Andrew Lloyd Webber is a titan of modern musical theater and a magician of melody. Although his works are not free from controversy, and some of his songs admittedly have suffered from overexposure (especially "Memory"), his hit parade of immensely popular musicals is admirable. He helps support and operate theatrical productions through his Really Useful Group (that's the name of the company; I'm not trying to be hyperbolic here), but it is his music that has touched the hearts and minds of millions. Outside of musical theater, Lloyd Webber's most famous work is his choral Requiem Mass. It includes the song "Pie Jesu," recorded by artists like Sarah Brightman, Sissel, and Marie Osmond; child prodigy Jackie Evancho astonished the world with her beatific interpretation of the already-gorgeous song in 2010. Of course, musical theater is where Lloyd Webber's passion lies: the songs of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, and Cats are all premier examples of quality music. But even they are eclipsed by The Phantom of the Opera; the semi-tragic romance is brimming with vivid, poignant, sweeping tunes. "Think of Me," "Angel of Music," "The Music of the Night," and "All I Ask of You" all elegantly portray different facets of passionate love with distinct, lush melodies. Of course, the title tune, "The Phantom of the Opera," depicts the heights of mystery and drama, never more so than in the overwhelmingly intense overture for colossal pipe organ and full orchestra. Lloyd Webber's output has slowed recently, but his complete body of work securely cements his place in the history of musical theater.
The Phantom of the Opera (Film)
The Phantom of the Opera (Stage)**
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