A Book A Week

Music has been a cornerstone of my life for as long as I can remember. Some of my earliest memories involve tinkering with the antique upright piano in our living room. My mom, who had played as a child, encouraged me to explore the instrument, while my dad had his own collection of guitars tucked away, remnants of his younger days playing music. Despite their early connections to music, both of my parents had long since set their instruments aside by the time I came along, leaving them as relics of their pasts.

But for me, those instruments were anything but forgotten. I was captivated when I pressed a piano key and heard the hammer strike the string. That initial curiosity evolved into a lifelong passion. I went on to master the piano, majoring in music in college, and eventually earned advanced degrees in music composition. Even now, my obsession with the craft remains as strong as ever. Music didn’t just shape my life—it transformed it entirely.

When I came across the title of Richard Schoch’s book, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life, I was immediately intrigued. By his passing in late 2021, the legendary Broadway composer had witnessed a remarkable resurgence in the popularity of his works, with critics and audiences lauding his musicals as masterpieces of the art form. Having enjoyed many of Sondheim’s creations myself, I could see precisely what Schoch was getting at. Sondheim’s musicals are rich with life lessons and thoughtful reflections, making the idea of a book delving into those themes all the more compelling.

In How Sondheim Can Change Your Life, Richard Schoch delves into the legendary composer’s body of work, unpacking the themes behind his music and lyrics while weaving in behind-the-scenes anecdotes that reveal the inspiration and meticulous craft behind each musical. Each chapter focuses on a different production, offering a closer look at Sondheim's creative process. What struck me most was the sheer intentionality with which he approached his art. Every note and lyric served the story for Sondheim, and he wasn’t precious about any of it. He was open to altering lines, composing entirely new sections, and embracing debates with collaborators, all in the name of improving the work.

Sondheim’s career wasn’t without its challenges. While many of his shows are now considered masterpieces, he experienced his share of failures. Merrily We Roll Along, for example, closed after just 16 performances and was met with critical and commercial rejection. Yet, as Schoch highlights, even Sondheim’s perceived missteps were often ahead of their time, with Merrily later reevaluated and celebrated in a successful revival just this year.

Schoch argues that each of Sondheim’s musicals is unified by a central theme, offering the audience a life lesson woven into the production’s heart. Reading this book compelled me to pause, revisit the music discussed, and uncover new layers of meaning in familiar works. It deepened my appreciation for Sondheim and reminded me of the transformative power of art.

At a time when art and its creators are too often dismissed, How Sondheim Can Change Your Life is a passionate defense of artistic expression and its vital role in shaping and enriching our lives. It’s a powerful reminder of why new art should be created and shared with audiences eager to connect with it.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 93)