Stephen Sondheim: New Chamber Music Arrangements
Bridge, 2025
9/10
Listen to Stephen Sondheim: New Chamber Music Arrangements
The revered piano and violin pair, Opus Two, celebrate the work of Stephen Sondheim with these 10 selections that recruit Elena Shaddow, Andrew Garlend and Beth Vanderborgh.
“Suite From A Little Night Music” leads with William Terwilliger’s emotive violin alongside Andrew Cooperstock’s meticulous piano via much beauty and a hint of playfulness, and “Not While I’m Around” follows with the dreamy keys amid the intimate strings.
Arriving in the middle are the firm keys and striking strings of “Main Title From Stavisky”, while “Every Day A Little Death” showcases the swirling keys, graceful cello from Vanderborgh and tense violin in the album’s best.
Further yet, “Finishing The Hat” is both frisky and melodic, where the upbeat keys welcome Garland’s expressive baritone, and “Fleet Street Suite” exits with a very dynamic and animated interaction between Terwilliger and Cooperstock.
The arranger Eric Stern’s contributions here cannot be understated, as the duo pay tribute to Sondheim’s legacy by spotlighting his Broadway shows with unparalleled meticulousness.
Travels well with: JoAnn Falletta/Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra- Contemporary Landscapes; John Schneider- Pastiches