Composers that can't read sheet music- Page 2

[givesmevoice]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 9:55pm

wow, I didn't know so many of these composers couldn't read sheet music! I'm always surprised when performers say they can't, but composers?

although I do think I knew about Irving Berlin.

[allofmylife]

Posted: 7/22/09 at 10:34pm

Berlin's piano, with its knee-operated stick shift to transpose the key is in the Smithsonian.

If Lionel Bart did write his own stuff, the final bridge in "It's A Fine Life" ("Not for me, the happy home. Happy husband, happy wife...) brings tears to my eyes every time I hear (with tears in my eyes, I'm typing). Great writing.

[nomdeplume]

Posted: 7/23/09 at 4:20am

Songs came first, before there was ever sheet music.

So it really is not surprising.

If you have an ear.

[heo1128]

Posted: 7/23/09 at 5:05am

The Avenue Q composer Jeff Marx can't read music, and actually teamed up with Robert Lopez so he'd have someone to write down his musical ideas.

[sparrman]

Posted: 7/23/09 at 11:54am

Neither Anthony Newley nor Leslie Bricusse could read or notate music. Ian Fraser wrote it down for them, and it's hard not to think he's due some amount of credit for the success of their work.

[binau]

Posted: 7/23/09 at 6:17pm

If ever "Tunesmith" was a more appropriate name for a composer it would be the names mentioned in this thread..

[allofmylife]

Posted: 7/26/09 at 3:51am

All these guys (and perhaps Mary Rodgers) who can't write music have one common reply to this thread.

"Maybe I can't write music, but I can damn well write a musical..."

[CSonBroadway]

Posted: 7/26/09 at 9:49am

Dolly Parton wrote the music for 9 to 5...

[njohn]

Posted: 8/2/09 at 12:20am

Brilliant ideas can come from anywhere. I'm not surprised at all. As long as the composer gives credit to those that helped him, then it's all good.
Updated On: 8/2/09 at 12:20 AM