"Oh, What A Beautiful Morning," when you put it on paper looks vapid, but it's not when it's sung. That's another thing he understood, which is how rich music is, and lyrics have to be underwritten. That's why poets generally make poor lyric writers. Not always, but generally they do, because the language is too rich. It's like what they call in England "over-egging the cake." It's over-enriching something, so that you get drowned in it. I firmly believe that lyrics have to breathe and give the audience's ear a chance to understand what's going on."
Stephen Sondheim Interview - July 5, 2005 - Los Angeles, California
Belting out "Oh What a Beautiful Morning" inside ones auto on an icy Michigan Avenue early morning is a great way to start a day...
4 comments:
I found myself singing that very song Sunday morning as I was driving out of Oklahoma from my night in Tulsa. It ranks as one of my all-time favorite songs.
Have you had an opportunity to see the PBS Broadway show with Julie Andrews? Sondheim discusses his relationship with Hammerstein, who apparently served as quite a father figure and mentor to the young composer.
hi Steve -
Such a fun song to sing.
I didn't get a chance to see the PBS show...
But Sondheim IS talking about Hammerstein in that quote. He talks about Hammerstein being a father figure and all in the 2005 interview. It's a great read.
It's a great, great show and this IS a beautiful song that gives me hope. Great post today!
You really need to do yourself a huge favor and put "Broadway - The American Musical (PBS Series)" on your Holiday "wish list." I received it two years ago and watch it over and over! You'll see lots of Stephen Sondheim being interviewed, plus be taken on a truly enriching journey through time! I can't recommend it more highly!
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