Music Comparison Essay

Musical scoring is an essential element to the enhancement and heightened stake when it comes to emotion in film and on stage. The use of song helps the story travel along but also keeps audiences intrigued. Specifically looking at the work of composers: Stephen Schwartz and Alan Menken, we can discuss what similarities they both have within their music and what differences both composers present.

Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz are two of the most famous composers of musical theatre in the world today. They are famous for writing some of the biggest hits on Broadway and have been responsible for some of the most popular musicals in history. Despite being different in their musical style, Menken and Schwartz have many similarities in their works, such as their love for storytelling and creating iconic melodies.

Alan Menken is famous for his works on Disney musicals and movies such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and more recently Newsies. Menken uses his music to evoke feelings of joy and hope in his listeners.

And I find it very difficult to write happy songs.” You could argue that regardless of this he can compose very complicated and memorable “happy” songs such as Corner of the Sky from Pippin or When You Believe from the prince of Egypt. Despite the songs slow tempo, the lyrics and melody behind it could be seen as a song that promotes a happy feeling. Furthermore, he exclaims “Angry songs are very easy for me, I think many of my best songs are essentially written out of the characters anger.” When looking at the repertoire of Schwartz, you could say that it is clear that this is the case. However, looking at the music score and libretto for All for the Best from Godspell, the fast paced lyrics and tempo of the music can prove to be incredibly difficult for the actors involved and is an upbeat song, but is a good song despite it going against his