The unexpected loss of life nowadays of songwriter Stephen Sondheim at his Connecticut home will no doubt catch several by shock, supplied his somewhat strong persona, even at age 91.
But while his passing may perhaps shock, there is no doubt about the enormous contributions he manufactured to the American songbook through his groundbreaking 70-yr job as a songwriter, lyricist and normal pressure on worldwide lifestyle.
Steven Spielberg, whose “West Aspect Story” features Sondheim lyrics, saluted him in a statement.
“Stephen Sondheim was a giganic determine in American culture – just one of our country’s greatet songwriters, a lyricist and composer of authentic genius, and a creator of some of the most glorious musical dramas at any time written. Steve and I became friends only lately, but we became excellent pals, and I was amazed to find out he realized a lot more about flicks than virtually any one I’d ever fulfilled. When we spoke, I could not hold out to hear, awestruck by the originality of his perceptions of art, politics and people today — all shipped brilliantly by his mischievous wit and dazzling phrases. I will overlook him incredibly a lot, but he remaining a physique of perform that has taught us, and will continue to keep training us, how challenging and how unquestionably needed it is to adore.”
Some of the on-line reactions to Sondheim’s passing below.
Each and every so usually a person comes alongside that fundamentally shifts an whole artwork variety. Stephen Sondheim was a person of these. As tens of millions mourn his passing I also want to specific my gratitude for all he has given to me and so lots of far more. Sending my really like to his nearest and dearest. pic.twitter.com/4KlnJJJipq
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 26, 2021
Thank the Lord that Sondheim lived to be 91 yrs previous so he had the time to create these fantastic audio and Excellent lyrics! May he Relaxation In Peace🥲🎵 🎶🎵 pic.twitter.com/vshNSdkvpQ
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) November 26, 2021
Devastated to hear 1 of the most essential musical theatre giants of our era, #StephenSondheim, has died. I was blessed ample to have carried out in two of his demonstrates @FolliesBroadway & Sweeney Todd, & also have a song co-created by him for my 50th Anniversary. RIP expensive gentleman pic.twitter.com/1u8RURvcix
— Elaine Paige (@elaine_paige) November 26, 2021
I am so so unfortunate to reduce my buddy Steve Sondheim He gave me so a great deal to sing about ♥️♥️I cherished him dearly and will miss him so a great deal Thank you for all the gifts you gave the globe Steve♥️
— Bernadette Peters (@OfficialBPeters) November 26, 2021
He motivated all of us, whether or not we realized it or not. Rest In Peace. You have been a reward to this entire world ♥️ #Sondheim pic.twitter.com/ajM0oU7zSQ
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) November 26, 2021
RIP Stephen Sondheim. Not just a genius but a really great person. He’d go see anything and encourage youthful artists (like so lots of, I received a individual note which thrills me to this day.) He loved the theater he was and will normally be the theater. There will be trumpets pic.twitter.com/byiJaZ580H
— Paul Rudnick (@PaulRudnickNY) November 26, 2021
Goodbye expensive sir. We will shell out our lives trying to make you happy. #stephensondheim
— Idina Menzel (@idinamenzel) November 26, 2021
American musical theater has shed a towering huge. Stephen Sondheim’s legacy of tune and lyric in unparalleled. From West Side Tale to Sweenie Todd, from Gypsy to Sunday in the Park with George, there will hardly ever be a master like him.
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) November 26, 2021
I am at a reduction. Feels like the close of an era. He did in fact established the conventional for the American musical.
Rest properly, sir. #StephenSondheim
— Ariana DeBose (@ArianaDeBose) November 26, 2021
Potentially not given that April 23rd of 1616 has theater shed these types of a innovative voice. Thank you Mr. Sondheim for your Demon Barber, some Night Songs, a Sunday in the Park, Company, pleasurable at a Discussion board, a vacation Into the Woods and telling us a West Side Tale. RIP. 🙏 https://t.co/jHX7ob9JWv
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 26, 2021
I was just conversing to a person a several evenings ago about how much enjoyment (and fucking complicated) it is to sing Stephen Sondheim. Undertaking his do the job has been amongst the best privileges of my job. A devastating reduction.
— Anna Kendrick (@AnnaKendrick47) November 26, 2021
He wrote me a wonderful permission letter to use “Old Friends” in American Gods. I averted conference him (failed only once) and refused dinner due to the fact I didn’t have lots of heroes. Now I’ve got 1 much less. Thank you Stephen Sondheim so a great deal. pic.twitter.com/soRo4G2ZFU
— Neil Gaiman (@neilhimself) November 26, 2021
Relaxation In Peace, Stephen Sondheim, and thank you for your broad contributions to musical theater. We shall be singing your tunes without end. Oh, my heart hurts…
— Lea Salonga (@MsLeaSalonga) November 26, 2021
Stephen Sondheim has been receiving life span tributes due to the fact about 1973 and even now it feels like we’ll often locate something else to rejoice about him. Devastating.
— Louis Virtel (@louisvirtel) November 26, 2021
There are no words and phrases. He experienced them all. And the audio.He was incomparable. He was God to a lot of of us. We cherished his do the job. And god he was superior. So great. Relaxation peacefully ❤️💔❤️ pic.twitter.com/A9MKH9NMEm
— Sondheim Society (@SondheimSociety) November 26, 2021
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