

The Color Purple

Ameriana, Bluegrass, and Country Music

Arthur Alexander – Arthur Alexander
Rhiannon Giddens – Factory Girl

Rhiannon Giddens - Freedom Highway

Rhiannon Giddens – Freedom Highway
John Reischman and the Jaybirds – On That Other Green Shore
The Sweetback Sisters – King of Killing Time

John Reischman - On That Other Green Shore

Pop and Rock Music

Raspberries – Pop Art Live

Raspberries - Pop Art Live