Sondheim on Music: Minor Details and Major Decisions - Tapa dura

...a wonderful achievement....Horowitz's contribution to the conversation is astonishing in the questions he thinks to ask and the deep understanding of Sondheim's work, and musical theatre in general, that he brings to the table.--Orson Scott Card "Www.Hatrack.Com "

Sondheim on Music compiles a series of interviews the author conducted with Stephen Sondheim as they pored over Sondheim's manuscripts and sketches and discussed the creative process. Focusing primarily on six shows, Passion, Assassins, Into the Woods, Sunday in the Park with George, Sweeney Todd, and Pacific Overtures, Sondheim talks about his approaches to musicalizing characters and dramatic moments; how motifs and thematic material are created and used; how musical components like harmony, melody, and rhythm reflect character; the structuring of a score; the use of pastiche; and the practical aspects of collaboration. In addition, the book includes Sondheim's list of _Songs I wish I'd Written,_ his reasons behind some of those choices, and the messages he received from composers and lyricists whose songs were included on the list. An exhaustive Songlisting and a Discography follow, cataloging commercial recordings of Sondheim songs, vocal ranges, and publishing information for his songs and scores.