About the book

Synopsis

In this fascinating dual biography the eminent musicologist Stephen Citron takes on our two leading contemporary contributors to the lyric stage. His aim has not been to compare or judge one's merits over the other but to trace, through their works and those of their contemporaries, the path of and changes to the musical as an artform.Citron offers a unique insight into each artist's working methods, analysing their scores - including their early works and works-in-progress. As with Citron's other critically-acclaimed books - lives of Noel Coward, Cole Porter and Oscar Hammerstein - significance is given to the impact that their yourthful training and private lives have had upon their amazing creative output. Beginning with Sondheim's lyrics-only works, such as West Side Story and Gypsy through his scores for Company, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park and Passion, all these milestones of musical theatre are explored. Lloyd-Webber's musical contribution, from his early work The Likes of Us to Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Cats, The Phantom of the Opera, to Whistle Down the Wind is also thoroughly analysed.Sondheim & Lloyd-Webber is essential reading for anyone interested in the contemporary theatre.