Stephen Sondheim

Brief bio of Sondheim by Tim Page.

Stephen Sondheim begins by saying he is an eclectic composer and that he likes to write shows that are different from each other. The minimalist movement. Admires Steve Reich and Philip Glass. He also talks about Pacific Overtures and its influences. He says each of his scores in general and their influences. Sondheim comments on the influence of Milton Babbit and Oscar Hammerstein on his work. Some Hammerstein heard in his work but no Babbit. Hammerstein taught him largely how to structure songs. "Talent imitates, genius steals," Sondheim says you have to have confidence and awareness in your work. He talks about how he works and his collaborations on various shows. He says accompaniments are the secret to an atmosphere.

Sondheim says he originally trained as a musician. Being a lyricist was initially a sideline. He talks about Company and how the show came to be. Calls it the first plotless musical. Follies, "a party with music. Pacifica Overtures, a scrapbook. A Little Night Music, a plot. Sweeny Todd, all plot.

Musical Selection: Company by Stephen Sondheim.

Sondheim comments on the success of Send in the Clowns from A Little Night Music. Calls it a fluk. Rarely do songs from musicals become hits. He calls it an angry song. He reflects on the success of some songs (Tonight and Maria) from West Side Story.

Musical Selection: Send in the Clowns sung by Glynis Johns from the original soundtrack of A Little Night Music.

Sondheim talks about journalistic criticism of his work and describes the bulk of it as illiterate. He calls it "the only profession in the world that is criticized by ignoramuses." They do not know the difference between an arrangement and an orchestration. He argues that music critics are generally different. Comments on when Sweeny Todd came to the New York City Opera. Says critics do not unfamiliar material and have a need to label works. Sondheim resists labels. He talks about the difference between musical theater and opera.

Musical Selection: A selection from the RCA cast album of Sweeny Todd from the beginning of Act II.

WNYC archives id: 8903