Wow! This is big week for composer birthdays! Yesterday Bach, and now Sondheim & Lloyd Webber! Both theatrical composers, I unfortunately cannot take you out to see the shows I want to discuss, so let’s go to YouTube!

Sondheim: A Little Night Music

The week or so ago, my voice teacher asked me my favorite song from “A Little Night Music,” and after I compared it to picking a favorite child, we settled on “Every Day A Little Death.” Maureen Moore makes me want to melt.

And then last night, a friend of mine asked if it was worth it to watch the film version of the show. In eventually concluded it was, if only to see the standout performances, such as Diana Rigg as Charlotte. (Unfortunately,  YouTube only has a recording, but you can still hear the heartache.)

Lloyd Webber: The Phantom of the Opera

When I was a young whippersnapper of a male soprano, I was always attracted to the soprano “arias” of Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom.” I started to explore musical theatre just as the film version came out, so I would often be caught with this tune lilting through my brain and attempting to lilt out of my mouth.

But, I must be honest. I didn’t like Phantom. The movie hadn’t sold me, and I had never had an opportunity to see the stage show. But then this Spring Break, I found the Royal Albert Hall 25th Anniversary taping. (Four Redboxes, Two States, it was a very popular DVD.) I really enjoyed it, I was finally able to see the stage show, and now I like “The Phantom of the Opera.” If you are not a fan of the show, but have only seen the movie, I would highly recommend this taping. He’s a brief clip of the same song.

Yay! Birthdays!

Okay, now I have to get back to homework.
Nathan Hatha-

Are you kidding me? I missed Mussorgsky’s birthday yesterday? Oh fine. I love this piece, it fascinates me how music can actually sound creepy.

And the disco version . . .

And we’re done.
Nathan Hathaway Adams