LaChiusa vs. Sondheim

[sondheim78]

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.

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

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...

[WithoutATrace]

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.

[ihearttheatre]

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

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

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.

[BroadwayGirl107]

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

[Mister Matt]

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.

[Calvin]

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

What about Mel Brooks vs. Joe Brooks?

[Mister Matt]

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

Much better Calvin. Thank you.

You're such a wiener.

:-P

[BSoBW2]

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

I. Was. Joking.

[Calvin]

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

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

[BSoBW2]

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

Elvis vs Abba

The Four Seasons vs Lennon

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

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.

[Mister Matt]

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.

[Calvin]

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

Oscar Meyer vs. Ballpark?

[Sumofallthings]

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

Ditka v. Sondheim

[zoomzoom]

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?

[Mister Matt]

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

Ballpark. Duh!

[blaxx]

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).

[DG]

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

". . . and integrity"

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

[OtherDaryl]

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

Porter vs. Coward?

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

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...

[sondheim78]

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

Agnes De Mille vs. American Gladiators

[sondheim78]

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?

[Mister Matt]

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.