“… If  you adore Oklahoma! and want to hear every last note of it, then this release is easy to recommend…”   Raymond Tuttle

“… The members of the Sinfonia of London and Oklahoma! Ensemble are just about perfect stylistically for this authentic version…”   Arthur Lintgen

“…The quality of the recording is so vibrant, vigorous and visceral, that one imagines that they are actually in the first row of the orchestra section. There is also much additional, fascinating interstitial music here, which was necessary in live theatre at the time, in order to facilitate scene/costume changes, etc. The sheer excellence of the arrangements, interpretation, orchestra, direction and the stupendous cast make this a totally satisfying listening experience – theatre buff, or not.”

Winner Opera Award 2024 

Performance *****      Sonics ****½

“…Simply wonderful”

Critics’ Choice 2023

“… A meticulous, vibrant, stylishly sung, splendidly engineered and historically important release.”

Best Classical Albums of 2023

“… Using the same orchestration as on the first night, and with instruments of the time, it recreates the period sound and style with a fine cast and irresistible verve.”

Recording of the Month

“… a benchmark recording of Oklahoma! For generations to come.”

Performance *****      Recording *****

“… An essential set for fans of the piece.”

“It’s not just an impressive historic reconstruction – it also makes the heart dance”

Editor’s Choice – Vocal

“… The title song, when it finally arrives, is as exhilarating and punchy and uplifting as the prospect of a brand new state and if you’d been back in the theatre back in March 1943 you’d have been on your feet, too.”

“… from the first flourish of the Overture, this new studio recording by John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London just nails it…”

“…In this Chandos production, John Wilson shows himself to be a conductor who vigorously dusts off the music and gives it a sophistication probably never heard before… The cast is also excellent: Nathaniel Hackmann’s Curly is superb, and Sierra Borgess shines as Laurey. Rodney Earl Clarke is convincing as the villain Jud Fry … “ *****

Recording of the Month – October 2023

 “… This Oklahoma! is not just a document, it’s a five-star work of art.” *****

“…The tone is set in the opening moments of the overture, attacked by the strings of the Sinfonia of London with brilliant precision, but the reflective moments of the score are treated with equal care…” ****

“…Sinfonia of London is, indeed, an exciting super-orchestra and John Wilson & CO have polished a diamond of the American Musical Theatre to a high gloss, so Bobby has no choice but to say… This one gets 5 Out Of 5 Rainbows - Put this one in your collection today!”

“… for the sound of Broadway in the 1940s, this recording has the field to itself.” ****

**** 

Artistic Quality 10      Sound Quality 10

“…No one who cares about American musical theater can afford to miss this landmark recording of a landmark musical.”

“…. this is a performance that makes it possible to see Oklahoma! in the mind’s eye with exceptional clarity and come away from it with a justifiable sense of amazement at how good the music is.”  ****

“… the acoustic of the Susie Sainsbury Theatre, Royal Academy of Music embracing Wilson’s expert players and singers like an intimate hug, the sound (producers Ralph Couzens, Jonathan Allen) immediate in the way that the Capitol Oklahoma! soundtrack was though with added presence and, this being a ‘complete’ edition, with plenty of music that will be unfamiliar to most listeners. Nathaniel Hackmann and Sierra Boggess are perfectly suited to the lead rôles, sincerity personified in both cases…”