The New York Times: To call Stephen Sondheim America’s greatest musical dramatist is to make him into a monument. He was that, of course, bringing to Broadway, in his lyrics but also his music, the psychological acuity and convincing characterization of theater at its most elevated.
3 comments:
I love Sondheim and his works, so I had to read the article that would make you love him. I though it was going to be more fun facts, but i like how you got varying songs written by him that had differently impacted people, but ultimately created a lasting impression. I don't know how Sondheim did it, but every song has an underlining tone that is specific to the show and a varying range of shows dealing with a murderous barber or a 35 year old looking for love. I like that the only context they got for picking a Sondheim song is a song to offer a "Sondheim newbie". I would have probably picked something from Merrily We Roll Along, Company or Sweeney Todd, but Sunday in the Park is also such a great piece. I is interesting to see how most of his works were displayed is people varying opinions on which would be a great pick for the new Sondheim listener.
I love Stephen Sondheim. I think he’s one of the most important modern composers of our era so I obviously had to click on this article. Last year I went to see the revival of Company with the gender swapped cast, and it was one of the most amazing things I’ve ever watched in my entire life. I thought that the gender swapping made for such a more interesting story than the original, especially with the whole ladies who lunch song because it felt like she was talking to Bobbi (Robby) specifically as opposed to just like general in the world, and it was really impactful for a general audience of different ages and especially me who is coming of age - and by that I mean I was becoming an adult, not turning 35. My grandma was also a GIANT Stephen Sondheim musical enjoyer, especially sundays in the park with george - she would sing the songs to me when I was a kid.
As a not very musical person, i’m always a little dubious when people start raving about how good one piece of music is over another. But even I can understand why people like Sondheim so much. I do think some of his music can be a little grating on your ears, and maybe sometimes it's okay if your music is pleasant to listen to even if the current plot is not, but the amount of thought he clearly put into each song is commendable. I've seen 3 hour long videos picking apart single songs he wrote. He is a clear example of writing real musicals that elevate the story. His music both cannot exist without the show and the show could not exist without his music. I think this article really highlights the breadth of Sondheim songs as well, with everything from ballads to fast paced almost raping songs he trully could make anything a hit.
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