“Probably Nothing” by Sparks always called out to me as very Sondheimian. Deceptively simple and introspective, without being self-conscious. It’s more about what the character is not doing than what he is doing, and how that affects others. https://youtu.be/K6Q9SBt01so?si=LyAgUX7AaYBMkk6F
No problem. They’re two brothers named Ron and Russell Mael, been around for over 50 years. It’s really worth checking out their entire catalogue. (All 28 albums!) They also have a Gilbert and Sullivan-esque flair, especially on their early albums, but their influences really run the theatrical gamut.
Great concept for an article. The thing about comic surfaces over frantic household drama reminds me of Tesori's Fun Home, especially "Welcome to Our House on Maple Avenue": "He wants the Hepplewhite suite chairs / back in the parlor..."
What a wonderful post. I know (and have recorded) some of these songs, but others are new to me. Thanks for the playlist!
Thank you! I discovered "Better" through your recording!
May I suggest Kander and Ebb’s “Coffee in a Cardboard Cup,” which is a first cousin to “Buddy’s Blues”?
A fabulous suggestion! Noted for future volumes...
At the Co-Op 🎶
👀
Great piece!
Lots of new music to discover.
"The Light in the Piazza" is a favorite. And can't believe I didn't think of the "Sweeney Todd" and "Peter Grimes" connection :)
I sincerely believe everyone who likes Sweeney Todd would get SO much from Peter Grimes. Would make for a great first opera, I think, too...
I love Britten.
While I have you here, here’s a tribute I wrote to Sondheim:
https://kabiraltaf.substack.com/p/reflection-stephen-sondheim-1930
“Probably Nothing” by Sparks always called out to me as very Sondheimian. Deceptively simple and introspective, without being self-conscious. It’s more about what the character is not doing than what he is doing, and how that affects others. https://youtu.be/K6Q9SBt01so?si=LyAgUX7AaYBMkk6F
What a great suggestion! Thanks for introducing me to this
No problem. They’re two brothers named Ron and Russell Mael, been around for over 50 years. It’s really worth checking out their entire catalogue. (All 28 albums!) They also have a Gilbert and Sullivan-esque flair, especially on their early albums, but their influences really run the theatrical gamut.
yes!! 🎶🎶🎶
🙌🙌
Such a fun idea!
Great concept for an article. The thing about comic surfaces over frantic household drama reminds me of Tesori's Fun Home, especially "Welcome to Our House on Maple Avenue": "He wants the Hepplewhite suite chairs / back in the parlor..."