Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – The Motion Picture Soundtrack
About this album
Where they were
The 2007 release of this soundtrack marked Stephen Sondheim's return to the cinematic adaptation of his work after the successful 1981 Broadway production. At this point in his career, Sondheim was already a revered figure in musical theatre, known for his complex scores and intricate lyrics. This album showcased his genius in marrying narrative with music, further solidifying his legacy in American musical theatre.
Why it matters
This soundtrack received critical acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor (Johnny Depp) and recognition from various awards for its contributions to musical film. It reintroduced Sondheim's work to a new generation and influenced future adaptations of stage musicals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the original's stylistic integrity.
Essential tracks
- "No Place Like London" — This opening number establishes the darkly comedic tone and sets up Todd's tragic backstory, introducing listeners to the grim world of Victorian London.
- "Epiphany" — In this pivotal moment, Sweeney Todd's descent into madness is powerfully conveyed through intense lyrics and dynamic shifts in melody, showcasing Sondheim's mastery of character development.
- "A Little Priest" — This duet between Sweeney and Mrs. Lovett cleverly combines humor with horror, highlighting their twisted partnership and reflecting on moral corruption in society.
- "Johanna" — This poignant song captures the yearning and innocence of Johanna’s character amidst the chaos, serving as a contrast to the darker themes present throughout the score.
Release Date
December 18, 2007
Artist Origin
United States
Tracklist
- 1 Opening Title 3:30
- 2 No Place Like London 5:31
- 3 The Worst Pies in London 2:23
- 4 Poor Thing 3:09
- 5 My Friends 3:48
- 6 Green Finch and Linnet Bird 2:16
- 7 Alms! Alms! 1:16
- 8 Johanna 1:57
- 9 Pirelli’s Miracle Elixir 2:00
- 10 The Contest 3:39
- 11 Wait 2:38
- 12 Ladies in Their Sensitivities 1:23
- 13 Pretty Women 4:27
- 14 Epiphany 3:16
- 15 A Little Priest 5:15
- 16 Johanna 5:42
- 17 God, That’s Good! 2:46
- 18 By the Sea 2:19
- 19 Not While I’m Around 4:11
- 20 Final Scene 10:21
