Composer

:

Stephen Sondheim

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:43

"Old Friends" is a song composed by Stephen Sondheim for the musical "Merrily We Roll Along." The musical premiered on Broadway in 1981, with "Old Friends" being one of the standout numbers. The song is a trio, with the characters of Franklin Shepard, Charley Kringas, and Mary Flynn singing about their long-standing friendship. The song is divided into three movements, each focusing on a different aspect of the trio's friendship. The first movement is a nostalgic look back at their early days, when they were all struggling artists trying to make it in New York City. The second movement is a more cynical take on their friendship, with each character admitting to their own flaws and resentments. The final movement is a hopeful one, with the trio reaffirming their bond and promising to stick together through thick and thin. One of the defining characteristics of "Old Friends" is its use of counterpoint. Each character sings their own melody and lyrics, but the three parts weave together seamlessly to create a complex and harmonious whole. The song also showcases Sondheim's signature wit and wordplay, with clever lyrics that reveal the characters' personalities and relationships. Overall, "Old Friends" is a poignant and bittersweet tribute to the enduring power of friendship. Its memorable melodies and clever lyrics have made it a beloved classic of musical theater, and it continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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