Miracle Worker Comparision

 

This new Kritzerland release #KR20026-9 is the third release of this material since 1994 when Rosenthal issued a 2 CD set of his score material on his own Windmere label #42345.I reviewed the release in 2006 and am including a link. https://sdtom.wordpress.com/2006/08/06/the-miracle-workerrosenthal/ To the best of my knowledge I believe 500 were issued. In 2010 Intrada released the Miracle Worker Special Collection #130 portion only and sold a 1000 unit limited edition. The Kritzerland release is also a limited edition of 1000 CD’s.

Since I’ve already reviewed the material the purpose of this review is to point out what the differences are in the three releases.

Track Listing Intrada Special Collection #130

1.  Main Title: Helen Alone (02:20)

2.  The Train (03:20)

3.  Hands (02:04)

4.  Doll and Ladder (04:38)

5.  She Folded Her Napkin (01:10)

6.  To the Garden House (02:49)

7.  Nightmare (01:57)

8.  Lullaby (02:02)

9.  Teaching (04:48)

10.  Let Her Come (03:57)

11.  Come To Supper (00:50)

12.  The Miracle (02:50)

13.  Epilogue: Helen and Annie (01:59)

Total Duration: 00:34:44

Track Listing Kritzerland Release #20026-9

1.  Main Title (2:20)

2.  Train Montage (3:20)

3.  Hands (2:05)

4.  Doll and Ladder (4:40)

5.  She Folded Her Napkin (1:09)

6.  The Search/To the Garden House (2:50)

7.  Nightmare (1:58)

8.  Lullaby (2:04)

9.   Teaching Montage (4:49)

10.  Let Her Come (3:57)

11.  Come to Supper (0:52)

12.  The Miracle/The Keys (2:52)

13.  End Title (2:04)

Bonus tracks

14.  Percy (2:27)

15.  The Keys (Film Version) (1:44)

Total Duration is 39:48

Track Listing Windmere Release #42345

1.  PROLOGUE: HELEN ALONE (02:19)

2.  ANNIE’S TRAIN RIDE (03:02)

3.  CONTACT OF HANDS (02:02)

4.  THE MISCHIEF-MAKER (04

5.  HELENS’ MOTHER (01:0

6.  THE GARDEN HOUSE (02:49)

7.  ANNIE’S BAD DREAM OF HER OWN CHILDHOOD (01:57)

8.  THE LULLABY (02:00)

9.  TEACHING (04:47)

10.  REACH, REACH! (03:47)

11.  CAPTAIN KELLER CONSOLES (01:18)

12.  THE MIRACLE AT THE PUMP (02:49)

13.  EPILOGUE: HELEN WITH HER TEACHER (02:00)

Total Time is 34:50

If you compare the Windmere with the Intrada and Kritzerland recordings it appears that it is 28 seconds longer on “Captain Keller Consoles” or “Come To Supper” but in reality it is just a mistake in the timing. They are all the same.

On the “Train” track the Intrada and Kritzerland are both slightly longer adding a little bit more underscore but not significant at the very end of the track.

I’ve listened to the recordings using my sound system, computer, and a flat listen without any treble or bass through my headphones. Through the headphones the Kritzerland does have a slightly cleaner sound. The background seems to be cleaned up but again this isn’t a significant enough improvement to purchase one way or the other. If you have the Windmere or Intrada recordings keep what you have. If you’ve missed out on the other recordings then by all means get this fine recording and you’ll not be disappointed. If it had been released in any year other than 1962 it might have one an Oscar for best score. It is that good.