The Broadway Song Companion: An Annotated Guide to Musical Theatre Literature by Voice Type and Song Style / Edition 1

by David P. DeVenney

Overview

The Broadway Song Companion is the first complete guide and access point to the vast literature of the Broadway musical for the solo performer. Designed with the working actor in mind, the volume lists every song from over 210 Broadway shows, giving the name of the character(s) who sing(s) the song, its exact vocal range, and categorizing each by song style (uptempo, narrative ballad, swing ballad, moderate character piece, etc.). A number of indexes to the volume list titles of songs, first lines, composer's and lyricist's names, and each song by voice type. For instance, a soprano looking for a ballad to sing will find every song in that category in the index. All solos, duets, and trios are indexed in this manner, with quartets and larger ensembles listed by voice type. Furthermore, the instant breakdowns (how many lead characters, who sings what song, and the range requirements of each character) will be a valuable resource to directors and producers.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780810833739
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	03/12/1998
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	228
Product dimensions:	5.82(w) x 8.96(h) x 0.85(d)

About the Author

David P. DeVenney is assistant professor of music at West Chester University.

Editorial Reviews

DeVenney undoubtedly has wide experience matching his performers with good music...handy indexes...for such a thin volume, the selection is intriguing...recommended for libraries supporting performing arts programs.

Choice Reviews

...this volume lists more than 2,000 songs. Arrangement is alphabetical by show title, with songs listed in show order. For each song, DeVenney gives the voice, vocal range, and song style. Indexes are arranged by voice part.

Booklist

This volume is somewhat academically sub-titled...don't be put off by that, as I nearly was!...the book is in fact designed with the working actor in mind and the volume literally lists every song from nearly 210 Broadway shows...the cross-referencing is invaluable...each show is dealt with as an entity but the book also has a series of detailed indices...becomes a veritable casting bible for producers and directors of musicals on the one hand and an invaluable source for any individual voice to find all the songs in his or her range from the Broadway canon...very well structured...this is one reference book that no one interested in musical theatre should be without!

Amateur Stage

This unique approach to the musical theatre's song repertoire will help solo performers and ensembles assemble programs suitable for their vocal talents and expressive of their interests.

Rettig On Reference

...valuable for directors and producers.

Reference and Research Book News

...carefully researched...With coverage of musicals from the 1890s to 1990s, this work will not be quickly outdated. It is a well-organized and concise guide to the music literature of Broadway.

American Reference Books Annual

DeVenney undoubtedly has wide experience matching his performers with good music...handy indexes...for such a thin volume, the selection is intriguing...recommended for libraries supporting performing arts programs.

Choice

This unique approach to the musical theatre's song repertoire will help solo performers and ensembles assemble programs suitable for their vocal talents and expressive of their interests.--Rettig On Reference

...valuable for directors and producers.--Reference and Research Book News

DeVenney undoubtedly has wide experience matching his performers with good music...handy indexes...for such a thin volume, the selection is intriguing...recommended for libraries supporting performing arts programs.--CHOICE

From the Publisher

DeVenney undoubtedly has wide experience matching his performers with good music...handy indexes...for such a thin volume, the selection is intriguing...recommended for libraries supporting performing arts programs.

CHOICE

...this volume lists more than 2,000 songs. Arrangement is alphabetical by show title, with songs listed in show order. For each song, DeVenney gives the voice, vocal range, and song style. Indexes are arranged by voice part.

Booklist

...carefully researched...With coverage of musicals from the 1890s to 1990s, this work will not be quickly outdated. It is a well-organized and concise guide to the music literature of Broadway.

American Reference Books Annual (ARBA)

A guide to the literature of the Broadway musical for the solo performer, designed with the working actor in mind. Lists every song from some 210 Broadway shows, giving the name of the character who sings that song, its exact vocal range, and categorizing each song by style, such as up-tempo, narrative ballad, and moderate character piece. Multiple indexes list songs by title, first line, composer's and lyricist's names, and voice type. Solos, duets, and trios are also separately indexed, with quartets and larger ensembles listed by voice type. Information on how many lead characters, who sings what song, and the range requirements of each character will be valuable for directors and producers. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

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