(New York) Stephen Sondheim, the songwriter who reshaped American musical theater in the second half of the 20e century with his brilliant lyrics with complex rhymes, his use of evocative melodies and his willingness to tackle unusual subjects, has passed away. He was 91 years old.
Stephen Sondheim’s death was announced by his Texas-based attorney Rick Pappas, who told the New York Times that the composer died Friday at his home in Roxbury, Connecticut.
Stephen Sondheim has influenced several generations of theatrical songwriters, especially with landmark musicals such as Company, Follies and Sweeney todd, which are considered among his best works. His most famous ballad, Send in the Clowns, has been recorded hundreds of times, including by Frank Sinatra and Judy Collins.
The artist refused to repeat himself, drawing inspiration for his shows from subjects as diverse as a film by Ingmar Bergman (A Little Night Music), the opening of Japan to the West (Pacific Overtures), the French painter Georges Seurat (Sunday in the Park With George), Grimm’s fairy tales (Into the Woods) and even the assassins of American presidents (Assassins), among others.
“The theater has lost one of its greatest geniuses and the world has lost one of its greatest and most original writers. Unfortunately, there is now a giant in the sky. But the brilliance of Stephen Sondheim will always be there as his legendary songs and shows will be played forever, ”producer Cameron Mackintosh wrote in tribute.
Six of Stephen Sondheim’s musicals won Tony Awards for Best Sheet Music, and he also received a Pulitzer Prize (Sunday in the Park), an Oscar (for the song Sooner or Later from the movie Dick tracy), and the Presidential Medal of Honor. In 2008, he received a Tony for Lifetime Achievement.
Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics gave his shows a dark and dramatic edge, whereas before him the dominant tone of musicals was bubbly and comedic. Frank Sinatra, who has enjoyed success with Send in the Clowns de Sondheim, once complained, “He could make me a lot happier if he wrote more songs for saloon singers like me.” ”
For fans of the theater, the sophistication and brilliance of Stephen Sondheim made him an icon. A Broadway theater is named after him.