BY MICHAEL HAMMELMANN
Since the beginning of the theatrical endeavours of the stage, musicals have grown in popularity and success. They are able to connect with the audience because of its relatable human emotions making them compelling, disturbing and lovely to watch. It is something that everyone should experience no matter what their musical influences and background are.
This week, the Sydney Theatre Awards announced its 2015 nominations, with musicals including Les Miserables, Matilda, Dogfight, and The Sound of Music on the list. Ahead of the awards ceremony next January 28, we bring you our top 5 music theatre songs of all time.
5. Jesus Christ Superstar: ‘Heaven on their Minds’
Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber – arguably the best composer of musical theatre – Jesus Christ Superstar was an immediate hit with theatregoers when it debuted on Broadway in 1971. This musical centres on the final weeks of the life of Jesus. ‘Heaven on their Minds’ is sung by Judas when he voices his concerns over Jesus’ rising popularity. This song is a masterpiece in every facet, its driving guitar riff captures the audience’s attention from the first moment, and the use of belt in the high notes is astonishing. Furthermore, it has the option to extend to a D above a high C – an achievement that few male singers can boast, and one which makes it a vibrant and energetic song. There are various parts in the song where one can ad lib and it has therefore been open to many different interpretations by singers such as Jon Stevens (INXS) and Tim Minchin. This tune is a must for every rock and theatre singer wanting to branch out into the rock and pop inspired side of musical theatre.
4. Wicked: ‘Defying Gravity’
The youngest of the musical theatre productions on this list, Wicked premiered in 2003 and was welcomed with mixed reviews. The lyrics and music are composed by Stephen Schwartz with the musical being influenced by the novel ‘Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West’ by Gregory Maguire. Wicked continues to be performed to sell-out crowds willing to pay top dollar to see this musical that will most likely become a part of the elite category of musical theatre works sooner rather than later.
‘Defying Gravity’ is the finale of the first act and tells the story of Elphaba (the wicked witch of the west) wanting to live without limits, going against the rules that have been set by the wizards’ regime. It is technically difficult, demanding a controlled head voice in the first couple of choruses as well as an impressive belt technique needed. It is passionate and can win over the audience very easily due to its relevant human emotions making it a signature song of the 21st Century musical theatre.
3. Chess: ‘Anthem’
The collaboration between the musical genius of the male components of ABBA and the extraordinary lyricist Tim Rice saw Chess receive a huge amount of praise in its debut. The story involves a love triangle between two chess players competing in the world chess championship and a woman who manages the American competitor, but falls in love with his rival contestant from the Soviet Union.
The song ‘Anthem’ occurs when Anatoly (the Russian competitor) is questioned by reporters about his loyalty after defecting to the west, to which Anatoly proudly declares: “My land’s only borders lie around my heart”. Although simplistic in its elements, ‘Anthem’ is a staple song of theatre. It contains thrilling top notes as well as an ascending scale in the middle and end of the song that is absolutely sensational to witness. It is a calm musical theatre work to ease into and sing, difficult to perfect and a complete crowd pleaser.
2. Les Miserable: ‘Bring him Home’
Les Miserable was composed by Claude-Michel Schonberg and has become one of the most recognised musicals in existence. The plot is too dense to sum up in a couple of sentences, but it is based on the novel by Victor Hugo and focuses around the character of peasant thief-turned-hero Jean Valjean. Though many of its original reviews were negative, it continues to strive to this day in what is its 30th year.
‘Bring him Home’ rarely gets a mention in regards to lists of the top musical theatre songs. It is sometimes eclipsed by another song from this musical like ‘Empty Chairs at Empty Tables’ or ‘I Dreamed a Dream’. Yet, ‘Bring him Home’ is a complete mastery of the musical theatre genre and a song that much of the spectators crave when seeing this production. ‘Bring him Home’ is sung by Jean Valjean about his daughter’s fiancé Marius as he prepares to face battle in the student uprisings of 1832. It features a huge amount of falsetto that is breath-takingly beautiful, which supports the song’s overall delicate and dreamy texture. This melody leaves the audience overcome with emotions and is arguably the best song of Les Miserable – despite perhaps not receiving the credit it deserves.
1. Phantom of the Opera: ‘Wishing you were Somehow Here Again’
The Phantom of the Opera is one of the most financially successful musicals in history, and would not have become so without some of the greatest songs in the theatre realm. Its story centres on a disfigured musical genius (the Phantom) who haunts the Paris Opera. He becomes infatuated with a lovely young singer by the name of Christine Daaé, who becomes mesmerized under the Phantom’s influence.
‘Wishing you were Somehow Here Again’ is sung by Christine Daaé during the second act when she visits her father’s grave, mourning his death and longing to see him again. This song is full of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s vintage style of orchestral writing and unique ways to engage audiences with the voice. The incredibly stunning high notes – especially the last note of the work will leave the onlookers simply amazed. It has also been performed by opera singers such as Mirusia Louwerse and Lisa Crosato, making it the perfect crossover piece in addition to being the best theatre song.
And our honourable mention goes to…
Phantom of the Opera: ‘Music of the Night’.
Phantom of the Opera makes its way onto the list for the second time, albeit in the form of an honourable mention. When discussing a musical of this calibre, it is extremely difficult to only mention one song – as this production is truly the epitome of musical theatre.
‘Music of the Night’ is sung by the Phantom when he is enchanting Christine with his own voice, trying to convince her to submit to his world. The smooth and calming tones of this work puts the audience in an instant state of euphoria with its deep resonating lower notes and climatic top notes sure to leave the viewers in awe. It has been sung by theatre greats such as Michael Crawford, Colm Wilkinson and Anthony Warlow. It is one of the leading theatre songs of all time, a great song to listen to and sing.
To check out this year’s Sydney Theatre Award nominees, click here.
Image credit Steven Pisano via Flickr (CC 2.0).
Not sure I agree. No West side story?