Finishing The Hat by Stephen Sondheim
- 1. Finishing The Hat is a seminal work by the legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, encapsulating his profound ability to weave intricate narratives with musical sophistication. The song is featured in the iconic musical 'Sunday in the Park with George,' which draws inspiration from the life and struggles of the French painter Georges Seurat. 'Finishing The Hat' serves as a poignant reflection on the artist's dedication to his craft, as it explores themes of obsession, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of artistic perfection. Sondheim's lyrics delve into the complex emotions experienced by an artist who grapples with the balance between his creative ambitions and the sacrifices required in his personal life. With its haunting melody and introspective lyrics, the song captures the essence of what it means to be an artist; the joy of creation juxtaposed with the isolating nature of artistic endeavor. Sondheim's masterful use of musical motifs and clever wordplay not only highlights the beauty of art but also poignantly underscores the loneliness that often accompanies it, making 'Finishing The Hat' a profound commentary on the nature of creativity itself.
What is the primary subject of Stephen Sondheim's book 'Finishing The Hat'?
A) His lyrics and creative process for his musicals up to 1981.
B) A history of Broadway musical theater.
C) His autobiography focusing on his childhood.
D) A technical guide to composing music.
- 2. What is the meaning behind the book's title, 'Finishing The Hat'?
A) It is a metaphor for retiring from the theater.
B) It refers to the final, meticulous act of completing a creative work.
C) It describes his hobby of collecting hats.
D) It is the title of a song from Sunday in the Park with George.
- 3. Which collaborator is a central figure throughout the discussions of his early work?
A) Andrew Lloyd Webber
B) Oscar Hammerstein II
C) Harold Prince
D) Leonard Bernstein
- 4. What fundamental principle of lyric writing did Sondheim learn from Oscar Hammerstein II?
A) Lyrics should be ambiguous and open to interpretation.
B) Always write the music first.
C) Content dictates form.
D) Rhyme is more important than reason.
- 5. For which musical did Sondheim write both music and lyrics for the first time?
A) A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
B) Gypsy
C) Anyone Can Whistle
D) West Side Story
- 6. What visual material is included alongside the text in 'Finishing The Hat'?
A) Cartoons he drew as a child.
B) Photographs from all his productions.
C) Sheet music for all his songs.
D) Handwritten drafts of his lyrics.
- 7. What is the title of the second volume, which continues his work from 1981 onward?
A) The Last of the Giants
B) Look, I Made A Hat
C) Sondheim & Co.
D) Putting It Together
- 8. For which musical does Sondheim express particular pride in the intricate lyric for the song 'Someone in a Tree'?
A) Pacific Overtures
B) Follies
C) Anyone Can Whistle
D) A Little Night Music
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