This post may not be as formal as others written so far, and by far less informative. It seems apparent that the fervor wherewith Josquin, Aaron, Daniel and I began this site did not have a great deal of sticking power... nevertheless, the site is still here, and I would like to share with you all some of my favorite musical theater songs, and focus on the marvelous works of my favorite composer...
Some songs I judge being worth your acquaintance:
"On My Own" - Les Miserables
- Possibly the single most heartbreaking song of unrequited love ever penned, from one of the most iconic musicals in existence (probably only challenged by Phantom of the Opera). This entire show is frequently referenced in the theatre world, and is worth getting to know. Other standouts (if you don't want to buy the entire CD): "I Dreamed a Dream", "Empty Chairs at Empty Tables", "Confrontation", "Master of the House", "Do You Hear the People Sing"
"Being Alive" - Company
- Incredibly powerful song about the benefits and costs of risking yourself in a relationship. It is not a happy song, it is not a terribly sad song. In my opinion, it ends hopefully. The music in this show was composed by Mr. Stephen Sondheim, by far my favorite composer, musical theatre or no. This song is touching, enlightening, and so, so tender. Please listen to it. It makes more sense within the show, but even independently, it is something everyone should listen to at least once. I recommend buying this entire soundtrack (I would list my favorite tracks, but no single one would be left out), or the PBS Great Performances DVD, starring Raul Esparza. DO NOT listen to the Original Cast Recording. I can't promise you'll love it as much as I do, but I can promise you that it is a worthwhile expansion of your horizons as a theatregoer or participant.
"How to Handle A Woman" - Camelot
- I'm using this song as a segway into slightly happier things. Camelot is fairly well-known, but not entirely respected. Understandable. After a smash hit like "My Fair Lady", the team of Lerner and Loewe could hardly outdo themselves. I personally prefer Camelot to MFL, citing the relative brevity of the Pygmalion adaptation compared to the more complex, interesting conflict in Camelot- One of the most infamous love triangles of all time. "How to Handle a Woman" is an ode by a befuddled man, asking his mentor how to get out of his current predicament. The answer is simple, and much easier said than done... "Simply love her". But it's a truth, and I will take such sincere honesty wherever I can find it. "I Loved You Once In Silence" is the tragic song of an attempted smothering of a flame- unwanted by both characters singing, yet fatefully present... There are happier songs too, though. The eponymous title song is one of the most cheery and delightful songs of the "Golden Age" of Broadway, "C'est Moi" is a hilarious and well-known piece.
"Old Friends" - Merrily We Roll Along
- Not among the best-known of shows, yet possibly my second favorite score (next to Company)- also by Sondheim. "Old Friends" is a great song about... well, the title says it all. "Not a Day Goes By" is a standout breakup song. "Our Time" is an inspirational ode to every hopeful hoofer who ever dreamt of making a difference in their world. "Franklin Shepherd, Inc." is a rather humorous commentary on the conflicting interests of business and art in their forced cohabitation. The show has flopped at least twice on Broadway, and was gearing up for a new production at the Roundabout Theatre Company, but I haven't heard any developments on that since August...
"Move On" - Sunday in the Park With George
- One more Sondheim, then I'll call it a night, I promise. This song is at the end of the second act of a show whose first act was enough to win it a Pulitzer Prize for Drama (one of a very short list of musicals to have done so). While I cannot argue that the first half is stronger than the second, this show holds a special place in my heart. It is the story of an artist and his conflicting priorities; his lover, his art, and his livelihood. This song is truly the climax, and teaches a great lesson about living life to the fullest... keep moving on. Please listen. Both the original recording (CD and DVD recordings are both good) and the recent revival are excellent. I am a bit of a Bernadette Peters fanboy, though, so I prefer the original, haha. Other awesome songs "Finishing the Hat", "Sunday", "Children and Art", and the titular "Sunday in the Park With George".
Well, this is where I'll stop for tonight.
Thanks for stopping by,
-Wade
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