Reviews (1)

A meticulously-researched compilation of The Master's Voice.
BEVIS HILLIER - The Spectator: "In the LYRICS something close to genius flares out;it is his songs that make Coward immortal...This collection is illustrated with a pleasing choice of photographs of Cowardand his friends,song-sheet covers and programmes. The effect is of apersonal scrapbook...The second merit is the formidably good editing byBARRY DAY. His notes to often rather-light songs are so learned...it isuseful to get sorted out,once and for all,the extent of Coward'scollaboration with Kern and to hear from different artists aboutauditioning for Coward or the premieres of his songs." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Composers & Musicians - Country & Folk    2. Excerpts    3. Film & Video - Reference    4. Genres & Styles - Musicals    5. Genres & Styles - Pop Vocal    6. Librettos    7. Music    8. Music/Songbooks    9. Musicals    10. Popular Music    11. Revues    12. Songbooks - Popular    13. Texts    14. Theater Music    15. Music / Songbooks   

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. History & Criticism - General    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Theater - General    6. Biography: film, television & music    7. Music / History & Criticism    8. Music | Popular Music | Music Theatre, Popular Song, & Film Music    9. Musical theatre    10. Vocal music   

Reviews (2)

Great primer on Sondheim
This is a great book on how Sondheim "found his sound."I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Sondheim's card system and it gave me greater insight into a person who knew Leonard Bernstein.

Fascinating Look at the Creative Process
Sir Isaac Newton once said: 'If I have accomplished anything, it is because I stood on the shoulders of giants.' Stephen Sondheim would probably say something similar.
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Subjects:  1. Criticism and interpretation    2. Genres & Styles - Musicals    3. Music    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts/Dance    6. Sondheim, Stephen    7. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    8. Composers & musicians    9. Musical theatre    10. Performing Arts / Broadway & Musical Revue   

Reviews (3)

Read it and fall in love with the musical!
I first heard of City of Angels after hearing Anthony Warlow's recoridng of 'You're Nothing Without Me'. I bought the CD to hear more from the musical. I instantly fell in love with the soundtrack, then sought the libretto to find out what happens in between. One of the funniest musicals on Broadway in years!
When City of Angels premiered on Broadway in 1989, it ran for fewer than 1000 performances.When you read this libretto, which you absolutely must do if you like musical theatre at all, you'll wonder why it isn't runningtoday.The book is full of wit, and is incredibly funny and biting as itsatirizes Hollywood movie-making.The stage directions keep you fullyabreast of what's going on (even if you've never seen a show), and theyallow you to easily keep track of where the action is happening.The onlything missing from this wonderful volume is, of course, the great musicthat goes with the song.All the more reason to buy the OCR of the showand listen to it at the same time!City of Angels is a great musical, andone you'll enjoy reading (and listening to!) time and time again.

A must for any Musical Theatre fan
Not to be confused with the recent Cage/Ryan flick, this book is the libretto of a little-known musical with music by Cy Coleman ("Sweet Charity", "The Life"), book by Larry Gelbart ("A FunnyThing...", "Tootsie"), and lyrics by David Zippel (Disney's"Hercules" and "Mulan"). "City of Angels" wonthe 1989 Tony Award for Best Musical and is the story of a detectivenovelist named Stine and the perils he encounters while trying to adapt hisnovels for the silver screen. In the play, scenes about Stine (in color)are juxtaposed with scenes about his private-eye creation, Stone (in blackand white). Besides building some genuine film noir detective-mysterysuspense, the musical offers an insightful commentary on how art imitateslife, and vice versa. Unfortunately, one misses out on the marvelousjazz-infected music that accompanies the adventures of Stine and Stoneifone merely reads the libretto, so grab a copy of one of the cast recordings(Broadway or London) as well! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Librettos    3. Music/Songbooks    4. Musicals    5. Performing Arts    6. Performing Arts/Dance    7. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    8. Musical theatre    9. Other prose: from c 1900 -    10. Performing Arts / Theater / General   

Reviews (4)

Peter Stone's book that goes with Sherman Edward's songs
Every 4th of July I watch the restored laser disc edition of "1776," the musical that has our Founding Fathers singing and dancing their way to Independency, and every time John and Abigail Adams sing goodbye to each other ("Till Then" and "Yours, Yours, Yours"), I get absolutely choked up (to be fair, I get absolutely choked up when I listen to either the original Broadway cast with William Daniels as John Adams or the revival cast with Brent Spiner in the role).But as much as I enjoy the songs, from "Sit Down, John" to "Is Anybody There?", what I admire is the way Peter Stone's book tells the story of what happened in foul, fetid, fuming, foggy, filthy Philadelphia.
1776-- One of the Best Plays of All Time
Peter Stone's play "1776", is not only a wonderfully entertaining piece of musical theatre, containing great songs and dialogue (often with a healthy amount of wit), it is also historically accurate.The story centers around the Second Continental Congress in Philidelphia (most notably John Adams), in the months immediately prior to the signing of The Declaration of Independence.One of the things that impressed me most about this play was that when writing dialogue between Congress members, letters from Gen. Washington, and conversations between Adams and his wife, Stone reviewed historical documents.Thus, many exchanges you hear/read throughout the play were actual conversations or letters written by those people.Therefore, the play is not only entertaining, it's educational.This play allows you to better understand the people who fought so hard to secure American independence.So often we revere our forefathers with such a sense of awe that we forget their basic humanity.Stone does a wonderful job of reminding us all that these were simple men and women, with everyday hopes and dreams, who were also willing to risk their lives for the freedom that they sought.I think that this play ought to be performed for every school in America -- it teaches while it entertains!

Patriotic Excellence
1776 is a very special play.It portrays true historical magic.I especially liked the play because of the character development. I liked how Peter Stone, the author, developed John Adams character.Stone portrayed Adams as an egotistical jerk who would not take no for an answer.The ironic thing was that his unwillingness to quit was the key to winning our independence.Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Librettos    3. Music    4. Musical revues, comedies, etc    5. Musicals    6. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    7. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    8. Theater - General    9. Music / Musicals   

Reviews (2)

Perfect conditions
I'm completely satisfied about your item. The book is in perfect condition and I thank you with admiration for your absolute seriousness.
Wonderful Song Book!
I love the new recording of this musical, and was disappointed when it didn't come with printed lyrics to the songs. So I was very excited when I saw the new Wonderful Town songbook, which has almost all of the songs from the show, plus a synopsis. These songs are lovely reminders of the show, and would be great to sing in revues or talent shows, for I don't think Wonderful Town is a very well known show, which is a shame. I think it's one of Comden and Green's best. Songs like "Swing" and "Pass the Football" only get better when you see the lyrics in their full glory. My only wish is that they had included color stills of the show, but we can't have everything! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Instruction & Study - Voice    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Songbooks - General    6. Music / Voice   

Reviews (5)

Beauty and the Beast
Son loves playing this and our family loves hearing him.Thank you.

Awesome Musical, Beautiful Music!
I love this music book.I received it as a gift years ago and the pages are falling out of the binding because I've played it on the piano so often!I fell in love with the show when it first came to town and I was so excited to see that the music in the book is exactly the same as on the soundtrack!
Some of the Most Beautiful Songs
I first had purchased the soundtrack to this musical and immeadiately fell in love with the music.All of the songs from the soundtrack are included.I think that this is a wonderful collection of beautiful songs.It contains all of the classic disney songs plus more songs original to the musical.Some include: Human Again, No Matter What, Me, Home, and many more!I definately suggest this music book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Instruction & Study - Voice    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Songbooks - Popular    6. Music / Songbooks   

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Music    3. Music/Songbooks    4. Musical Instruments - Construction And Repair    5. Musical Instruments - General    6. Songbooks - General    7. Theater Music    8. Music / Songbooks   

Reviews (1)

HONK! Deserves more than 5 stars.
If there was a 6 star choice, it would be mine. I am a theatre freak and this is definately on the top 3 list of my favorite musicals. The music is astounding and is incredibly beautiful. I love it. It was in my best interest to buy this book, it's amazing. It's great for kids, too. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music   

Reviews (10)

Pleased with this book
I bought this for my wife and here is her review of the book:
I was pleasantly surprised.
After reading the other reviews, I was a bit hesitant about ordering this book.Although I took piano lessons for a year, I am, by and large, self-taught.
Disappointing
I suppose I am an intermediate pianist--about grade four --or five if I want to work a bit.I enjoy music which is a little challenging. I found this book disappointing because too many of the selections have only a monotonous thumping in the bass clef-only four or five notes for an entire song! My husband, in fact, suggested that I stop hitting the same key before it got hopelessly out of tune! I lack improvisation skills, so I find too much of the music boring and also frustrating---not a good combination! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Music    3. Music/Songbooks    4. Songbooks    5. Songbooks - General    6. Theater Music    7. Music / Songbooks   

Reviews (1)

Great Book and CD Combo -- great price
I'm using this book for voice lessons.It has a nice selection of 22 traditional style Broadway standards.The accompaniment cd is very nice and is easy to follow.The score is accessible for most beginner/intermediate pianists.I recommend this title and the price is nice. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Music    3. Music/Songbooks    4. Songbooks - General    5. Songbooks - Showtunes    6. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    7. Music / Voice   

Reviews (6)

A Truly Excellent new Broadway Score
The American musical in the past few years has often been
Why, Hal Leonard?
The simplified arrangements in this book gut the harmonic resonance of almost all the songs.Numbers like "Dividing Day" and "The Beauty Is" are very nearly unrecognizable.
Brilliant
This is truly one of the most Brilliant scores to come out of Broadway in the past 10 years. The Vocal selection book includes all the necessary numbers, and we will most likely be hearing them at audition after audition.
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Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Music    3. Music/Songbooks    4. Songbooks - General    5. Songbooks - Showtunes    6. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    7. Music / Songbooks   

Reviews (5)

Elton John and Tim Rice's Aida: The Making of the Broadway Musical
Amazing book, all Aida lovers should get it! The pictures are beautiful, and the information is really detailed.

One of the better Broadway books
I'm a fan of Tie-In books, whether they be for a movie, or Broadway. This one ranks fairly high up there, behind Rent
Overall a fine book but lacking at times
You'll find this oversized book ripe with details, from conception to Broadway debut, and filled with pages of colorful photos that illuminate the production. Journalist and author Michael Lassell traces the show's history with interviews from those intimately involved, from writer and composer Elton John and Tim Rice to stars Adam Pascal and Heather Headley to costume designers and choreographers. His unrivaled access allows us to visit every aspect of the production.Read more

Subjects:  1. Aida    2. Film & Video - Direction & Production    3. Genres & Styles - Musicals    4. History and criticism    5. John, Elton    6. John, Elton.    7. Musicals    8. Performing Arts    9. Performing Arts/Dance    10. Pop Arts / Pop Culture    11. Theater - Direction & Production    12. Performing Arts / Theater / Direction & Production   

Reviews (8)

The Way It's SUPPOSED To Be Played
If you haven't seen the show, go and do it.If you have, well done.
Fun to play
As a casual piano player and a Broadway fanatic, I was so jazzed to play some of the songs from Avenue Q. The book contains everything you find on the CD and includes a few production photos.
awesome
I love this musical and I think it is so fun! I am glad that I got the vocal selections and it was exactly what i wanted! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Music    3. Music/Songbooks    4. Songbooks - General    5. Songbooks - Showtunes    6. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    7. Music / Songbooks    8. Musical scores, lyrics & libretti    9. Musical theatre   

Reviews (1)

A Great Selections Book for A Unique Musical
After listening to Chess for over a few years I finally decided to go in search for a Vocal Selections book that would give me some of the great songs featured in the musical.What I found was quite a surprise.It should be noted however that this selections book is based on the 1984 London Concept Album, not the Broadway.The book itself features 13 selections from the aforementioned article.Read more

Subjects:  1. Chess - General    2. Games    3. Games / Gamebooks / Crosswords    4. Games/Puzzles    5. Music/Songbooks    6. Music / Songbooks   

Reviews (1)

Awesome Book!
I love this book.It has every song in the show except for "Weekly Volcano Press" and Jo's reprise at the end "Sometimes When You Dream."The arrangements are on the hard side, and are in pretty odd key signatures, but it gives the feel of the show.I absolutely adore it--lots of songs for a great price.If you know how to play the piano well, (so that you can tackle the arrangements) this book will give hours of enjoyment! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Songbooks - General    4. Music / Songbooks    5. Musical scores, lyrics & libretti    6. Musical theatre   

Reviews (2)

A Revelation
I was already a Berlin fan before I got this book. Some of his lyrics are known to almost everyone; he "is" American music. I love to read, hear, and sing his words. But the overwelming bonus of this book is to find out that he wrote so many bad lyrics along with his successes; and I mean downright lousey. I treasure knowing this because I am now aware that A) Writing fabulous lyrics is difficult for ANYONE! - and - B) Writing bad lyrics did not stop Irving Berlin; he just kept churning out material and some of it is immortal. This book is wonderful, particularly for those of us who write songs.

A massive monument in Americal musical history
Jerome Kern was not one to compliment other composers. However, when he was asked to assess Irving Berlin's place in American music, Kern replied that Berlin WAS American music. Not too long ago, the A&E channel did two "Classroom" broadcasts about Berlin's life; and by a coincidence, several items concerning this prolific composer have recently come my way. I want to share one of them with you.Read more

Subjects:  1. Composers & Musicians - Country & Folk    2. Instruction & Study - Songwriting    3. Librettos    4. Lyrics    5. Music    6. Music/Songbooks    7. Musicals    8. Popular music    9. Songbooks - Popular    10. Songs, English    11. Texts    12. Theater Music    13. United States    14. Music / Songwriting   

Reviews (14)

Thrills and Chills
All I can say about this play is that it is sheer genius. I was fortunate enough to see the Broadway revival cast act it out in Studio 54, thus can safely say that the play is just as shrewd and clever onstage as it seems in the play. Shocking, relevant, hilarious, and disturbing
This review is by Crosley. Amazing, provocative play
When I went and saw "Assassins" for the first time, I honestly wasn't sure what to expect. I've been a Sondheim fan ever since I began watching "Into The Woods" at the tender age of four years old... but I don't think I was sufficiently prepared for "Assassins". And that's a good thing. Read more

Subjects:  1. Assassination    2. Drama    3. General    4. Genres & Styles - Musicals    5. Librettos    6. Musicals    7. Plays    8. Poetry    9. Presidents    10. Theater - Stagecraft    11. United States    12. Drama / General    13. Drama texts, plays    14. Drama texts: from c 1900 -   

Reviews (3)

Better than sheet music
This isn't "sheet music" for the songs on the cast album, this is the ENTIRE vocal score.This is a reduction rather than an arrangement; the full orchestral score was reduced to one piano with a number of extra notes added showing where you would throw in other instruments.This is more difficult and comprehensive than the "Piano/Vocal/Guitar" arrangement, also sold by the same publisher.But go ahead and try those challenging notes, because look what you get!
Good, but there is better
As arrangements of Broadway shows go, this book is pretty good.All pieces are in the correct key (far too often, popular sheet msuic is deliberately transposed into the wrong key to prevent people from singing them properly), and the arrangements are a good take on the actual orchestral score.It's a fairly challenging arrangement; beginners should NOT buy this music as they will be extremely frustrated.
A Chorus Line sheet music
A Chorus Line Sheet music is great to have if your like me andlove the show, and love to sing. I love all the music in the show and it's fun to sing out of. And if you don't like to sing but like to play an instrument, get this music! You won't be upset you did! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Instruction & Study - Voice    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Songbooks - Popular    6. Musical theatre   

Reviews (4)

Spamalot Vocal Selections
Funny show and enjoyable music.At least one of the songs is not in the same key as what's sung on the original Broadway cast CD - an annoyance but rather typical of "vocal selections" music books.This is the publisher's decision (Hal Leonard), not Amazon's fault.On the positive side, this book has many of the songs and is much cheaper than the full piano-vocal score.

Excellent for Reminescing the Movie on the Road
I've thoroughly enjoyed listening and relistening to the songs on this CD while on the road.It's funny to hear how Broadway-ized the memorable scenes from the movie are in these songs.The only thing that came close to disappointment was not hearing the phrase "silly Enlish k-nig-ht" during the "Run Away" song.

Left me disappointed
I decided to take a chance with this piano/vocal/guitar collection since I had already read a review warning that it was a fairly simplistic arrangement.It is indeed very basic; someone with four years of piano experience could handle just about every piece.
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Subjects:  1. Excerpts    2. Genres & Styles - Musicals    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Musicals    6. Songbooks - General    7. Songbooks - Showtunes    8. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    9. Vocal scores with piano    10. Music / Songbooks    11. Musical scores, lyrics & libretti