LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

#1

LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 3:35pm

So, it was reccomended on the Schwartz vs. Sondheim board that someone post a thread of this, as it is certainly much more interesting a topic than Schwartz vs. Sondheim. Let's at least compare artists of similar styles, approaches, and integrity.

#2

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 3:40pm

hmm, it seems to me Sondheim has a more classical approach in terms of composing technique and thus more conventional composing structures whereas LaChiusa draws his inspirations mostly from at times atonal modern jazz techniques. to start off...

#3

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 3:49pm

Both composers require you to think. The lyrics to all (well most) of the songs help move the story along. I am definitely a fan of both composers.

#4

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 3:49pm

I think LaChiusa is a genius and I adore his work, but it's hard to compare *anyone* to Sondheim.

Updated On: 4/19/06 at 03:49 PM

#5

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 3:54pm

One could add, compared to LaChiusa Sondheim seems a hum-along. I yet to love the LaChiusa shows Wild Party and SWIWS. Can't connect to First Lady Suite though and feel mixed about Hello again.

#6

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 3:55pm

I actually PREFER LaChiusa to Sondheim, but either way, I think you're comparing two of the best.

As far as the original post...I wouldn't say they have the same styles. There is definitely Sondheim's style and then LaChiusa's and no confusing the two. What I think is similar is their inclination to choose eccentric pieces to work on and the fact that their scores become such an integral part of the story-telling--well, moreso than most composers, I think.

Updated On: 4/19/06 at 03:55 PM

#7

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 4:27pm

Oh, good grief. There is nothing interesting in comparing every musical theatre composer to Sondheim. And I'm not sure I get what is so similar about them other than they both compose for musical theatre.

If you have to compare composers (though I would hate to have my work sized up to anyone else's) why not compare LaChiusa to Guettel or Bock to Adler and Ross? Anyone but ***SONDHEIM*** the Litmus paper of musical theatre placed under glass atop a pedestal at the acme of Mount Olympus in Heaven. It just gets silly after a few hundred threads.

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"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian

#8

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 4:28pm

What about Mel Brooks vs. Joe Brooks?

#9

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 4:31pm

Much better Calvin. Thank you.

You're such a wiener.

:-P

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"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian

#10

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 4:40pm

I. Was. Joking.

#11

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 4:42pm

I could've said Abba vs. The Beach Boys.

#12

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 4:45pm

Elvis vs Abba

The Four Seasons vs Lennon

#13

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 4:48pm

Let's compare the lyrics of Hart vs. those of Hammerstein II. That would at least be serious.

#14

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 4:52pm

ABBA vs. Beach Boys is like Clay Aiken trying to teeter-totter with Dom DeLuise.

And you're still a wiener.

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"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian

#15

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 4:54pm

Oscar Meyer vs. Ballpark?

#16

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 4:56pm

Ditka v. Sondheim

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BSoBW2: I punched Sondheim in the face after I saw Wicked and said, "Why couldn't you write like that!?"

#17

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 5:06pm

Jason Robert Brown Vs Janathan Larson

It's hard to compare about those two brilliant composers. I loved them both. How do you think?

#18

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 5:09pm

Ballpark. Duh!

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"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian

#19

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 5:16pm

What's with putting Sondheim against everyone as if it was a boxing match? (Which he always seems to win by K.O. anyway).

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Listen, I don't take my clothes off for anyone, even if it is "artistic". - JANICE

#20

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 5:26pm

". . . and integrity"

No discussion that begins with this type of insult is worth entering into.

#21

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 5:26pm

Porter vs. Coward?

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"Love Life. Live." Michael Bennett

#22

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 5:29pm

Porter's more catchy to put it in few words. But I admit I'm not really into Coward yet, have to try more of his shows...

#23

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 5:59pm

Agnes De Mille vs. American Gladiators

#24

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 6:01pm

No discussion that begins with this type of insult is worth entering into.

DG--

Whom did I insult?

#25

re: LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

Posted: 4/19/06 at 6:03pm

"Agnes De Mille vs. American Gladiators"

Apples and Oranges.

Try Agnes De Mille vs. Debbie Allen. That's way more fun.

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"What can you expect from a bunch of seitan worshippers?" - Reginald Tresilian