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.
I'd say INTO THE WOODS or SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE are good listens for a beginner.
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
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.
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.
Company- the original
Merrily We Roll Along and Company :)
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
"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.
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.
Broadway Star Joined: 12/31/69
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.
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
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.
Anyway lets get back to the subject. It's down to Follies, ALNM, Company and Into the Woods. Which one?
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.
My thought is that if you didn't like the snippets you heard, you may not like some of the others.
All 4 are brilliant. Hopefully one day you'll have the $40 to order all four on i-tunes. Enjoy.
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.
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