Composer

:

Stephen Sondheim

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

2:56

"Goodbye for Now" is a song composed by Stephen Sondheim, an American composer and lyricist known for his contributions to musical theater. The song was written for the 1971 musical "Merrily We Roll Along," which was based on a play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart. The musical premiered on Broadway on November 16, 1981, at the Alvin Theatre. It was directed by Harold Prince and starred Jim Walton, Ann Morrison, and Lonny Price. The show received mixed reviews and closed after only 16 performances, but it has since gained a cult following and has been revived several times. "Goodbye for Now" is a poignant ballad that is sung by the character of Mary Flynn, a cynical and alcoholic writer who is in love with her best friend, the composer Franklin Shepard. The song is the emotional climax of the show, as Mary realizes that she will never be able to have a romantic relationship with Franklin and must say goodbye to him. The song is divided into two movements. The first movement is slow and mournful, with Mary singing about her unrequited love for Franklin and her realization that she must let him go. The second movement is faster and more upbeat, with Mary singing about her determination to move on with her life and find happiness elsewhere. The song is characterized by Sondheim's signature complex lyrics and intricate melodies. The first movement features a haunting piano accompaniment, while the second movement is more upbeat and features a driving rhythm section. Overall, "Goodbye for Now" is a powerful and emotional song that showcases Sondheim's talent for creating complex and nuanced characters and his ability to capture the complexities of human relationships.

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