Besties Top 5: Stephen Sondheim songs
Photo credit: Yousuf Karsh
It was a tough ask Besties as there are so many iconic numbers to choose from but today we are counting down the top 5 Stephen Sondheim songs, as voted for by you.
5. Not A Day Goes By - Merrily We Roll Along (1981)
Performed at the end of Act I of the musical, Beth confesses that she still loves Frank but that she can't live with him knowing of his infidelity with Gussie.
Bernadette Peters’ has performed this number many times but the below performance was captured at Sondheim’s 80th Birthday Concert, with the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall/Lincoln Center.
4. Losing My Mind - Follies (1971)
This number was written for the character of Sally to sing in the "Loveland" portion of Follies, when she expresses her preoccupation over her idealised lover, Ben.
We are HUGE fans of Jeremy Jordan at WEBF and his version of this classic from his concert at 54 Below is just one reason why.
3. No One Is Alone - Into The Woods (1987)
This song is sung during Act II of the musical, with the Baker, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack trying to understand the consequences of their wishes.
Norm Lewis gives an amazing rendition of this number in his 54 Below show: Norm Lewis Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas.
2. Being Alive - Company (1970)
This song appears at the end of Act II of Company and is sung by the main character, Robert, a 35-year-old bachelor who realises that he doesn’t want to be alone any more and is willing to open himself up to love.
Julian Ovenden gave this heartfelt, powerful performance at the BBC Proms 2010 - Sondheim at 80.
1.Send In The Clowns - A Little Night Music (1973)
This ballad is from Act Two of A Little Night Music, when the character of Desirée reflects on the ironies and disappointments of her life.
Also from BBC Proms 2010: Sondheim at 80, Dame Judi Dench gives a beautiful performance of ‘Send in the Clowns’.
And there we have it, Besties! There are so many more incredible songs that have been penned by Sondheim so these only form a taster. What a legacy that Mr Sondheim leaves - thank you for the music…
