Growing up, we all had favorite songs and performers. Some liked pop, others rap. Rock and roll. Hip hop. You name it; one of us liked it. For me and fellow theatre buffs, Broadway soundtracks were the music of choice. I absolutely loved Stephen Sondheim (I still do), and he has SO MANY songs to love. So, I decided to list a few that I obsessed over. I know every word, inflection, rest, and interlude. Hopefully, some of my fellow readers can agree with me, but some (obviously) will not. Either way, I hope you enjoy my look at the Sondheim Songbook.
"If people have split views about your work, I think it's flattering. I'd rather have them feel something about it than dismiss it." - Stephen Sondheim
1. "Getting Married Today" (1970)
The lyrics may make your head spin, but the song is poignant and well-crafted. If you can sing an entire verse in one breath, you are invincible. I promise. Watch my favorite rendition here.
2. "Johanna" (1979)
The phrasing in this song is unmatched, and it gives me goosebumps every single time that I hear it. Sondheim uses suspension in a way that makes everyone long for Johanna. For the original performance, follow this link.
3. "Move On" (1984)
In this show, the original song is unbeaten. Bernadette Peters and Mandy Patinkin are a perfect pair, and their voices mesh so well. Here is a link to the original duet.
4. "Moments in the Woods" (1987)
Yet again, the original version takes the prize. (Before you ask, no....I am not a fan of the film adaptation. I don't care if Meryl Streep is the star.) This song needs to be performed with a simplicity and comedic air that Joanna Gleason absolutely perfects. Here is a link to her performance.
5. "The Ladies Who Lunch" (1970)
There are original productions, and there are legendary productions. Numerous revivals of "Company" have come and gone, but only Elaine Stritch can perform this song. It is her song, and ONLY her song. Watch her performance here.
6. "There Won't Be Trumpets" (1964)
Even though this song was cut from the original production, it has always been one of my favorites. Now that audiences have gained respect for the show, many performers have added this piece to their concert sets. Not too shabby for a show that originally closed in less than a week. My favorite rendition is included here.
7. "Putting It Together" (1984)
Sometimes Broadway recordings are beaten by popular culture recordings. This is only true when Barbra Streisand snags a song. Though Mandy Patinkin is amazing, Streisand wins every single time. Listen to Streisand's performance here.
8. "Losing My Mind" (1971)
This song is beautiful. The lyrics highlight love and pain so seamlessly, and I absolutely adore every rendition. However, here is my favorite performance.
9. "Worst Pies in London" (1979)
Alas, the song that causes the most debate surrounding performance style. There are several amazing Broadway divas who have taken on this song. (I'm not going to address the whole Helena Bonham Carter monstrosity.) However, the original takes the prize. Angela Lansbury is unbeatable. Here is a link to her performance.
10. "Everybody Says Don't" (1964)
As previously stated, Barbra Streisand always wins. Here is her performance.
11. "Children Will Listen" (1987)
I remember standing on stage during my eighth grade production of "Into the Woods." Hand-in-hand with my fellow cast members, we belted this song without truly analyzing the lyrics. As a teacher-in-the-making, now I understand completely. Take a listen here.
12. "Rose's Turn" (1959)
Stephen Sondheim began his career as the lyricist for both "Gypsy" and "West Side Story." Eh. Beginner's luck, I guess. The song "Rose's Turn" is every belting alto's dream, and I will forever adore this song. Here is a link to my favorite rendition.
I hope you enjoyed taking a trip through my childhood Broadway obsessions. I thank Mr. Sondheim for introducing me to an amazing art that not only allowed me to perform, but also introduced me to so many friends along the way. I will always be a musical theatre lover!
