You hear new shows being composed today and you think "WOW, this is a good score!" Then you see footage like this and are reminded of the MASTER. I dare say there has never been any theatre compser/lyricist as thorough in his purpose as Sondheim.
Wow! What a gift to have a filmed performance of this amazing song with the original cast performers gathered around the composer's piano. To hear how the song was created and constructed is to understand the brilliance of Steven Sondheim. The man doesn't write anything that isn't in full service to the book of the musical play. There are no light, potential "hit" pieces in a Sondheim musical. If they don't achieve their purpose boldly and forthrightly they aren't going to be heard. This is what makes his songs stand so far above the material less disciplined writers produce. "Someone In A Tree" is not just the best song in "Pacific Overtures" but one of Sondheim's greatest achievements. It is a clear representation of the composer's abilities at their highest level. Considering the subject matter it is a real accomplishment that he managed to create a song of such rich emotional depth and dramatic flair. The way it builds in intensity carries the listener along as few songs of such challenging storytelling can. For anyone teaching the craft of songwriting this is one of the bellwether standards of that craft. Listen and learn.
I once heard that this song is Sondheim's personal favourite and I always surmised that it was because it is the one he considered most carefully both as a composition and as a dramatic moment; thanks you for posting this intimate description which enlightens us on the mind and soul of Mr. S.
