With this whole Coronavirus issue going on, I thought they were gonna to film opening night for the 2020 revival. It be fitting since it was Sondheim’s birthday and all!
damn i had no idea the harmony was that rich! thanks for this breakdown kevin! it’s one of my favourite musicals too - and this is my absolute FAVOURITE video series from you
Sondheim's mastery of composition is the equal of the greatest composers of all time. I listened to part of 'Sunset Boulevard' for the first time last night and there was nothing vaguely as refined as this. I've played 'Into the Woods' twice and would love to see that score analyzed like a Brahms symphony--it's so rich.
I’ve been waiting for you to do this for the longest time!! I love Company so much, it’s lovely to have someone who really understands the music to properly break it down, thank you so much for this!!
I have studied Sondheim for years and I love Company to death. Literally my favorite musical ever. The music itself is so genius. I have litteraly everything Company from the 1970 Cast Recording, Score, Libretto to 1971 London Cast Recording, to Every Revival librettos and score. I've also been lucky to have gotten a gift from a friend who gave me Beth Howland's Rehearsal sheet music from an older draft of "Not Getting Married Today"
I just realized that "heartbeat" rhythm sung by his friends at the beginning comes to full circle at the end, when he realizes that he's not alone and his "heartbeat" aka his "friends" help him realize what it is to "be alive." Idk if I make sense :/
Also (this is the same person just different account) in another hundred people, you can hear the echo of the opening vocal part ‘Bobby! Bobby! Bobby baby!’ in the brass section. Also in being alive you can here the melody of someone is waiting and the opening number played on the strings. (I forgot to mention it in the og comment)
Sondheim never ceases to impress me with how layered everything is in his musicals. Speaking of layered, you should really take a listen to Dave Malloy's newest show, Octet. It's actually super interesting and I'd love to hear your opinion on it!
Also one of my favorite shows - I've seen a few different productions and have five different CD recordings plus the Esparza, NY Philharmonic, and Pennebaker DVDs. Always something new to discover! Out of curiosity, have you heard Esparza's interview on the 2007 DVD, and if so, what did you think? Keep up the great work, and stay safe!
Did you teach this to Eccentric Theatre Company in NJ? I started working with them right after their production of Company and they mentioned the teaching method you used!
The opening is the most dated-sounding number in the show (other than the optional Tick Tock Dance). Almost sounds like Burt Bacharach. That said, few things capture NYC in 1970 quite like the OBC recording of this piece.