Composers that can't read sheet music — Page 2

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#26

re: Composers that can't read sheet music

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.

When I see the phrase "the ____ estate", I imagine a vast mansion in the country full of monocled men and high-collared women receiving letters about productions across the country and doing spit-takes at whatever they contain. -Kad

#27

re: Composers that can't read sheet music

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.

http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=972787#3631451 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=963561#3533883 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955158#3440952 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954269#3427915 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=955012#3441622 http://www.broadwayworld.com/board/readmessage.cfm?thread=954344#3428699

#28

re: Composers who can't read sheet music

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.

#29

re: Composers who can't read sheet music

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.

#30

re: Composers who can't read sheet music

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.

#31

re: Composers who can't read sheet music

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..

Give me claws and a hunch, just away from this bunch.

#32

re: Composers who can't read sheet music

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..."

#33

re: Composers who can't read sheet music

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

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

I'm a professional. Whenever something goes wrong on stage, I know how to handle it so no one ever remembers. I flash my %#$&. "Jayne just sat there while Gina flailed around the stage like an idiot."

#34

re: Composers who can't read sheet music

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

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