What Sondheim recording should I get?

#1

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:11pm

I know there are threads about this. Well I want one that is really listenable . So I don't want Sweeney or Passion. I haven't seen his shows so I don't know. Maybe Follies or Into The Woods.

#2

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:12pm

I'd say INTO THE WOODS or SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE are good listens for a beginner.

#3

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:16pm

Sweeney actually does win over a lot of converts--while Passiona nd Pacific Overtures are perhaps musically my two faves, they're also not good introductions... I got hooked on Sondheim thanks to Into the Woods (though I was 10--and it was seeing Act II on TV...), I also think Company is a great intro piece. I'd suggest either of those OBCRs.

#4

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:18pm

I have listened to snippets of the Sweeney score and I don't think I would appreciate how awesome it is until I get into Sondheim more.

#5

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:19pm

Company- the original

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"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "

#6

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:19pm

Merrily We Roll Along and Company :)

#7

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:21pm

I refuse to help anyone who thinks Sweeney Todd is "unlistenable". Passion, I could understand (though I don't concur). Have you even heard either score? Sheesh!

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"Broadway...I'll lick you yet!"

#8

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:21pm

I'm surprised to see Sweeney categorized as "not listenable." In terms of catchy (imprecise word choice but it'll do) songs, I'd go for Company or Merrily. And if you're looking for super-listenable, the original Company recording will probably hold your attention better than either of the revivals.

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A work of art is an invitation to love.

Updated On: 6/18/11 at 06:21 PM

#9

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:22pm

The first recording that I bought / heard was Sweeney Todd OBC on vinyl in January 1980. And to tell the truth, I only bought it (with some birthday present money) cause it included the libretto which to a kid who had just turned 13, found extremely fascinating.... I'd suggest Into The Woods, Company or Follies.

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"It's not where you start, it's where you finish!"

Updated On: 6/18/11 at 06:22 PM

#10

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:24pm

Also, I was 14 when I first heard Passion. It was the first Sondheim show I heard (I saw it on that year's Tony Awards, knowing nothing of Sondheim, and bought the disc). I was hooked from first listen.

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"Broadway...I'll lick you yet!"

#11

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:28pm

Did you people read my explanation. I have heard snippets and mayeb 4 or 5 songs from Passion. They are good but I think I would find them amazing if I listened to more Sondheim first. I'm not saying they are bad. I'm saying listenable in the sense Glitter And Be Gay is listenable while you have to listen to Make Our Garden Grow in context to fully appreciate it.

#12

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:28pm

Did you people read my explanation. I have heard snippets and mayeb 4 or 5 songs from Passion. They are good but I think I would find them amazing if I listened to more Sondheim first. I'm not saying they are bad. I'm saying listenable in the sense Glitter And Be Gay is listenable while you have to listen to Make Our Garden Grow in context to fully appreciate it.

#13

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:29pm

Did you people read my explanation? I have heard snippets and mayeb 4 or 5 songs from Passion. They are good but I think I would find them amazing if I listened to more Sondheim first. I'm not saying they are bad. I'm saying listenable in the sense Glitter And Be Gay is listenable while you have to listen to Make Our Garden Grow in context to fully appreciate it.

Updated On: 6/18/11 at 06:29 PM

#14

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:32pm

Sweeney is actually the first score I heard and then I saw the show, my first Sondheim show, and that's what got me into Sondheim. Maybe listen to Sweeney from the beginning instead of just snippets before you deem it "unlistenable". Sondheim isn't like Lady Gaga or some pop music you can just sample and decide if you like it or not.

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Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder

#15

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:33pm

Can't believe no-one's suggesting A Little Night Music! Some of the most accessible songs he's ever written in one of his few traditional musical comedies, rather than the more challenging concept shows. Gorgeous songs all, along with his one recognizable pop hit, and hearing the songs in the OBCR will give a terrific sense of the play as a whole. You'll thank me, I promise.

#16

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:34pm

"Did you people read my explanation", lol.

Argh.

In any case, don't buy the cast recordings yet - buy the Into the Woods DVD or Sweeney DVD (the tour, or the film)..that will be the best introduction.

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

#17

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:36pm

Thank you for your suggestions. But do people not understand by listenable I meant easy to listen to ( in the sense of simpler). I never meant I listened to 3 songs and I don't like it.

#18

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:37pm

I think that's a really wise suggestion--starting with a DVD.

I heard Passion when I was 14 (well, just about) as well, but was already well versed. Still, I suspect I would have been taken with it even if I wasn't a Sondheim fan before.

#19

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:39pm

I'm getting the recording because I have an iTunes card. I would need to order a DVD. If I do get a DVD I still can get a recording. :)

Updated On: 6/18/11 at 06:39 PM

#20

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:56pm

I think Sweeney is very easy to listen to. Actually, the recording also tells the story, which is what I really liked about it when I first listened to it. I think that also was part of what made me get into Sondheim.

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Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder

#21

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 6:58pm

Anyway lets get back to the subject. It's down to Follies, ALNM, Company and Into the Woods. Which one?

#22

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 7:04pm

Whichever one YOU want. You are not going to find a consensus between three. Read a synopsis of each one and decide which one SEEMS like something you will like.

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If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it? These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.

#23

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 7:07pm

My thought is that if you didn't like the snippets you heard, you may not like some of the others.

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Just give the world Love. - S. Wonder

#24

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 7:08pm

All 4 are brilliant. Hopefully one day you'll have the $40 to order all four on i-tunes. Enjoy.

#25

What Sondheim recording should I get?

Posted: 6/18/11 at 7:27pm

It wouldn't hurt for you to evidence a bit more patience with the people who are expressing their opinion on your behalf.

Anyway, I suspect of the four, "Into the Woods" would be the best bet for you.