Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street is based on the legend of Sweeney Todd, and specifically upon the play by Christopher Bond. It tells the tale of Todd, formerly Benjamin Barker, who returns from the pemal colonies in Australia where he has spent fifteen years on false charges. When he learns from Mrs. Lovett, whose meat pies are the worst in London, that his wife poisoned herself after being violated by Judge Turpin, and his daughter is the ward of Judge Turpin, who imprisoned him, he vows revenge. The two become conspirators in a dastardly plot that results in mass murder, booming business for Lovett's shop, and ultimately tragedy.
Sondheim's score is one of his most complex. He relies heavily on counterpoint and rich, angular harmonies in the show and he also quotes the ancient Dies Irae. He also relies heavily on leitmotif. These vocal selections present seven songs arranged for voice and piano.
The Ballad Of Sweeney Todd; Johanna; Wait; Green Finch And Linnet Bird; Pretty Women; By The Sea; Not While I'm Around.
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