" WITH SO LITTLE TO BE SURE OF" SONDHEIM PROVES HE IS QUITE ACCESSIBLE AND TUNEFUL

" With So Little to be Sure Of"- Sondheim proves he is quite accessible and tuneful
Stephan Sondheim who has demonstrated his musical theatre versatility to be  even more varied and adventuresome than Rodger & Hammerstein . Some critics believe that Sondheim's songs are too complex and his lyrics cold and clinical. What these critics forget is that Sondheim's songs are designed to further the plot and characters in his musical productions. His keen insights into character and personality will expose the inevitable flaws in human nature as opposed to the " moon and june" lyrics of conventioall musical theatre pieces. For example in the show " Anyone Can Whistle"  the male and female leads realize that those " marvellous moments" they once had were now over. But instead of bitter recriminations, both characters acknowledge what they had gained from their love for each other . When they sing " We had a moment, a marvellous moment" Sondheim demonstrates an astute insight into personality and character. . The song has been accurately described as " A wonderfully made,touching, nonmaudlin ballad that should be considered by anyone who finds Sondheim obscure."
In the original cast ,Harry Guardino and Lee Remick play the departing lovers. Although both are essentially actors, they bring their dramatic talents to bear in a very affecting manner with their own marvellous singing moments.

I also provide a concert version by Bernadette Peters who has always been a singer associated with Sondheim ( Sunday In The Park"  Into the W oods.")
There is a wonderful piano accompaniment that highlights Sondheim's composition and  the string section  finally enters to create an emotionally charged conclusion.

LINK":  Guardino/Remick:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pe3vldX7iJc

LINK"  PETERS: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IF3QCI4C2wk







































































































"With So Little To Be Sure Of"   Sondheim proves he is quite accessible and tuneful.
Stephan Sondheim has often been accused of being to complex and clinical a writer, especially as related to his lyrics. What critics forget is that ll Sondheim music and lyrics are crafted with the intention to further the story and characters of the musical theatre productions for which he has written both music and words. He works very closely with his librettists lto ensure that any songs are tailored very closely to what the book writer has created in conjunction with Sondheim, the director, choreographer and arranger.
For example, in the musical " Anyone Can Whistle"  the well-known actress sings a touching ballad to express her longing for

























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