The New Broadway Song Companion - 2nd Edition,Annotated by David P Devenney (Hardcover)

About the Book

This volume presents a comprehensive listing of the musical numbers from over 300 Broadway shows. Each song is annotated with the name of the character who sings it, the voice type, the exact vocal range, and a description of the song style. A set of six indexes allows access to this music by voice type (soprano, baritone, etc.), song style (uptempo, ballad, etc.), vocal arrangement (duets, trios, chorus, etc.), and composer and lyricist.

Book Synopsis

This is a completely revised and expanded second edition of The Broadway Song Companion, the first complete guide and access point to the vast literature of the Broadway musical for the solo performer. Designed with the working actor in mind, the volume lists every song from over 300 Broadway shows, including at least 90 more than the first edition.

Organized by show, each song is annotated with the name of the character(s) who sing(s) the song, the vocal range, and a style category, such as uptempo, narrative ballad, swing ballad, moderate character piece, etc. Several indexes are supplied, organizing the songs by voice type (soprano, baritone, etc.) and song style, vocal arrangement (duets, trios, chorus, etc.), and composer and lyricist, allowing increased access to the repertoire. For instance, a soprano looking for a ballad to sing will find every song in that category in the index. All solos, duets, and trios are indexed in this manner, with quartets and larger ensembles listed by voice type. Furthermore, the instant breakdowns (how many lead characters, who sings what song, and the range requirements of each character) will be a valuable resource to directors and producers.

Review Quotes

A veritable casting bible for producers and directors of musicals on the one hand and an invaluable source for any individual voice to find all the songs in his or her range from the Broadway canon ... very well structured ... this is one reference book that no one interested in musical theatre should be without!
-- "Amateur Stage"

As valuable as the annotated entries are six indexes. ... For music theater performers and their instructors this book is a boon, both for repertoire selection and role preparation. ... An affordable addition to the reference section of a studio library.
-- "Journal of Singing "

DeVenney is the perfect resource person to answer that perennial question, what should I sing for my audition? This volume is an absolute necessity for all college and high school musical theater collections. Essential.
-- "Choice Reviews"

This book will be a welcome addition to a teacher's studio library. Musical theatre repertoire is a staple for many high school students, and in order to keep up with their passion, teachers must become savvy with the repertoire. I recently experienced this learning curve for musical theatre repertoire in my own teaching. How nice it would have been to have this book in my library during the learning process!-- "Classical Singer Magazine"

This unique approach to the musical theatre's song repertoire will help solo performers and ensembles assemble programs suitable for their vocal talents and expressive of their interests.-- "Rettig On Reference"

About the Author

David P. DeVenney is professor of music and Director of Choral Activities at West Chester University.