No matter how many compilations of the works of Stephen Schwartz I hear, there is always one or two songs that are new to me, and this is a testament to the quality and skill of the writing of this musical theatre phenomenon.
Here, in the new album Schwartz Songs, the song that jumped out is “Let There Be” from Children of Eden, a musical I know of but have never really seen or heard.
On this evidence I long to see a full revival, and John Owen Jones adds his soaring voice to make the number a memorable one.
The opening song of Schwartz Songs, “Defying Gravity” from Wicked, teams four former Elphabas in a quartet of vocal power.
Kerry Ellis, Alice Fearn, Lucie Jones and Rachel Tucker each bring something different to the role, and this supercut or mashup of the song showcases each and every one of them, with Tucker returning later in the album to share her striking version of “The Wizard and I”.
This album has been so well curated, with power ballads nudging the more understated numbers like “Meadowlark” from The Baker’s Wife (sung beautifully by Louise Dearman) and “Beautiful City” from Godspell (sung by Oliver Tompsett).
It’s a key album for fans of musical theatre across the ages, and proves that Schwartz both moves with the times and keeps his trademark musical legacy alive.
I enjoyed hearing Jordan Luke Gage and Rob Houchen show their softer sides on Godspell‘s “On The Willows”, such a beautiful melody of hope and inner strength in adversity. It’s another highlight of the album for me.
There’s something for all tastes here, from the plethora of strong melodies for the female voice to choral-based pieces like “Deliver Us” from The Prince of Egypt, performed with gusto here by Hiba Elchikhe.
Schwartz, as composer and lyricist, has described the former as an “art” and the latter as a “craft” in this online Q&A – he is clearly and profoundly gifted at both, and creates from both head and heart to develop a show.
Schwartz Songs does not take a chronological approach to his work, although of course you can listen in whatever order to wish if your aim is to explore his development as writer.
There are sixteen tracks in all, with Jamie Muscado, Jamie Lambert (singing the reflective song “Forgiveness’ Embrace” from the 2023 film Jimmy and Carolyn), Samantha Barks (a vibrant “Colours of the Wind” from Pocahontas, Marisha Wallace & Trevor Dion Nicholas (the gorgeous “When You Believe” from The Prince of Egypt).
Emma Kingston, Rachel John (a stunning “Oh Bless The Lord My Soul” from Godspell), Billy Luke Newers, and Peter Jöback make up the rest of the performers contributing to this fascinating and fabulous record.
Yours – and my – selection of Stephen Schwartz’s output may be very different. The man has written twenty shows for the stage (including children’s shows and opera), plus contributions to film scores, television, and choral pieces.
Starting in 1969 with the title song of Butterflies are Free, he has hardly stopped, and whether supplying lyrics for other composers or taking on both roles himself, he has always been worth listening to.
With a well-received Schwartz at 75 concert in the West End last year and a major revival of The Baker’s Wife coming to the Menier Chocolate Factory next month, Schwartz’s star seems a well-deserved and permanent fixture in the musical theatre space.
I can’t recommend this album highly enough.
*****
Schwartz Songs is available from 28 Jun, released by Westway.