What makes it great send in the clowns

One magic trick performed by great musical theater lyricists I find particularly impressive is when a repeating lyrical hook, often found in the title, evolves throughout a song and takes on new meanings. Rather than just the usual redundant repetition, the same phrase progresses based off the goings-on of the verse, and it continues to shed light on a situation.

I am always awestruck when a musical theater writer reaches this level of lyrical complexity. Usually an actor is left to come up with his or her own intention for each repeated lyric; in this case, the lyricist has made his intents obvious and draws a clear arch for the actor. He had asked for her hand in marriage all those years ago, but she rejected him. She has finally returned to tell Fredrik she is ready for the commitment, but he informs her he is now dedicated to a new, younger bride.

Desiree is an actress, so Sondheim uses theatrical vocabulary and imagery throughout the song. The title has baffled more than a few people throughout the history of the song.

Sondheim made the right choice, title-wise, and Collins made every possible right choice, vocal-wise, creating a beautiful, unexpected hit single. But then again, the content of the song already demonstrates that in heartbreaking fashion. Read the lyrics. For the latest songwriting tips, reviews, podcasts, and more. It may be an atypical bit of imagery for a love song, but the element of surprise is what gives the work of Sondheim its distinctive identity. And whether or not the use of a circus as a metaphor for love resonates, the song conveys a deep sense of yearning with its questioning lyrics.

Judy Collins. Because what happened next was, indeed, surprising. I think that made a big difference. Sondheim became an exemplar of how to take that form and do something really powerful with it. By the time the musical opened to very positive notices, Petosa said, no one in the packed house left before the curtain call—and now Sweeney Todd is a beloved touchstone of musical theater.

A Little Night Music is no exception. She had a unique instrument, and a unique color and character to her voice, and he needed to write a song that that actor could really land. And land it she did, as have hundreds of recording artists and some of the most celebrated stage actors, from Judi Dench to Jacqui Dankworth.