Top 10 Best Stephen Sondheim Songs
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Date: 2023-11-20
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Comments and reviews: 30
Happy
So glad you had Loving You from PASSION! Such a love song. introspective, hopeful in its solemnity. I'd agree with most or all but you forgot my favorite and the one I find the most interesting. Children and Art from SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. Not only does Sondheim send a message here, about arts education and how important it is for children to learn about the arts, but when Marie, the daughter of Serrault, as an old woman in the 2nd act, looks at the painting and sees her mother in it, as she was a model for George before having his child and leaving for America with a man who'd marry her. She sees her mother in every rather anonymous woman in a purple made of of tiny dots (Dot, indeed, is her mother's name) and she speaks to her mother on how she would love her great grandson, though he is sad. It has so many messages and is glorious in its reminiscing about the past, family, art, children in general. Children and Art, indeed, should be something that go together as naturally, at least for some, as a 2 piece puzzle.
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So glad you had Loving You from PASSION! Such a love song. introspective, hopeful in its solemnity. I'd agree with most or all but you forgot my favorite and the one I find the most interesting. Children and Art from SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. Not only does Sondheim send a message here, about arts education and how important it is for children to learn about the arts, but when Marie, the daughter of Serrault, as an old woman in the 2nd act, looks at the painting and sees her mother in it, as she was a model for George before having his child and leaving for America with a man who'd marry her. She sees her mother in every rather anonymous woman in a purple made of of tiny dots (Dot, indeed, is her mother's name) and she speaks to her mother on how she would love her great grandson, though he is sad. It has so many messages and is glorious in its reminiscing about the past, family, art, children in general. Children and Art, indeed, should be something that go together as naturally, at least for some, as a 2 piece puzzle.
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Steven
When choosing best songs, there's always a bias towards the songs with a solo singer. For example, I think the best song from 'A Little Night Music' is 'A Weekend in the Country', but this video thinks it was 'Send in the Clowns'. Sondheim shows his brilliance in the former with creating sharp, catty, and witty interactions in the ensemble that are true to character; and when he builds it up to a quintet with awe-inspiring counterpoint, it brings to mind the glorious work of Mozart and Da Ponte in The Marriage of Figaro. Also, the best version of this song is on the original cast album, especially with Victoria Mallory as Anne Egerman - she should have gotten the Tony Award. This song truly has a great 'tune', Mr. Sondheim (RIP.
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When choosing best songs, there's always a bias towards the songs with a solo singer. For example, I think the best song from 'A Little Night Music' is 'A Weekend in the Country', but this video thinks it was 'Send in the Clowns'. Sondheim shows his brilliance in the former with creating sharp, catty, and witty interactions in the ensemble that are true to character; and when he builds it up to a quintet with awe-inspiring counterpoint, it brings to mind the glorious work of Mozart and Da Ponte in The Marriage of Figaro. Also, the best version of this song is on the original cast album, especially with Victoria Mallory as Anne Egerman - she should have gotten the Tony Award. This song truly has a great 'tune', Mr. Sondheim (RIP.
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Lauren
I find it interesting that in the new adaptation of West side story there is apparently suppose to be a moment that could be a part of the beginning where a original character made up by the screenwriters sings the opening lines of Somewhere and the person who plays the original character made up by the screen writers is played by a member of the original 1960s cast members, I think it is said to be the actress who sang Anita.
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I find it interesting that in the new adaptation of West side story there is apparently suppose to be a moment that could be a part of the beginning where a original character made up by the screenwriters sings the opening lines of Somewhere and the person who plays the original character made up by the screen writers is played by a member of the original 1960s cast members, I think it is said to be the actress who sang Anita.
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Mervyn
I was glad to see Assassins got a mention, however, I would have chosen Everybody's got the right.
And Ladies who Lunch, or even Company, would have been my choice over Being Alive.
Also, as a Sweeney Todd guy, I would have chosen the disturbing Johanna, as performed by Judge Terpin.
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I was glad to see Assassins got a mention, however, I would have chosen Everybody's got the right.
And Ladies who Lunch, or even Company, would have been my choice over Being Alive.
Also, as a Sweeney Todd guy, I would have chosen the disturbing Johanna, as performed by Judge Terpin.
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William
I remember when I really delved into all types of music in my late teens & early 20s.
One of the biggest surprises to me was how many ICONIC songs from MUSICALS & OPERAS I was already familiar with because I'd heard them before in CARTOONS, VIDEO GAMES.
It was truly surprising.
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I remember when I really delved into all types of music in my late teens & early 20s.
One of the biggest surprises to me was how many ICONIC songs from MUSICALS & OPERAS I was already familiar with because I'd heard them before in CARTOONS, VIDEO GAMES.
It was truly surprising.
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james
SOO many good songs to choose from for this legend and this list is grand. Might have put something from Dick Tracy as at least an honorable mention. Especially What Can You Lose. For such a short song, it packs a huge punch due to his genius (and Mandy Patinkins angelic tone.
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SOO many good songs to choose from for this legend and this list is grand. Might have put something from Dick Tracy as at least an honorable mention. Especially What Can You Lose. For such a short song, it packs a huge punch due to his genius (and Mandy Patinkins angelic tone.
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msmojo
Im doing into the woods jr at my theatre and the ending is a little different from the one in the full show. They do get the happily ever after, but they also learn a lesson about teamwork and companionship. Children will listen is the finale of the show.
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Im doing into the woods jr at my theatre and the ending is a little different from the one in the full show. They do get the happily ever after, but they also learn a lesson about teamwork and companionship. Children will listen is the finale of the show.
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JunjiItoManiac
I honestly think that the beginning of another national anthem is beautiful work from Sondheim, the overlapping voices and orchestra, as well as Zangara screaming and Byck yelling about the prize, never fails to give me shivers when I listen to it
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I honestly think that the beginning of another national anthem is beautiful work from Sondheim, the overlapping voices and orchestra, as well as Zangara screaming and Byck yelling about the prize, never fails to give me shivers when I listen to it
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shabberto
Went against the initial promise of being the real bangers from the heart and not the iconic showboat stuff tbh. Like Merilly has Like it Was, Growing Up, Good thing Going and Follies has One More Kiss. But I really appreciate the video nonetheless.
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Went against the initial promise of being the real bangers from the heart and not the iconic showboat stuff tbh. Like Merilly has Like it Was, Growing Up, Good thing Going and Follies has One More Kiss. But I really appreciate the video nonetheless.
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Ikaris
To anyone who comes here to pay their respects to Stephen Sondheim, please say May his memory be a blessing as he was Jewish and they dont say RIP(Im not entirely sure how accurate this is, but Ive been multiple comments on TikToks about him say this)
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To anyone who comes here to pay their respects to Stephen Sondheim, please say May his memory be a blessing as he was Jewish and they dont say RIP(Im not entirely sure how accurate this is, but Ive been multiple comments on TikToks about him say this)
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Rick
Some interesting choices given his masterful volume of work. Epiphany is an odd choice I would have added chrysanthemum tea from pacific overtures and I never do anything twice written for the film, the 7% Solution. Such a loss - such a legacy.
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Some interesting choices given his masterful volume of work. Epiphany is an odd choice I would have added chrysanthemum tea from pacific overtures and I never do anything twice written for the film, the 7% Solution. Such a loss - such a legacy.
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Colin
Tbh I think that all his songs are top tier. I keep remembering some his work and thinking that should have been on this list. And then doing it over and over until I realize that all of them are just as beautiful and complex as the next.
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Tbh I think that all his songs are top tier. I keep remembering some his work and thinking that should have been on this list. And then doing it over and over until I realize that all of them are just as beautiful and complex as the next.
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Gwyn
Music is definitely a subjective experience. I think that each of us has a personal favorite based on life experience. I Remember Sky is mine. There is just something that resonates in the melody. Perhaps it is just beauty.
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Music is definitely a subjective experience. I think that each of us has a personal favorite based on life experience. I Remember Sky is mine. There is just something that resonates in the melody. Perhaps it is just beauty.
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Anne
As you listen to each of these fabulous songs you find that each had the perfect singer for each and every one. The one person who will always be synonymous with that song! I think of Bette Midler any time I hear Rose!
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As you listen to each of these fabulous songs you find that each had the perfect singer for each and every one. The one person who will always be synonymous with that song! I think of Bette Midler any time I hear Rose!
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Daniel
Does no one remember the songs from the Warren Beatty movie Dick Tracy?
More
Sooner or Later
Back in Business
What Can You Lose?
These are as good as any songs from his stage shows. Prove me wrong.
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Does no one remember the songs from the Warren Beatty movie Dick Tracy?
More
Sooner or Later
Back in Business
What Can You Lose?
These are as good as any songs from his stage shows. Prove me wrong.
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DJ
It's still an insult to our ears that Johnny Depp was allowed to disgrace Sondheim and play Sweeney. What a disaster. All involved in that casting should be thrown out of the industry. Absolutely Disgraceful.
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It's still an insult to our ears that Johnny Depp was allowed to disgrace Sondheim and play Sweeney. What a disaster. All involved in that casting should be thrown out of the industry. Absolutely Disgraceful.
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Denisa
Musical theater! Theres nothing like it. These songs are hard to sing and just comes out of no where. Some I know more than others. I'm not a big fan of Sondheim but he has made his mark on all of us.
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Musical theater! Theres nothing like it. These songs are hard to sing and just comes out of no where. Some I know more than others. I'm not a big fan of Sondheim but he has made his mark on all of us.
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Ian
Sondheim nailed the truth about relationships. He told us so much about ourselves that I sometimes thought he was talking directly to me. Wonderful selection of performance clips that got it right.
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Sondheim nailed the truth about relationships. He told us so much about ourselves that I sometimes thought he was talking directly to me. Wonderful selection of performance clips that got it right.
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Peter
Being Alive is my #1 also, perfectly crafted and timeless piece. The orchestration of the original with Dean Jones makes that one a favorite by far. Thanks for this!
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Being Alive is my #1 also, perfectly crafted and timeless piece. The orchestration of the original with Dean Jones makes that one a favorite by far. Thanks for this!
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b3chtl
every time i find a great writer or artist they are dead most of the times
rest in peas sontheim you where one of the greatest (even if i dont like musicals)
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every time i find a great writer or artist they are dead most of the times
rest in peas sontheim you where one of the greatest (even if i dont like musicals)
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Rick3140
I would have done this list in no particular order because all these songs and so much of Sondheims work was so brilliant that ranking just doesnt make sense.
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I would have done this list in no particular order because all these songs and so much of Sondheims work was so brilliant that ranking just doesnt make sense.
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not
Soooo. I happen to like this video, and can you tell me what are the best songs by sodheim that are great for sleeping? Better yet, make that the next video!
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Soooo. I happen to like this video, and can you tell me what are the best songs by sodheim that are great for sleeping? Better yet, make that the next video!
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Michael
This is a good list. Anyone Can Whistle is another song that could be here, but he has so many classics, everyone would want something else on the list.
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This is a good list. Anyone Can Whistle is another song that could be here, but he has so many classics, everyone would want something else on the list.
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Jenny
Great to see Kim Crosby. She was from Springfield Missouri. She went to Kickapoo High School. We are so proud of her. She was our first huge celebratory.
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Great to see Kim Crosby. She was from Springfield Missouri. She went to Kickapoo High School. We are so proud of her. She was our first huge celebratory.
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David
All excellent - Sondheim almost always was. My favorite was the Joanna trio from Sweeney Todd, with A Little Priest from the same show a close second.
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All excellent - Sondheim almost always was. My favorite was the Joanna trio from Sweeney Todd, with A Little Priest from the same show a close second.
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hifivicky
So happy to see Being Alive at #1, it's such a stunning and moving masterpiece, my favorite musical number of all time. RIP Stephen Sondheim
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So happy to see Being Alive at #1, it's such a stunning and moving masterpiece, my favorite musical number of all time. RIP Stephen Sondheim
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Matthew
I was a little concerned when I saw Send in the Clowns at number 9, but yeah, every single one of those songs deserves their rankings.
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I was a little concerned when I saw Send in the Clowns at number 9, but yeah, every single one of those songs deserves their rankings.
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Mitch
The stream of consciousness songs in Into the Woods are truly brilliant. I can't get enough of that musical, it's a true work of art
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The stream of consciousness songs in Into the Woods are truly brilliant. I can't get enough of that musical, it's a true work of art
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Ingrid
It never occurred to me to anticipate Gedde Watanabe in any musical other than UHF. I feel enlightened. by Ms. Mojo, no less.
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It never occurred to me to anticipate Gedde Watanabe in any musical other than UHF. I feel enlightened. by Ms. Mojo, no less.
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BendyExpert123
Just learned in my theatre class today that he passed away on Friday. R. I. P Sondheim, one of my favorite composers.
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Just learned in my theatre class today that he passed away on Friday. R. I. P Sondheim, one of my favorite composers.
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