Threaded Order Chronological Order
| What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Last Edit: Chazwaza 04:48 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| Posted by: Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| I'm trying to compile a list of the great instrumental pieces from musicals that aren't overtures. They aren't found that often especially in modern musicals that emphasize dance less, but so many of them are so interesting and/or just breathtaking. What are ones I'm missing (there are many)? -Paris Waltz -- Candide -Prologue -- West Side Story -The Rumble - West Side Story -Somewhere ballet -- West Side Story -The Carnival -- Floyd Collins -March of the Siamese Children -- The King & I -Waltz from Nine -- Nine -Prologue -- Follies -Wedding Celebration & Bottle Dance -- Fiddler On the Roof -Carousel Waltz -- Carousel -Ballet: Pas de Deux -- Carousel -Night Waltz -- A Little Night Music -Prologue -- The Fantasticks -The Cookie Chase -- Anyone Can Whistle -Lion Dance -- Pacific Overtures -Tick Tock -- Company -Conquering New York -- Wonderful Town -Times Square Ballet -- On The Town -Music and The Mirror - A Chorus Line -Hot Honey Rag -- Chicago -Gettin Ready Rag -- Ragtime -Rich Man's Frug -- Sweet Charity -American Dancing -- The Light in the Piazza -Manson Trio / Orgy -- Pippin -Dream Ballet -- Oklahoma |
|
| reply to this message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 07:47 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| It seems that no one has yet mentioned one of my favorite ballet pieces - the dance section of "Marian The Librarian." Unfortunately, I don't believe the music is included complete on any commercial recording, though the adaptation used in the film is close, as I recall. The picnic ballet that goes with "Once A Year Day" in Pajama Game is also a lot of fun. And, the dream ballet that goes with "Leaning On A Lamppost" in Me And My Girl. Terrific arrangement. I'd also include the "Abduction" ballet from Man Of La Mancha (though it does include a bit of singing, with its ironic reprise of "Little Bird"). Really cool writing! |
|
| reply to this message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: PlayWiz 05:29 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| There's also the "Boy Friend" which has the "Carnival Tango". | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: MFS 05:27 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| If you want to count dance music that uses songs cut from earlier productions of a show, or from previews, perhaps the Tango Tragique from some versions of She Loves Me? | |
| Link | Tango Tragique, 1994 London She Loves Me |
| reply to this message | reply to first message | |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 07:29 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - MFS 05:27 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
|
|
|
| "Tango Tragique" was played as an instrumental (as if it was happening inside the cafe) in the original version of the show as well. The only difference in the revival is that it no longer gets sung also. | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Last Edit: PlayWiz 01:18 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| Posted by: PlayWiz 01:17 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| There's a "Rich Kid's Rag" from "Little Me" Also, the "Riviera Rage" from "Irene" |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| forgot some Webber... | |
| Posted by: Chazwaza 01:13 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| Easy to do. But I love The Jellicle Ball from Cats and the Car Chase from Sunset Blvd. I'm sure there are others from him I'm not thinking of. |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: forgot some Webber... | |
| Last Edit: EvFoDr 02:18 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| Posted by: EvFoDr 02:15 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: forgot some Webber... - Chazwaza 01:13 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
|
|
|
| He loves extended sequences where music tells the story. Also the opening to Evita, from the time they finish the first requiem's until Che starts singing. This is particularly thrilling in the movie with the massive orchestra and having all the guitars along with the symphonic instruments, more like the original orchestration than the OCR (although I primarily prefer the more "Broadway" sound of the OCR). They are short, but I love all the orchestral interludes in Aspects of Love. |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: forgot some Webber... | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 07:35 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: re: forgot some Webber... - EvFoDr 02:15 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
|
|
|
| The "Journey To Egypt" in Joseph is mostly based on music from Superstar (the Pilate/Jesus scene). At least one version of the show, which I think is still available for production, includes the "Jesus Christ Superstar" theme in the celebratory music at the end before "Any Dream Will Do." | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| Bernstein's WONDERFUL TOWN - Ballet at the Village Vortex!! | |
| Posted by: BillyG 12:09 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| Bernstein's WONDERFUL TOWN - Ballet at the Village Vortex!! What a great composition!!! |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| Leroy Anderson's "Goldilocks" - "Town House Maxixe" and "The Pussy Foot Ballet" | |
| Last Edit: PlayWiz 01:12 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| Posted by: PlayWiz 01:00 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: Bernstein's WONDERFUL TOWN - Ballet at the Village Vortex!! - BillyG 12:09 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
|
|
|
| Both terrific pieces, which are included on at least one of the Leroy Anderson compilations. There's also a version of the "Lazy Moon" number in which the instrumentation includes tap-dancing sounds. There are also instrumentals of other songs as well ("I Never Know When to Say When"), though I don't know if they were used in the actual show. "The Pussy Foot Ballet" is based on the theme which starts the very exciting and wonderful overture to "Goldilocks". Another thumbs up on the "Pick-Pocket Tango" from "Redhead". I wish there were visuals of Gwen Verdon and Company dancing this to Bob Fosse's choreography. Here's the "Pussy Foot" - click on the item which is from the "Leroy Anderson Collection" for the instrumental, which I reckon followed Pat Stanley's delightful vocal in the show. Btw, perhaps Anderson's orchestration reminded the orchestrator of "Gypsy" 's overture about the slide-whistle used a year prior here in "Goldilocks". |
|
| Link | https://www.shazam.com/track/340369941/the-pussy-foot |
| reply to this message | reply to first message | |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 11:08 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| Times Square Ballet -- On The Town Absolutely - but as a huge fan of the score, I feel you left out the score's other wonderful ballet sequences - so in addition: New York New York dance break (after the song) Miss Turnstiles Ballet Lonely Town Pas De Deux Dream Ballet (Subway Ride/The Great Lover Displays Himself/The Imaginary Coney Island) The Real Coney Island |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: lowwriter 08:27 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| Not all are great but: The Embassy Waltz--My Fair Lady Concerto in F, An American in Paris -- An American in Paris Finale--The Fight Song--Golden Boy Waltz for a Ball--Cinderella March--Camelot Training Montage--Rocky Grapes of Roth--Promises, Promises Prelude, The Shag, Two Step, Final Dance--Steel Pier |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: duckylittledictum 11:35 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - lowwriter 08:27 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
|
|
|
| Something from left field: Sauce Diable from JENNIE. Always thrilling when it pops up on the disc. Has me wondering if it's the work of Arthur Schwartz or the dance arranger, Trude Rittman. | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: mgm79 06:35 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| Grapes of Roth ... Promises, Promises. The first one to pop into my head that wasn't on your list | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| Chazwaza, what a great list! | |
| Posted by: showtunetrivia 01:29 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| I feel like I want a mix tape! Laura |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: keikekaze 06:10 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| "Scherzo" from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes "Up Where the People Are" from The Unsinkable Molly Brown The suite of dances in the ballroom scene from Cinderella. "Ten Minutes Ago" eventually gets a lyric when the Prince sings it, but another waltz and a gavotte don't get any lyrics, though they're just as good. "American Dancing" from Light In the Piazza |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: dlevy 05:34 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| The Embassy Waltz from My Fair Lady And perhaps not quite in the same league but a favorite nonetheless is the Tornado from The Wiz. |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| "Sadie Hawkins Day Ballet" from "Li'l Abner" | |
| Posted by: wmgrad1976 05:33 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| nm | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| chase scene in funny thing happened on the way to forum | |
| Posted by: dramedy 05:22 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| I don’t think it is on any of the recordings. Having just seen Jerome Robbins broadway, I think the Charleston from bullion dollar baby didn’t have much sung. On a Sunday by the seaside from high button shoes seemed to be mostly dance but it might have lyrics. |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| Largely unaccompanied onstage | |
| Posted by: AlanScott 06:38 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: chase scene in funny thing happened on the way to forum - dramedy 05:22 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| Onstage, the big chase scene in Forum is unaccompanied, except for a couple of incidental chords. Perhaps you mean where the soldiers chase Pseudolus early in Act Two? That's just a very straightforward version of "Free," meant to repeat as long as necessary for a particular production. The chase scene in the movie has a great deal of underscoring, which I think is on the soundtrack recording. Perhaps you've seen a production that added stuff, but there's really nothing in the licensed materials or the publlshed score for the big chase sequence after the "Funeral Sequence." |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| one of my favorite is slaughter on tenth avenue | |
| Posted by: dramedy 05:15 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| From on your toes. Now that American in Paris was put on stage, that number should be on your list. |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: one of my favorite is slaughter on tenth avenue | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 11:16 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: one of my favorite is slaughter on tenth avenue - dramedy 05:15 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| If we're talking On Your Toes, there are at least two other dance sequences that MUST be mentioned: 1) The Princess Zenobia Ballet at the end of Act I. A really fun "Arabian Nights" pastiche, with a GORGEOUS pas de deux melody. (Vera also seduces Junior earlier in the act with the same music.) 2) The dance break to "On Your Toes." I personally find this music irresistible. On the face of it, it's a VERY standard dance break for its time - a no-frills use of the melody over and over - 6 entire instrumental choruses, in fact. But what orchestrator Hans Spialek does to vary the instrumentation and specifics each time is really clever and keeps the interest in the tune instead of it just feeling like a bunch of repeats. Especially when you can hear the key changes coming in a few of the transitions. |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Last Edit: EvFoDr 05:17 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| Posted by: EvFoDr 05:09 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - Chazwaza 04:45 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| I love love love what is called on the Encores 1995 recording "Ballet--Joey Looks Into the Future" from Pal Joey. Not sure if that's what it was called in the original. In fact, many of the songs in this show transition into dance/instrumental sections before ending. I love them all but the Joey Ballet is my favorite. Everybody loves to hate Cats, but I think The Jellicle Ball is a lot of fun. :-) It was called "Chess" in the London production and was then featured as part of the Endgame in the Broadway production with lyrics added. If you know what I mean. The extended instrumental section in Folies Bergeres from Nine. It doesn't have a name, but the finale of Steel Pier from the time he says "you still owe me a dance" until the end. In a similar vein the end of Titanic. It's a short musical interlude as it transitions from the survivors into the final tableau where they rejoin those who have died, before they start the reprise of "sail on". Also short, about the last 1:20 of the Danced With a Girl track of Marie Christine. Beautiful piano, close dissonant chords, plus lush orchestra. |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 11:26 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - EvFoDr 05:09 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| In a similar vein the end of Titanic. It's a short musical interlude as it transitions from the survivors into the final tableau where they rejoin those who have died, before they start the reprise of "sail on". In the actual show, most of this (called "The Foundering," even though it's really just after the sinking happens) is underscoring - the recording decided to omit the dialogue, which is fine, though the dialogue itself is very moving, as the survivors try to tell what happened in the final moments. The tune used most of the way through is "Autumn," giving way to a bit of "No Moon" before the vocals start. Tony award-winning Jonathan Tunick also starts this sequence with the really evocative effect of "shivering" tremolo violins and violas underneath the melody. Such a beautiful sensorial touch - but of course the score is full of those little expert touches. |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: sf 06:15 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - EvFoDr 05:09 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| "It was called "Chess" in the London production and was then featured as part of the Endgame in the Broadway production with lyrics added. If you know what I mean." It was part of the Endgame with (different, better) lyrics in the original London production as well. It was present as an instrumental - twice - in the recent London revival, and with an orchestra of 67, it sounded *stunning*. |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: monty4rudy 05:19 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - EvFoDr 05:09 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| Speaking of Steel Pier, I've always said the all-too-short prelude, with that plaintive piano solo, was the most beautiful music on Broadway that season. I'd also include the Bolero from Grand Hotel. And I have a fondness for the Pick-Pocket Tango from Redhead, which I used to play a lot while waiting for the Grand Hotel recording to finally be released, because it sorta-kinda reminded me of the Bolero in places. |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) | |
| Posted by: EvFoDr 05:25 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
| In reply to: re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - monty4rudy 05:19 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| OMG yes on the Bolero. I have sometimes listened to that on repeat too many times to admit and still sound sane :-). I've always wanted to ask someone (paging CHROMOLUME) how to count that. I know it's the melody from What You Need, but I cannot for the life of me figure out the time signature. Parts of it remind me of Liaisons--odd but go with me. So maybe it's 3/2 or something like that. Agreed on Steel Pier. And actually the part I mentioned at the end starts with the same plaintive piano solo you like from the beginning (you probably already know that) but it is developed more fully with the orchestra, ending on a few blasting chords that are to remind us of "Second Chance". I don't know the Redhead number. I 'll check it out. Thanks! |
|
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: Grand Hotel Bolero | |
| Posted by: selmerboy 01:17 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: re: What are the great stand-alone instrumental pieces in musicals? (not overtures) - EvFoDr 05:25 pm EDT 06/25/18 | |
|
|
|
| It is in a slow 3/4. Like Ravel’s, the quarter note is so slow (about 64 bpm) that it almost feels like it could be in 6. The prominent triplets can also make it tricky to stay with in a few spots, but the underlying bolero rhythm never stops, even when the melody stretches a bit. Such a great moment! | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: Grand Hotel Bolero | |
| Last Edit: Chromolume 11:34 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
| Posted by: Chromolume 11:33 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Grand Hotel Bolero - selmerboy 01:17 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
|
|
|
| In the actual score, it is in 3/2, not 3/4. (So, EvFoDr, great guess!!) It's a minor difference in terms of overall feel - it's really just a notation issue (easier to notate without all the 16th note triplets you'd have to have in 3/4, and I suppose it "looks" more stately on the page) - but the effect is still that of a slow 3. ;-) | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: Grand Hotel Bolero | |
| Posted by: EvFoDr 12:22 pm EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Grand Hotel Bolero - Chromolume 11:33 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
|
|
|
| Ha! 10 points for me. Although to be fair it was only the similar feel to Liaisons (which I HAVE seen on the page and played on the piano in 3/2) that allowed me to make that guess. Even though it's just a notation, I have always had a terrible time feeling and counting 3/2. | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
| re: Grand Hotel Bolero | |
| Posted by: EvFoDr 10:35 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
| In reply to: re: Grand Hotel Bolero - selmerboy 01:17 am EDT 06/26/18 | |
|
|
|
| Thank you! YES, it is because the count is so slow that it feels like it has extra beats or an unusual meter. I shall listen again and TRY to count it all in a really slow 3/4. | |
| reply to this message | reply to first message |
Time to render: 0.093377 seconds.