Sondheim [Hardcover]

Martin Gottfried (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2000

This volume tells the complete story of Sondheim's remarkable career - from his earliest days under the wing of Oscar Hammerstein II, through his latest controversial musical, "Assassins". In between is Sondheim's brilliant but largely unheralded work as a lyric writer for Leonard Bernstein (in "West Side Story") and Jule Styne (in "Gypsy"), his first experience writing both music and lyrics (for "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum") and the legendary collaborations with producer Harold Prince. Author Martin Gottfried's narrative overview of Sondheim's life and his analysis of the music and lyrics are enhanced by numerous quotations from the composer/lyricist himself.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Every theatergoer knows of the immeasurable contribution that Steven Sondheim has made to the performing arts. The ability to unite original music, lyrics and unusual subjects give his theatrical creations intelligence and distinctiveness, whether it's the macabre Sweeney Todd , the exotic Pacific Overtures , or his latest, controversial Assassins. In this biography, illustrated with 100 photos, 50 in color, the composer/lyricist's life and work are examined in sharp detail. Recounted are his middle-class Manhattan upbringing in the 1930s, his college years at Williams in Massachusetts and his apprenticeship under Oscar Hammerstein II. We witness the process involved in his numerous successes, including West Side Story and the artistic collaborations with producer Harold Prince and artists like Angela Landsbury and Lee Remick. Gottfried, author of Broadway Musicals , uses Sondheim's personal recollections to make this an exciting collectible for theater fans.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 207 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; Rev Upd Su edition (April 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810941791
• ISBN-13: 978-0810941793
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,076,851 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Gottfried's "Sondheim" earns my applause, but no ovation., July 12, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Sondheim (Hardcover)

Quite a book, but not truly a definitive ''in depth" analysis of Mr. Sondheim's shows. Mr. Gottfried brings up many interesting points about Sondheim's shows, but doesn't really, fully completely explore each show, as I was expecting.

His "Sweeney Todd" analysis is basically just a long plot summary, with lyrical highlights from a few songs. I was most disappointed by the way Mr. Gottfried barely broke the surface in his analysis of "Assassins". However, there are many wonderful reviews, interviews, commentaries, and photographs. Perhaps my favorite is a portrait of Mr. Sondheim surrounded by his "Sunday in the Park with George" set

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Glossy analysis of Stephen Sondheim's career, December 18, 1996

By A Customer

This review is from: Sondheim (Hardcover)

An authorized look at Sondheim's Broadway career, with numerous glossy photos and interesting commentary from Gottfried, a no-nonsense critic. Gottfried's analysis of Sondheim's works is interesting, but doesn't go enough in-depth into Sondheim's personal life. Still, it's worth it