Last night I went to see the new movie "Wonka." I loved the "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" movie musical since it came out in 1971. I must have gone to the theater to see it 10 or more times that summer. (This was way before video or streaming.) I LOVED the songs and music by Leslie Bricusse. Hearing bits and pieces of the music from the first film reused in "Wonka" made my heart happy. I was especially pleased to hear them use almost all of the original song "Pure Imagination." That song was undoubtedly the most popular "stand alone" song from the first movie. It is often used in concerts and quoted in other situations.
So, what would be classified as a "stand alone" song from a musical show? Well, first thing, songs are written for shows to fit a particular mood, to develop a character, or to move the plot along. They may work very well in the context of the show, but most would not be considered as concert material. After a time, though, some songs get a life of their own because the words and music can fit in other situations away from their places in the show.
The songs in this new movie "Wonka" were clever, and were staged in engaging ways. However, it remains to be seen which, if any, songs will gain a life force of their own and become "stand alone" songs. Who can say what the fickle public will latch onto. One of the funniest points in the new "Wonka" movie was when the actor Hugh Grant sang and danced the "Oompa Loompa" song from the first movie (different lyrics) calling it the most catchy and annoying song and that he can't stop singing it.
So, what would be classified as a "stand alone" song from a musical show? Well, first thing, songs are written for shows to fit a particular mood, to develop a character, or to move the plot along. They may work very well in the context of the show, but most would not be considered as concert material. After a time, though, some songs get a life of their own because the words and music can fit in other situations away from their places in the show.
The songs in this new movie "Wonka" were clever, and were staged in engaging ways. However, it remains to be seen which, if any, songs will gain a life force of their own and become "stand alone" songs. Who can say what the fickle public will latch onto. One of the funniest points in the new "Wonka" movie was when the actor Hugh Grant sang and danced the "Oompa Loompa" song from the first movie (different lyrics) calling it the most catchy and annoying song and that he can't stop singing it.
It is probably every composer's goal to write a score with at least one "stand alone" song in the mix. I know that has been a goal for me. Some people say that creating a "stand alone" song is just a matter of luck. It's probably much more than that, but I admit that luck must play a part. The composer's (and other collaborators') genius in recognizing and arranging the right elements of a song to fit just the right place in the storyline probably plays the biggest part.
"Over the Briny Sea" featuring Dick Whittington, the Captain, and the First Mate
One of my scores I am particularly pleased with because it has a few "stand alone" songs. The children's musical "The Adventures of Dick Whittington" includes "Off to Seek My Fortune," "Over the Briny Sea," and "Let Kindness Begin with Me" that have been used in concerts and auditions and sung just for fun.
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