For a variety of reasons 'The Music Man' will always have a special place in my memory, and reading "But He Doesn't Know the Territory" by Meredith Willson himself added to those memories. (The title is in reference to the fact that he'd never written for Broadway). It took five years, give or take, and about forty rewrites to bring the show to the stage. The early part, about a childhood in a small town in Iowa brings to mind Bradbury and Dandelion Wine. Willson had always enjoyed the sound and rhythm of words and thought that you didn't really need a song, or a rhyme .... think of the opening scene on the train here .... it worked! I loved the 'aha' moments that made the show better, and had a good laugh at some of the other choices for the role of Professor Harold Hill. Just a great read!

This book caused an internal debate. Should I include it or not? While not a book in the traditional sense, it can be read ... in two ways, actually. It's The Best of Broadway: 80 Great Songs of the American Musical Theatre. It has the complete words and music for these songs, so whether you sing, or play piano or guitar, you're ready to go! It was published in 1973, so does not include any of the newer Broadway shows.

When Emilio Audissino realized there was no book (in the English language at least) discussing the music of John Williams, he decided to write one. John Williams's Film Music: Jaws, Star Wars, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and the Return of the Classical Hollywood Music Style is part biography, part film music history, and overall just an interesting breakdown of what makes his music so good. There are some in-depth discussions of what makes music heroic, romantic, or villainous using examples of Williams music. Usually the music must fit the movie, but when you have John Williams writing the music, well!, one director actually made his movie fit the music!

Unusually hot weather is here, I hope you all stay cool. :-)

Reading Hermit With Dog