Song cycles

hello all,

what is your definition of a song cycle?
what do you expect from one?
is it merely theatrical songs one after the other? do you expect a solid plot linking?

what would you consider the best song cycle?

the only song cycles that come to my mind now are: (can you list more?)
- myths and hymns
- songs for a new world
- elegies (finn)
- last five years (i know some reffered to it as a song cycle, though i see it as a musical)

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I've always considered William Finn's "In Trousers" a song cycle.

Some people consider the original "Tommy" by The Who as a song cycle (before it ever became a movie or Broadway show).

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If the song cycle can be debated to actually be a musical, I call it a good one. "Song for a New World" for example. I still have debates with people over whether which catagory it falls into. The cycle needs to have strong character songs that tie into a major theme.

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December Songs is also a song cycle.

A song cycle is a collection of songs that are of a common theme, and a good one is where all the songs are well written. The audience should also be able to make a connection between all the songs and see how they all relate to each other.

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SONG AND DANCE.

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I recenlt attended the london premier of MYTHS AND HYMNS. it was amazing! in the smallest venue imaginable (less than 30 seats, i believe) this small cast has succeeded (with ingenious directing) in making this song cycle a complete and cohesive evening. I really fealt like i was watching a man's mental journey from the inside of his mind. like i was part of his search for a meaning. it was brilliant.
( plus, i didn't know there were quite a few songs cut from the show for the CD)

to anyone who's seen the show (london/NY/elsewhere) did you have as strong an experience as i did? what do you think makes this show so cohesive and powerful?

what could make any cycle of theatrical songs cohesive and meaningful as a whole?

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Updated On: 7/12/07 at 07:43 PM