Published 1962 Composer(s) Richard Rodgers | Writer(s) Richard Rodgers | |
"The Sweetest Sounds" is a popular song, with words and music written by Richard Rodgers for the 1962 musical No Strings. The song opens and closes the show for characters Barbara Woodruff and David Jordan, performed by Diahann Carroll and Richard Kiley in the original Broadway theatre production and subsequent cast recording.
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In television and film
The song is featured in the 1997 adaptation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella, performed as a duet by Brandy and Paolo Montalbán. Barbra Streisand featured the song in the 1973 broadcast Barbra Streisand...And Other Musical Instruments.
Recordings
In addition to the respective cast albums and telefilm recordings, the song has been recorded by various artists. Sergio Franchi recorded the song for his 1963 RCA Victor Red Seal album Broadway...I Love You. Ella Fitzgerald's swinging cover can be heard on her 1964 Verve Records release Hello, Dolly!. Andy Williams released a version of the song on his 1964 album The Great Songs from "My Fair Lady" and Other Broadway Hits. Shirley Bassey recorded the song for her 1965 album Shirley Stops The Shows.
Composition
The melodic theme appears to have been inspired by an orchestral figure in the final movement of Johannes Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 2 (Brahms) (measures 64-80).