Scores That Work Better in the Context of Their Shows

[esparza 333]

Posted: 1/24/11 at 7:25pm

There are some shows that I have seen where I have liked the music much more during the show then when I have listened to it before and after. Obviously songs tend to work better emotionally in their show but with some shows (Follies, Fiddler, Sweeney, Guys and Dolls) they just work as a stand alone whether because of humor or because they just sound beautiful. To me Billy Elliot' s score does not strike me by just listening to it but I was very moved by many of the songs during the actual show. Other musicals that come to mind are How to Succeed and Caroline or Change. What others do you think share this?

Updated On: 1/24/11 at 07:25 PM

[quizking101]

Posted: 1/24/11 at 7:30pm

Next To Normal...that is, if I understand your question.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 1/24/11 at 7:31pm

To me, the obvious show is FANNY. I'd always thought there were some beautiful numbers in the score but the rest of it didn't make sense. After seeing the Encores! version of it last season, I realized the whole score it wonderful when viewed in the context of the show.

Adding to this, the obc is a chopped up mess with numbers out of sequence and the sweeping orchestral and choral passages deleted.

[dragonlp86]

Posted: 1/24/11 at 7:37pm

I can't think of a show in its entirety, but the song "Inutil" from 'In the Heights' wasn't a song I liked at all until I actually saw the show and heard the song in context with the story.

[ClapYo'Hands]

Posted: 1/24/11 at 7:45pm

"Oliver!"

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/24/11 at 7:51pm

For me, "In the Heights" and "Next To Normal". Disliked both before I saw the shows. "Next to Normal's" score works better in the context of the show but I still didn't like it enough to buy it after I saw it. I bought "In the Heights". "Assassins" comes to mind also. I can listen to that on its own also. I just listened to "How to Succeed in Business..." and didn't care for it. I am hoping it works better within the context. I have never seen it and hope to see this revival.

[bwayfan7000]

Posted: 1/24/11 at 7:55pm

I know it's a little bit different than what's being asked, but Everyday Rapture comes to mind.

[Fosse76]

Posted: 1/24/11 at 7:57pm

Wicked. I hated it when I heard the CD for the first time. But when I saw the show I thought the music worked well (the lyrics, on the otherhand...). I agree that Billy Elliot also works better in the context of the show. Spelling Bee, and I'd agree with Assassins.

[AmbularNYC]

Posted: 1/24/11 at 9:02pm

Gypsy.

[Taryn]

Posted: 1/24/11 at 9:53pm

I think that most, if not all, scores are going to work better in the context of their show. I think what you're really asking is, 'What scores don't hold up outside the context of their show?'

[Weez]

Posted: 1/25/11 at 7:10am

Passion. I just couldn't get into it AT ALL until I saw it performed. Now I understand what's going on, I love it deeply.

[Katurian2]

Posted: 1/25/11 at 7:39am

Caroline, or Change. Incredible score, but I also think complex deeply rooted in the characters and situations in the show.

[trentsketch]

Posted: 1/25/11 at 9:13am

City of Angels would not exist without that music, but the complete score (as great as it is) works much better when you have the story to latch onto. It's the difference between "With Ev'ry Breath I Take" being a torch song and something the entire Stone plot-line hinges on. I mean, if you don't know that Oolie and Donna both sing in "You Can Always Count on Me," the conceit of the song is lost. You don't get that unless you know its context in the show.

[uncageg]

Posted: 1/25/11 at 9:28am

I agree with "..Spelling Bee" also. I don't think "Caroline or Change" needs to be seen to be understoodenjoyed. For me, the recording stands on its own and does a good job of bringing the entire piece to life. I have played it for friends from beginning to end and they loved it and understood everything that was going on. Just my opinions.