Category Archives: Music

Last night, Laurel and I attended a performance of Godspell at Circle in the Square, which exceeded my low expectations. Contrary to the anticipated 70s style, the show featured modern music and high-energy performances. I recommend it, though the distraction of audience snacks during emotional scenes was bothersome.

Ben Folds’ music redefined pop-rock piano, showcasing its potential beyond classical and jazz. His unique style combines repetitive melodies and jazzy riffs, enabling the piano to resonate as powerfully as guitar-driven music. Notably, Folds’ performances, like the Yale concert, highlight his adaptability, even finishing on guitar after breaking a string.

I don’t get a lot of Stephen Sondheim‘s music.  His lyrics are certainly impressive and witty, and though my former professor of musical theater Steve Swayne (Sondheim expert) might throw his hands up at the statement, I nevertheless have trouble digesting a good chunk of Sondheim’s music. I had trouble sitting through shows such as Into theContinue reading “Perler on Sondheim”

The writer reflects on the music of composer Jason Robert Brown, highlighting three songs: “Stars and the Moon,” “I’d Give It All For You,” and “The Next Ten Minutes.” They appreciate Brown’s intuitive yet complex rhythmic structures and virtuosic piano riffs, emphasizing how his instrumental music is engaging and dynamic.

“Total Praise” by Richard Smallwood has been a cherished gospel piece for the author since high school, despite their Jewish-born Atheist background. The author notes Jason Robert Brown’s inspiration from gospel music and shares links to performances of “Total Praise” and other works, appreciating the diversity in the genre.