Fav non-original Sondheim orchestrations

[binau]

Posted: 12/10/22 at 10:26am

I think it's often a 'go-to' criticism whenever there are different or especially reduced Sondheim orchestrations that we lament the full-sized originals (see also, ATC post right now on Merrily). However, as the years go by I actually enjoy sometimes dabbling in these for the different sounds. For example, even though the original Sunday orchestrations are glorious sometimes I don't mind the simplicity of the Menier Sunday orchestrations - I like clearly hearing the piano and the kind of toy wind up box feel of the whole thing. I also think the John Doyle Sweeney Todd orchestrations have a certain creepiness to them in addition to being impressed at the feat/artistry of having an ensemble of actors perform the entire mammoth show, instruments, singing, acting and all.

Trying to see if I can more appreciation in other examples. Are there any other non-Standard or reduced Sondheim orchestrations you enjoy listening to? (preferably if they are on record, but ok if not!).  

 

Updated On: 12/10/22 at 10:26 AM

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 12/10/22 at 10:29am

Jonathan Tunick is a GENIUS and no one could ever replace his orchestrations. They are definitive and masterful.

 

With that being said, I do enjoy the orchestrations for Doyle's Sweeney.

[Laurapattifan]

Posted: 12/10/22 at 11:02am

Marianne Elliott’s Company had good orchestrations that updated the 70s sound without sounding dull. 

[The8re phan]

Posted: 12/10/22 at 11:12am

Laurapattifan said: "Marianne Elliott’s Company had good orchestrations that updated the 70s sound without sounding dull."

Yes, this......1000%

I know, I know..... they were not contractually able to release it. but the fact that these exquisite orchestrations were not recorded along with that cast is truly a crime.

[JanMaxwellsBag]

Posted: 12/10/22 at 11:25am

I am head over heels in love with the Jonathan Tunick’s beefed up orchestrations for the Into The Woods film. I listen to the instrumentals-only album quite frequently.

Also because the Doyle Sweeney and Company revivals were my introduction to Sondheim, I have a soft spot for those orchestrations too. 

Updated On: 12/10/22 at 11:25 AM

[broadwayindie]

Posted: 12/10/22 at 11:27am

The broadway Assassins revival has some of the best orchestrations ever

[ljay889]

Posted: 12/10/22 at 11:58am

The8re phan said: "Laurapattifan said: "Marianne Elliott’sCompanyhad good orchestrations that updated the 70s sound without sounding dull."

Yes, this......1000%

I know, I know..... they were not contractually able to release it. but the fact that these exquisite orchestrations were not recorded along with that cast is truly a crime."

Yep, it’s still depressing, especially because they don’t sound as good on the London recording, and there were some updates for Broadway. 

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 12/10/22 at 12:00pm

I have an informal playlist for the Sweeney I would like to do, and taken together, the sources are pretty cool. Specifically, they are Lea DeLaria's "Ballad of Sweeney Todd" from her Play It Cool album, Peabo Bryson's "Pretty Women" from Color and Light: Jazz Sketches on Sondheim, the Terry Trotter Trio's Sweeney Todd... in Jazz album, and Terry Vosbein and the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra's Fleet Street album. The combined vision, which would surely come out a little different once filtered through a single orchestrator (and an associated creative team), is startling but refreshing in prototype.

...I have ideas, okay?

[darquegk]

Posted: 12/10/22 at 12:06pm

I love the Doyle Company orchestrations for their sophisticated cocktail-hour coldness. It fits the arch, detached vibe of that production so well.

[JanMaxwellsBag]

Posted: 12/10/22 at 12:12pm

g.d.e.l.g.i. said: "I have an informal playlist for theSweeneyI would like to do, and taken together, the sources are pretty cool. Specifically, they are Lea DeLaria's "Ballad of Sweeney Todd" from herPlay It Coolalbum, Peabo Bryson's "Pretty Women" fromColor and Light: Jazz Sketches on Sondheim,the Terry Trotter Trio'sSweeney Todd... in Jazzalbum, and Terry Vosbein and the Knoxville Jazz Orchestra'sFleet Streetalbum. The combined vision, which would surely come out a little different once filtered through a single orchestrator (and an associated creative team), is startling but refreshing in prototype.

...I have ideas, okay?"

Lea DeLaria’s Play It Cool is a foundational text for me! The arrangement of Losing My Mind she does is very, well, cool. 

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 12/10/22 at 12:38pm

I love what Tunick and David Chase did for the Jerry Zaks FORUM. Superior arrangements to the originals, imho.