Art Isn't Easy: The Theater of Stephen Sondheim [Paperback]

Joanne Gordon (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 1992

The musical theatre of Stephen Sondheim probes deeply into the most disturbing issues of contemporary life. By challenging his audience with intricate music, biting wit, and profound themes, he flouts the traditional wisdom of the musical theatre. Tracing Sondheim's career from his initial success as lyricist for "West Side Story" and "Gypsy" to his most recent work - "Into the Woods" and "Assassins" - Joanne Gordon emphasizes not only the disturbing content of Sondheim's work, but his innovative use of form. In shows such as "A Little Night Music", "Sweeney Todd", and "Sunday in the Park with George", Sondheim's music and lyrics are inextricably woven into the fabric of the entire work.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Joanne Gordon is Head of the Directing Program at California State University. Art Isn't Easy, writeen with the full cooperation of Sondheim himself, is her first book.

Product Details

• Paperback: 376 pages
• Publisher: Da Capo Press; Revised edition (March 22, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0306804689
• ISBN-13: 978-0306804687
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #307,688 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #15 in Books > Arts & Photography > Music > Theory, Composition & Performance > Sheet Music & Scores > Composers > Sondheim

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sondheim fan? Wanna become one?, May 21, 2000

By 

Sarah E. Morin - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art Isn't Easy: The Theater of Stephen Sondheim (Paperback)

This book takes us musical-by-musical through some of the most famous and artistically valuable of Sondheim's musicals (the latest entry being Assassins). Each chapter looks at the musical with a critical eye (or listens with a critical ear, as the case may be) and responds to criticism about the musical in question. This is not a book simply about selling Sondheim - when the author is unimpressed, she lets us know. But Gordan finds much to admire in Sondheim's musicals, and helps us to appreciate that. Each chapter outlines in detail the plot, characters, and songs - especially useful for in-depth study. You can't get much more specific without actually taking out the libretto or following along in the score! All her arguments are well-founded and supported with examples from the text. The use of lyrics is especially appropriate. This book is especially valuable from a literary and theatrical standpoint. The observations on the music itself are correct, but not plentiful, as Gordan's expertise is in theatre, not music. Accessible to the casual audience member and the Sondheim groupie.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Academic View of the Musicals of Sondheim, July 6, 2000

By 

Matthew Kopans (Round Lake, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art Isn't Easy: The Theater of Stephen Sondheim (Paperback)

Of all the books currently published on Sondheim's musicals, Gordon gives the best academic treatment to his works. Mainly a formal analysis of the shows, she peppers in enough historical and biographical facts to provide any reader with a better understanding of the plays. The chapter on _Sunday_ is particularly good. It does help to be familiar with the shows before reading, as Gordon wastes little time on plot synopsis. A must for any Sondheim scholar.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Comprehesive and informative for any Sondheim fan., January 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Art Isn't Easy: The Theater of Stephen Sondheim (Paperback)

Whether you are well versed in all of Sondheim or have just seen a show once this books covers everthing from plot, to technique, to reviews. I used this for my thesis on Sondheim and found it very informative.