Introduction

The purpose of this thesis is to answer a number of questions, the main one being: how does Sweeney Todd's musical structure relate to the structure of the plot and of the lyrics? Logistics restrict me analyzing the differing forms of verbal communication, and I shall investigate how music is used as a form of interpretation of these forms of communication. The structure of verbal communication is a characteristic of a piece, and I believe it can also be used to define Sweeney Todd's genre. I can not overlook the structure of the plot since it interrelates with the verbal communication. I shall also discuss the characterization of the juxtaposing dramatic figures, as portrayed through verbal and the musical projections.

Why do I wish to answer these questions? Because in my opinion the music interprets the plot and the lyrics. The analysis I present, is an interpretation of this proposition My analysis consists mostly of musical significations. I do not claim that my interpretation is the only valid one. I will also try to shed some light on structural coherence.

The fact that I chose Sweeney Todd is not a coincidence. Ever since I heard Sondheim's A Little Night Music I was amazed by the quality of his music and lyrics. When I heard Sweeney Todd about two years ago and I immediately felt this music was more than just light entertainment, like so many other musicals are. The coherence of its structure and style instantly triggered my musicological instincts. For this reason why I chose Sweeney Todd as the object of this study.

Figure 1.1: Stephen Sondheim