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4.53 AVERAGE
4.53 AVERAGE
Anais provides the lyrics to each song from Hadestown and then talks through the changes from it's initial form as a concept album through iterations in Canada, London, and eventually to Broadway. Along the way she dives deep into the importance of plot, pace, and the difficulties of parting with sections you love to better serve the larger work. After seeing the musical and loving it, along with my own passion for writing music I found this book fascinating. I wish it dove a little deeper into the music and melody creation instead of just lyrics but it still very informative for creative types interested in writing music.
This goes along with my other favorite music process book, "How To Write One Song" by Jeff Tweedy
Okay, so I saw the musical a few weeks ago. Sobbed. Ordered this book. Listened to “Wait For Me” on repeat.
Wow, so much went into bringing this “folk opera” to Broadway. Reading the lyrics closely and finding out what Mitchell wanted to convey and all the cuts and additions she made give me a new appreciation for the musical. I recommend listening to the songs as you go through the book for an even deeper experience.
I do wish that the book was longer and had more insight into blocking, lighting, costuming, etc. Kind of like Hamilton: The Revolution does. Regardless, it still seems well worth the read, particularly if you enjoyed the musical.
As a fan of the musical, I thoroughly enjoyed tracking my favorite songs from conception to final-ish form. Even Mitchell's abandoned or orphaned, lyrics were achingly beautiful. I will definitely pick this one up again.