Celebrating the Legacy of Stephen Sondheim: A Historic Acquisition by the Library of Congress
In 1993, renowned composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim’s visit to the Library of Congress left a profound impression on him. During this visit, Mark Horowitz, the library’s senior music specialist, curated a selection of historic musical scores from the institution’s extensive collection-featuring works by Brahms, Rachmaninoff, and others-to showcase Sondheim’s artistic journey.
A Moment of Emotional Revelation
The highlight of the visit was when Horowitz presented Gershwin’s original manuscript for Porgy and Bess. Witnessing this, Sondheim was visibly moved, even brought to tears. “The last piece I showed him was Gershwin’s manuscript for ‘Porgy and Bess,'” Horowitz recalls. “That moment truly touched him.”
A Historic Addition to the Library’s Collection
Recently, the Library of Congress announced a significant milestone: it has acquired the personal papers of Stephen Sondheim, who passed away in 2021. This collection includes manuscripts, correspondence, and documents that trace the creative process behind some of the most influential musicals of the last half-century-such as Company, Into the Woods, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. These works now join the library’s esteemed holdings alongside Porgy and Bess, forming a comprehensive archive of Sondheim’s artistic legacy.
Public Access and Cultural Significance
Starting July 1, the library will open access to Sondheim’s musical compositions and lyrics, with additional materials like letters and notes becoming available later in the summer. This trove of notebooks, sheet music, and personal correspondence offers an unprecedented glimpse into the meticulous craftsmanship behind Sondheim’s groundbreaking work, highlighting his relentless pursuit of artistic perfection.
Matthew Gardiner, artistic director of Arlington’s Signature Theatre-famous for its productions of Sondheim’s musicals-describes Sondheim as “the Shakespeare of American theater.” He emphasizes the importance of these newly acquired documents, stating, “Having access to his process, his drafts, and his poems allows us to celebrate a life that fundamentally transformed musical theater.”
A Long-Standing Relationship with the Library
The journey to this acquisition spanned decades. Soon after joining the library’s music department, Horowitz initiated discussions with Sondheim, aiming to persuade the composer to donate his manuscripts. “After our meeting, Sondheim indicated he would revise his will to include the library,” Horowitz explains. “He even sent me a letter confirming this, which was a huge relief.”
A Treasure Trove of Creative Materials
In recent months, nearly 5,000 items arrived at the library’s Madison Building, including early works like By George, a musical Sondheim wrote during high school, and detailed drafts from his later, more celebrated works. Among these are 40 pages of potential rhymes for “A Little Priest” from Sweeney Todd, illustrating the painstaking effort Sondheim invested in perfecting his craft. For Horowitz, exploring these materials was both overwhelming and inspiring. “The amount of effort he poured into every detail is staggering,” he remarks. “He would have a finished song, a complete piano-vocal score, and then dozens of pages of lyric drafts-constantly refining, never fully satisfied. It’s a testament to his relentless pursuit of excellence.”
A Network of Artistic Relationships
The collection also reflects Sondheim’s collaborations and influences within the Broadway community. Following the example of Oscar Hammerstein II, whose family donated Oklahoma! and The Sound of Music manuscripts, Sondheim’s papers join those of other legendary figures like Leonard Bernstein, who collaborated with him on West Side Story. These collections collectively tell a story of interconnected creativity and mentorship that shaped American musical theater.
A Living Archive of Artistic Evolution
Horowitz muses on the idea that these collections are almost alive, “murmuring to each other” when the library closes for the night. The interconnectedness enriches research, allowing scholars to explore relationships between different artists and works, deepening our understanding of this vibrant artistic ecosystem.
A Broader Cultural Footprint
Sondheim’s influence extended beyond the stage. His papers include notes for Sooner or Later, an Oscar-winning song from Dick Tracy, alongside sheet music for a humorous jingle he composed for The Simpsons. This diversity underscores his role as a cultural omnivore, blending high art with popular media.
A Resource for Future Generations
For theater professionals and enthusiasts like Gardiner, the collection offers invaluable insights into Sondheim’s creative process. Drafts of songs like “I’m Still Here” from Follies or a cut reprise from Company reveal the evolution of his work. Gardiner plans to visit the library soon, eager to draw inspiration and deepen his understanding of Sondheim’s artistry.
The Enduring Impact of Sondheim’s Work
Sondheim’s musicals continue to resonate with audiences nationwide, thanks to their universal themes and emotional depth. “He transformed the way we think and feel about musical theater,” Horowitz notes. “His ability to articulate complex human emotions through words and music has made his work timeless, inspiring countless revivals and reinterpretations.”
As the library’s collection becomes accessible, it promises to serve as a vital resource for scholars, performers, and fans alike-ensuring that Sondheim’s legacy endures for generations to come.
