Reviews (4)

Intelligent and beautiful music!
This is a must have for singers looking for something different.The words and music are so moving in this musical - there is something in Closer Than Ever for all musical theatre fans!

Unfairly Neglected
I just finished performing in a run of this show at Univ of MD and I can honestly say that I'm in love with this show. Musically and lyrically, it was written with such honesty and truthfulness -- none of that flambouyent loudness and sillyness associated with other musicals, just the truth. The music and words work so well together! All of the songs are wonderful expressions of situations that can happen in anyone's life. "One of the Good Guys" and "Life Story" are examples of that fact. Also, Shire notates the notes to the words so well. Shire and Maltby's sound partnership is very evident. This makes for a easy interpretation by the performer, such as in "What am I Doin'?" how the higher notes are used in points of emotional elevation. But that's how it is with all the songs. So simple but yet, you can tell, the intricities were carefully and delicately thought out. Contrived, but fun nonetheless
The score to a reveiw by the almost infamous duo of Maltby and Shire, Closer than Ever contains some memorable songs on an extremely vague topic, using "doors" as a metaphor for choices and chances one must face in life. This metaphor expounds itself into a wide array of songs on everything from a father having his first child to the history of Muzak. This review is a little more enjoyable than the trite "starting here, starting now" by the same authors. However, be advised that Maltby and Shire have the almost impressive ability to say nothing with so many words. Still, the music is both enjoyable and entertaining. Maltby and Shire began the review when a song from their musical "Baby" was cut from the show. They began to throw in other random songs into what they called their "urban file" until they were asked to put up a small cabaret in 1987. "Closer Than Ever" was the result. Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Genres & Styles - Musicals    3. Music    4. Musical Instruments - General    5. Songbooks - General   

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Instruction & Study - Voice    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Songbooks - General    6. Songbooks - Showtunes    7. Music / Voice   

Reviews (7)

Good basics
This book gives a good foundation for basic elements of a musical script. I bought this wanting to write a musical script but not necessarily the lyrics/musical score and am a complete novice - was a bit lost on the different musicals it quoted. However another book that is quite "meaty" in terms of how to write a compelling gripping story/script for theatre is "The Writers Journey" surname is Vogler. What Frankel says is that the book or story needs to be written first before appropriate lyrics/musical score can be created. So I would have gone straight to this book first. Good as reference but can borrow from library, not a must have.

Thorough, Well-Organized Guide for Playwrights
Frankel's concise, clear volume on writing large-scale musicals is a welcome addition to the bookshelf of anyone who wants to understand how this peculiar theatrical genre works-- when it does. By focusing on two artistically successful, well-known pieces in the canon-- "My Fair Lady" as a well-executed classic musical with linear plot, "Company" (my personal favorite) as a well-executed plotless musical whose songs move character forward--, Frankel can support his intelligent teaching points with concrete yet familiar examples. I'm very happy to see this book back in print.

Power-packed handbook
In only 192 pages, Frankel presents writing for the musical theatre from the perspective of the book writer, lyricist and composer -- and how each contributes to the whole. Enough specifics for each to gain a better appreciation of the others' unique contributions. The book would be an excellent introductory text for a musical theate workshop. Most examples from My Fair Lady are illustrative and excellent; other examples from Company were less helpful (as that show was less successful). Highly recommended for those working on musical to keep near at hand. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Broadway (New York, N.Y.)    2. Genres & Styles - Musicals    3. Instruction & Study - Composition    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Musicals    6. Performing Arts    7. Performing Arts/Dance    8. Playwriting    9. Popular music    10. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    11. Theater - General    12. Theater - Playwriting    13. Theater Music    14. Writing and publishing    15. Musical theatre   

Reviews (3)

Great Music
This music is great.It's also kind of dificult. My favorite song is Harry's Wondrous World

Lots of fun
I got this mainly so I could play the theme completely in both hands, and really enjoyed it.I played piano for maybe four years or so, though I quit lessons two or three years ago, so I found it challenging to play and actually can't reach some of the chords with my left hand.It's still a lot of fun to play, though, and I recommend it to all who enjoyed the music from the movie.

good music but poorly made
I really like this book, I really do, but my complaint lies with the fact that it was very poorly made.When I got my book home to start using it, it broke along the spine, right down the middle.The second music book (for the Chamber of Secrets) was made far better.Buy this with caution; don't expect it to hold up. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Musical Instruments - Piano    4. Scores & Soundtracks    5. Songbooks - Popular    6. Musical scores, lyrics & libretti   

Subjects:  1. Film & Video - General    2. Genres & Styles - Musicals    3. Musical Films    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts/Dance    6. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    7. Theater - General    8. Theater Music    9. Films, cinema    10. Musical scores, lyrics & libretti    11. Musical theatre    12. Popular culture   

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. History & Criticism - General    3. Music    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Performing Arts    6. Performing Arts/Dance    7. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    8. United States - 20th Century    9. American Language and Literature    10. Music / Musicals    11. Musical theatre    12. Popular culture    13. USA   

Reviews (1)

New and refreshing.
This is a great compilation of songs for any musician who is looking for some new material.There are elements of jazz, pop, broadway musical, and gospel in these wonderful art songs.Although the music may be a bit difficult for begining pianist, advanced students, accompanists, and singers will find this songbook a joy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Religious - Hymns    4. Songbooks - General    5. Music / Songbooks    6. Musical scores, lyrics & libretti    7. Musical theatre    8. String instruments    9. Vocal music   

Reviews (2)

Oklahoma, Okay
This is the kind of book that used to excite me, books all about the Broadway musical.Has there ever been a musical with as much to offer as OKLAHOMA?It wasn't always a surefire hit, for before it began, people thought, oh well, this is a pretty slow show, no girls, no big numbers, and livestock on the stage.The powerful imagination of Oscar Hammerstein II caught that cornsilk and lit it on fire with the poetry of his lyrics.Who can ever forget "All the cattle are standing like statues."Mr Max Wilk evidently knows his OKLAHOMA and he has had great luck tracking down OKLAHOMA memorabilia.There are ticket stubs, photos of people watching the show, and the memories of those who first went to Broadway's "St James Theater" in March 1943 and made theatrical history.
A PRAIRIE WILDFIRE
Now that it seems certain that the acclaimed British revival of Rodgers and Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA! is headed to Broadway, perhaps the publishers of this invaluable book will re-release it? Max Wilk has assembled facts, memorabilia (including original ads, costume designs, etc.) cast photographs, interviews with the authors...in fact, everything that has anything to do with this musical (including short, contemporary comments by no less than director/producer, Harold Prince and composer/lyricist, Stephen Sondheim) which became a theatrical, historical phenomenon.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1902-    2. 1902-1979.    3. Genres & Styles - Musicals    4. History & Criticism - General    5. Oklahoma!    6. Performing Arts    7. Performing Arts/Dance    8. Reference    9. Rodgers, Richard,    10. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    11. Musical theatre    12. Performing Arts / Theater / General   

Reviews (3)

Excellent series
Any transcription of OP is worth serious attention especially when we should be doing our own... However, this book is a gem and kudos to the guy(s) who did the transcriptions.The Hal Leonard series of Artist Transcriptions are all uniformly excellent (I have many) and are absolutely indispensible for learning from the greats.What's more all the books are beautifully produced.For what it contains this book is essential.So, do not hesitate.Buy it now!

Very goodand almost the very best of OP
OP was never given quite the credit he rightfully deserves. Technically he stands on his own mountain peak, and whereas a technical comparison with Art Tatum might spur a heated debate, its not really so interesting, since OP, in any event, is Tatum infinitely superior in the art of conveying deep inner emotion to the listener. Its wonderful several very good transcriptions of OP's music has seen the light of day last 5 years. I wonder what kept you ?! The main dispute here may arise over the selection of numbers made. I suppose no-one will ever agree 100% as to what "the very best" are. In this case I find that the selection is good, no doubt, and includes some indisputable highlights. It is strange, though, that the editor didnt focus more on OP's solo music, in view of the numerous trio-transcriptions done already. What happened to "Lulu's back in town" or "Just a Gigolo" ? Also, its a pitty that OP's most famous composition, most discussed and re-arranged number, from his most sold album ever, in that very characteristic blusy OP style, "Hymn to Freedom" from "Night Train" didnt make it. Maybe next publication ? In conclusion, buy this fantastic book, you will not regret it.

Oscar is "The Man"
Oscar is an inspiration and a fascination for jazz players and listners alike. These are superb transcriptions and offer a chance for the mere mortals among us to have a taste of what it's like to play like Oscar. If you have the patience, it will be well rewarded. The quality of the publication is excellent as well with large easy to read font. If you can read piano music, this will be among the best $20 you ever spent - incredible value - enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Jazz    2. Music    3. Music/Songbooks    4. Musical Instruments - Construction And Repair    5. Songbooks - General    6. Music / Songbooks   

Reviews (7)

Exactly like the original score!
This book has been very hard to put down ever since I first got it a few weeks ago. I just can't stop playing "Into The West" and "The Return of the King". This book really, really shows the genius masterpiece in its right form, that Howard Shore composed for the Lord of the Rings. Most of the songs are fairly easy to play and great just for your own enjoyment/entertainment but also perfect for solo recitals, or group performances. Buy this together with 'The Fellowship of the Ring' and 'The Two Towers' for your ultimate enjoyment!

GREAT!!!!
I love this!It is much better than the Two Towers or Felloship books.Why?Because I'm a pianist, and these solos are actually fun to play.The other two books are covered in my handwritten changes to the extent of looking like a Beethoven autograph.While I still make changes in ROTK, these are much better arranged for the pianist who enjoys playing.

The Return of the King
The battle for Middle-Earth rages on, and the forces of good have one final stand against the face of evil. Also, Frodo and Sam go through their hard times together, yet with love being their success. And there is a very shocking surprise for the people of Dunedain. I would call it the most emotionally satisfying book I have ever read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Latin    2. Music    3. Music / Songbooks    4. Music/Songbooks    5. Musical Instruments - General    6. Scores & Soundtracks    7. Songbooks - Popular    8. Songbooks   

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    2. Genres & Styles - Musicals    3. Instruction & Study - Voice    4. Music    5. Music/Songbooks    6. Songbooks - Showtunes    7. Music / Voice   

Reviews (4)

Why, it's fantastic!
Who would have guessed that such a simple, straightfoward musical would be the longest running show in New York history?Read this copy of the libretto, and you'll know why.The show is very simple and very honest. It has drama and lighthearted comedy in just the right amounts to createwhat is, in many ways, the perfect musical.This volume also contains lotsof extra information about the show, including the lyrics to a new songwritten for the show in its later years, and a number of photos.The musicis missing, of course, but even without the OCR to the show, you get agreat sense here of what makes The Fantasticks so, well, fantastic.

No Woder It's the Longest Running Show in American History!
It never fails to amaze me that Jones & Schmidt were capable of such powerful poetry while still studying for their masters degrees.This thesis show is a powerhouse of simplicity and a panorama of minimalism. Sound oxymoronic?It is.The show is so disceptively simple, but thestories it tells are universal, and they are guaranteed to ring true foreven the most tarnished audience member.One read, and it won't be hard to"try to remember" this show for a long time!

The most wonderful musical ever!
This is one of the most wonderful musicals ever. It has a wonderful story and plot but the best part about it is the music. The music is absolutely FANTASTICK!The musical contains a wide variety of songs, each with itsown mood and purpose. There are funny and amuzing songs, ominous songs,loving songs, wishful songs... there's something for everybody. I first sawthe Fantasticks in New York and fell in love with the music. I have almostall the songs completely memorized and I am working on putting a few of thesong into my audition repertoire. This is music that every true musical fanshould have. Its brilliant. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Performing Arts    3. Performing Arts/Dance    4. Songbooks - General    5. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    6. Musical theatre    7. Performing Arts / Theater / General   

Reviews (2)

English 111 Review of My Fair Lady
In the story "My Fair Lady", George Bernard Shaw tells about how the attitude of people can change just by the language that they speak.He begins by telling about Eliza Doolittle and how all her life she has talked and acted like none of the people around her.She talks incorrectly and acted like a slob.But she meets these two men, Henry Higgins and Colonal Pickering and they take he in and end up changing her into a prim and proper lady who talks and acts correctly.I really enjoy this story because it makes me think about how people in that day and age would actually take someone under their wing and take the time to teach them the correct way to speak and act.This is a really good book and I encourage anyone that has the time to read it.

A Must-Have Classic
"My Fair Lady" is one of the few musicals ever written that willbe remembered years and years from now and for one very simple reason: every song is a masterpiece!It's not like the musicals of today that mayhave one or even two songs that stand out from the rest as a true work ofart.This book gives you page after page of pure musical genius!For allof you who know and love "My Fair Lady" or for those of you whoare just interested in good music, this book is a must-have. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Instruction & Study - Voice    3. Music    4. Performing Arts    5. Songbooks - General    6. Music / Voice   

Reviews (7)

JC SuperStar Piano Edition
Although this score does not include all the intermittent recitatives and orchestral arrangemtnts, it does offer a good piano transcription of the major songs with words.For anyone wnating to use any of the songs of JCS, this publication is very good.

Good Stuff
For the most part, I was pretty impressed with this. There are some problems, most mentioned already. My biggest issue with this is that it doesn't include "Damned For All Time/Blood Money", my favorite song on JCS.

Excellent for playing songs from JCS
The songs included in this book are Heaven on Their Minds, Everything's Alright, Hosanna, Pilate's Dream, Last Supper, Gethsemane, King Herod's Song, and Superstar.A few things should be noted:Firstly, Heaven on their Minds does not include the "all gone sour" last four verses that are used in live productions of jcs.Instead the song is written to fade away.That might present a problem to people performing or using that song for an audition.The last supper only includes the chorus that the apostles sing.Superstar is tuned to a C instead of the original E that is on all of the recordings and live productions.Other than that, all the other keys are the same as you might hear them on cd recordings, 1973 movie, and live productions.Chords are also included for guitar players. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Genres & Styles - Musicals    2. Genres & Styles - Opera    3. Instruction & Study - Voice    4. Music    5. Music/Songbooks    6. Popular Culture - General    7. Songbooks - Popular    8. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    9. Music / Songbooks   

Reviews (2)

Music of Magic
This book challenges any pianest to bring Harry's world to life. Original or near origanl music takes you to each scene, inviting you in. With a bit of practice, you can hear the notes form the world of magic, invite you into it, and experiance it all. Easily readable music and clear titles let you know just how to play and what to play. Ingenious work for you to play right at home.

harry potter is kool
Harry Potter and the chamber of secrets is the coolest book ever! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Musical Instruments - Piano    4. Scores & Soundtracks    5. Songbooks - General    6. Songbooks - Popular   

Reviews (2)

A Memorable Tale
This is a great story, made all the more compeling by the style of the writer.

Fabulous read, especially in Japan!
I started reading this book at the airport, couldn't get into it as easily, my first trip was to California, the usual trip for work, and by then I had gotten more into the story of this poor miserable Sayuri girl. Then I was on my way to Japan where the story takes place, and what's more, I actually visited Gion and I was reading the book during all this time, and I finished it on the train from Kyoto to Tokyo. It made an amazing impression on me as the story went on and I can't tell you what an effect it had when reading it in the country where it was set. I do recommend it, and I can't wait to watch the movie. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Musical Instruments - Piano    4. Scores & Soundtracks    5. Songbooks - General    6. Songbooks - Popular    7. Keyboard instruments    8. Music / Songbooks   

Subjects:  1. General    2. Music   

Editorial Review

Some 70 years after being written, Joseph Moncure March's 1928 Jazz-Age poem, Read more

Reviews (76)

NEEDS to be in any Broadway lover's collection...
I was hesitant to buy this album because I was told it was a bit raunchy and not well done.I'm still kicking myself for not buying it sooner.
An easy way to tell which version of this show you'll prefer:
As you may be aware, there are two musical versions of WILD PARTY: this one, written by Andrew Lippa, which premiered off-Broadway, and another version written by Michael John LaChiusa which premiered on Broadway.
DEFINITELY worth your money
I am a musical theatre addict and am always on the lookout for exciting, little known shows. And let me tell you, musical theatre fan or not, this music is infectious. The music is so upbeat and the singers so powerful that you will want to listen to this CD on repeat. I rarely buy CDs anymore... in fact, this is the first CD I've bought in about 3 years. I was not disappointed. The Wild Party music is addictive and it amazes me that this show was never on broadway, based on the music alone and the apparent talent of the cast. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music    2. Music/Songbooks    3. Songbooks - General    4. Music / Songbooks   

Reviews (6)

Theatrenut7's Father
If any parent that has a daughter or son that is wanting a career in theatre must read this book, the younger the better. Have your daughter or son read it also. Our daughter at the age of 11 said she wanted to be on Broadway.Her mother & I thought we did the best at helping her pursue her dream.We wish we had read this book back then.After reading this book recently we found out the positive things we did and things we needed to be aware of that would have helped prepare her for her career.Our daughter is now in her second year of College at the University of Miami, majoring in Musical Theatre.The wealth of knowledge that we have gained from this book has better prepared our daughter for what she needs to continue to do to have a career in Theatre. Throughout her career this book will continue to guide and help her at different stages in her career. The Only Book You'll Ever Need
Do you want to be a musical theater performer. Star in a Broadway show one day. Appear in the National Tour of The Producers or Les Miz. Or how about work in a theme park or on a cruise ship. How about dinner theaters, summer stock, regional theater or Las Vegas. Well, if any of this sounds right for you, then, How to Make it in Musicals is the Bible book you must read. You'll learn everything you need to know from training to agents to finding work. Not only does this book have information for musical theater performers but anyone including actors, singers, variety artist and all those wanting to perform can find some useful information here. That's all I have to say, because if you are serious then you will buy this book and read and re-read it.

Amazing
This was one of the most informative books on how to make it in musical theatre that I have read thus far.I loved it!Not only was it informative, but entertaining as well.It's reassuring to know that this book is written by such a talented entertainer who has so much experience in this field.This book is indispensible to anyone seeking a career in musical theatre. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Acting & Auditioning    2. Career Planning (General)    3. Careers - General    4. Careers / Job Opportunities    5. Dance    6. Genres & Styles - Musicals    7. Music    8. Music trade    9. Musicals    10. Performing Arts    11. Performing Arts/Dance    12. Theater    13. United States    14. Vocational guidance    15. Advice on careers & achieving success    16. Musical theatre   

Reviews (7)

Excellent information & research, but author's contemptuous tone grates
"The Rise and Fall of the Broadway Musical" is largely what the title says: a detailing of the musical theatre's evolution into the so-called "golden age" of the 40's through the 60's, and subsequent descent into near-obsolesence and irrelevence.I am torn on this book, because the exhaustive and extensive research done by Grant provides a fascinating look at the form, from forgotten composers of early operettas in the late 19th-early 20th century to little-known facts and analysis of the most popular theatre composers of the golden age.In particular, his discussion and insights into the musical influences of composers is surprising and in some cases even shocking, such as Leonard Bernstein "borrowing" some of his WEST SIDE STORY melodies from earlier operetta, or the possibility that prolific orchestrator Robert Russell Bennett may have been the true unheralded genius behind shaping the primitive work of Berlin, Rodgers, Kern, etc. into memorable tunes.
Another book that hates contemporary musicals
Though there is a smattering of good information in this book, the author's misanthropic opinions will be offensive to anyone who loves contemporary musical theatre. Grant pretty much hates everything written in the last twenty-five years, hates rock and pop music, and thinks musicals should have stopped evolving during the 50s. He contends that there's only one way to create a musical, that anything that doesn't follow the Rodgers and Hammerstein model isn't really a musical, that concept musicals aren't musicals, in short, that this amazing art form should never change from what it was in the 40s and 50s.
A Smash Hit!
Mark N. Grant's first book -- "Maestros of the Pen: A History of Classical Music Criticism in America" -- was excellent (I'm not alone in this opinion: it won an ASCAP-Deems Taylor award). If anything, "The Rise and Fall of the Broadway Musical" is even better. It has the same acute analysis (at once sophisticated, and accessible to the "layman")and narrative momentum that characterized the first book. It is spiced with fascinating anecdotes. And it is ingeniously organized. Thus, rather than setting out a strictly chronological presentation of the history of the Broadway musical, it is organized according to the key elements of this art form: singing, book and lyrics (with a subset addressing the effect, on lyrics and dramatic flow, of changes in rhythmic paradigms), sound design, and direction and choreography. Essentially, it is the same story, but told from four very different points of view. The reader's understanding deepens with each shift of perspective. Furthermore, this ingenious device facilitates the coherent development of Grant's argument -- i.e., that what he perceives as the "fall" of the Broadway musical (beginning circa 1966, with the end of the "Golden Age") results from the corruption of, and/or disproportionate emphasis upon, one or or another of these elements. Whether or not you disagree with Grant's argument, his narrative will engage you because it makes you re-evaluate your own opinions. Even if your views do not change as a result of this book, you will find that they have been strengthened by the challenge. In short, I highly recommend "Rise and Fall" to anyone with an interest in music, musicals, American culture, the anatomy of the creative process, or any of the above. You are in for a treat! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Genres & Styles - Musicals    3. Music    4. Performing Arts    5. Theater - Broadway & Musical Revue    6. Theater - General    7. Theater - History & Criticism    8. History of specific subjects    9. Music / General    10. Musical theatre    11. New York