Continuing on the topic of music by Stephen Sondheim, for some time now I have wanted to dive into the music in which he discussed as he called it "the art of making art". Songs such as "Putting It Together", "Finishing The Hat", "Opening Doors" and plenty of others. Sondheim when rooting his plays in a less fantastical element, could sometimes sneak in clever songs that share truths about creativity. He has plenty of songs, especially in shows about writers or creating art, that revolve around the real feeling of creativity. Showing his own process in small moments, capturing the emotion, inspiring through relating to the listener, having a sweeping score, and of course lyrics that hit the nail right on the head. The songs that capture the beauty, and at many times the hectic storm of being creative, from advancing art, to capturing an audience, to getting a piece that one has truly put their heart into, to getting your foot in the door.
Sondheim even putting in pieces of his own journey into song. I feel that one of his most autobiographical songs has to be "Opening Doors" from "Merrily We Roll Along". At this point we are back when the cast was trying to cut their teeth on the page and on the stage, showcasing their work to anyone willing to listen. Going through ups and downs, seeing shows, going through relationships, and living life as the work grows and blossoms. This song also showcases rejections from Broadway producers asking just for a simple "hummable melody". In the amazing documentary "Six By Sondheim" which showcases his life and work, there are several moments of song performances, this song being one of them, with Sondheim ironically shooting down the pair for the lack of hummable melody. How he must have heard that in his long journey as a writer more times then most can count.
The song shows playwrights going on journeys, and just trying to get their work performed. From doing a one act, to stopping rehearsals due to running out of funding, trying each and every angel. The song ending with the group using all their resources to get their play performed even in its unfinished state, the song showing a resilience in times both good and bad. Showing the joy of writing, seeing a dream and pursuing it, not giving up as life throws a million things at you. A real feeling not just for the listener, not just in and out of context, but as shown for the writer himself. A feeling that bleeds into "Sunday In The Park With George".
There are so many songs to unpack here about creativity, and I will in the future, "Finishing The Hat", "Sunday", "Color and Light", the show emanates the creative journey and how it can crossover into your real life. Showing opinions spanning decades from onlookers and critics, two artists who are decades apart but hold that similar vision deep within them, and learning the importance of holding your artistic principles close to your heart. The song that embodies the creative hustle that I often listen to alongside "Opening Doors" is "Putting It Together".
The second George (yes there are two), scrambles around dealing with opinions, critical comments, competitive fellow artists,, hiccups in the art, everyone's comments on his work, and the stress of these and so much more. The song keeping with the theme of what it takes and means "Putting Things Together". Even if that means socializing and marketing oneself, or hearing out critics with strong opinions on your work. The frantic nature still captures the feeling, even though it is about a different art form, the theme of the creative journey shines through. Keeping Sondheim's real lyrics packed with emotions shows a feeling the listen can relate to whether creating a collage or a symphony, these also shine through in the balance of creative pursuit, dreams and personal life in "Finishing The Hat".
These two songs are on constant repeat in my phone, as are so many other songs written by this musical legend. Every time I feel stuck, it's easy to give these songs a listen and go to well, conveying that even great artists hit road bumps and struggles, deal with critics and openings, and the feelings feel as real now as they did when they first take the stage. The art of making art, though never easy is still satisfying , whether for a big stage, or just to share with friends, or even for yourself.
No comments:
Post a Comment