RECENT ARTICLES
Thomas Buckner Re-Enters the Record Business
April 1, 2001 / By

Space, Abrams, and Graves CDsdesigned by Matt Schickele

New music baritone Thomas Buckner, founder of the legendary 1750 Arch Records, which released more than fifty creative record albums, recently announced the formation of a new …

In your opinion, what is the difference between opera and musical theater? Philip Glass, Composer
April 1, 2001 / By

Philip GlassPhoto courtesy Annie Ohayon Media Relations

I tend to call things “operas” that are done in opera houses. I sometimes will call a piece “music theater” instead of opera, because the producer of …

10th Annual ACO/Whitaker New Music Readings
April 1, 2001 / By

The American Composers Orchestra has announced the winners of the tenth annual Whitaker New Music Reading Sessions. The Readings, made possible by a grant from the Helen F. Whitaker Fund, will be held on …

In your opinion, what is the difference between opera and musical theater? Jack Beeson, Composer
April 1, 2001 / By

Jack BeesonPhoto by Dietrich Dettmann, courtesy Boosey & Hawkes

Surrounded by Columbia composers, faculty and students, Stephen Sondheim was asked, “Since a couple of your musicals have been performed in opera houses, why don’t …

AAAL Announces 2001 Award Winners
April 1, 2001 / By

American Academy of Arts and Letters (seal)

On February 27, 2001, the American Academy of Arts and Letters announced the seventeen recipients of this year’s awards in music, which total $185,000. The winners were …

In your opinion, what is the difference between opera and musical theater? Stephen Sondheim, Composer and Lyricist
April 1, 2001 / By

Stephen SondheimPhoto by Michael Le Poer Trench

The only thing I have to say about the difference between opera and musical theater is that opera is musical theater that takes place in an opera …

Soundtracks: April 2001
April 1, 2001 / By

The relationship between music and theater has always been controversial – and productive. On one end of the spectrum are pieces in which text is obviously or completely dominant. Though there are no solely text-based …

In your opinion, what is the difference between opera and musical theater?
April 1, 2001 / By

Stephen Sondheim“…opera is musical theater that takes place in an opera house in front of an opera audience…”

Jack Beeson“…In musicals, all the words…are to be understood. Opera audiences…are awed when…they understand an English libretto, and …

Robert Ashley: You Can’t Call It Anything Else But Opera
April 1, 2001 / By

Robert Ashleyphoto by Jacques Bekaert

Robert Ashley at home, in conversationwith Frank J. Oteri
March 13, 2001
Transcribed by Julia LuFilmed by Jenny Undercofler

Traditions and Influences

America and Popular Culture

Opera vs. Musical Theater

Hip-Hop, D.I.Y. …

Slightly West of Broadway
April 1, 2001 / By

Composing music for the stage.