Stephen Sondheim was a titan of American musical theater, celebrated for his intellectual depth and groundbreaking approach to composition and lyricism. His works delve into the complexities of human relationships and the darker facets of the psyche, employing intricate musical structures and sophisticated lyrical wordplay. Sondheim consistently pushed the boundaries of his genre, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of dramatic arts. His legacy is defined by a unique blend of artistic innovation, profound emotional resonance, and enduring literary merit.
As he did in the acclaimed Finishing the Hat, Sondheim richly annotates his lyrics with personal and theatre history, discussions of his collaborations, and exacting, charming dissections of his work - both the successes and the failures.
The revised edition celebrates the legacy of one of the most beloved musicals, featuring 13 newly arranged songs and insightful information about the plot and performance history of West Side Story. It includes facsimiles of Bernstein's original manuscripts and 16 pages of photos from various productions, making it a treasure for fans of Bernstein and musical theater alike. The book is suitable for musicians at difficulty levels 2-4.
Set in 1900 Sweden, A Little Night Music explores the tangled web of affairs centered around actress, Desirée Armfeldt, and the men who love her: a lawyer by the name of Fredrik Egerman and the Count Carl-Magnus Malcom. When the traveling actress performs in Fredrik's town, the estranged lovers' passion rekindles. This strikes a flurry of jealousy and suspicion between Desirée; Fredrik; Fredrick's wife, Anne; Desirée's current lover, the Count; and the Count's wife, Charlotte. Both men – as well as their jealous wives – agree to join Desirée and her family for a weekend in the country at Desirée's mother's estate. With everyone in one place, infinite possibilities of new romances and second chances bring endless surprises.
The newest Broadway musical by Pulitzer Prize-winning collaborators Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, 1994.
Evokes a fraternity of Presidential assassins across a hundred years of history. Examines success, failure, and the questionable drive for power and celebrity in American society
Includes the complete libretto for the Broadway musical based on fairy tales.