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"Into the Woods" Soundtrack: A Musical Journey Through Fairy Tales.

This amazing film has an incredible number of distinction marks: 9 awards and 55 nominations (including 3 Oscars among last). Sometimes only from the film description do you learn how, it turns out, that many associations exist that make their awards. Perhaps, so people wouldn’t wait for Oscars awards for too long, only once in the year. We certainly are joking. Organizations are useful and important, and the more of them – the more people are employed in show business. The plot is not as medieval as it may seem at first glance – here is a mixture of different fairy tales and legends and everything is connected organically. Magic Beans and Cinderella, the wicked stepmother and the witch, Rapunzel and …. But see all for yourself. The soundtrack is impressive with its size – in addition to the 22 vocal melodies, listeners can enjoy also 27 instrumental tracks. A total of 49 great songs! This is a huge work of music producers who not only adapted for the film from this classic stage musical all of them, but possibly wrote from scratch many new works. Johnny Depp in the role of the charming and just a bit scary wolf looks much more organic than in the positive role (as he was in the last film, commercially unsuccessful, Mortdecai). We imagine him to be that way – dark, scary, and from this, he appears incredibly, blissfully, fascinatingly charming. There are lots of developments in the film, despite its genre, because there are several intertwined storylines. The viewer, as a listener, may not relax even for a minute with the film/collection, since it involves completely and doesn’t release you until the very end.

Album Overview.

The "Into the Woods" soundtrack intertwines classic fairy tales with modern musical storytelling. Stephen Sondheim's compositions guide listeners through a forest of desires and consequences. The album begins with a 14-minute prologue, introducing characters like Cinderella, the Baker, and Little Red Riding Hood. Each song propels the narrative, blending humor and introspection. The music deepens the film's themes, exploring the complexities of wish fulfillment.

• Release Date: December 16, 2014.
• Genre: Musical, Soundtrack.
• Length: 59 minutes and 37 seconds.
• Label: Walt Disney Records.
• Recording Studios: Angel Recording Studios, Air Lyndhurst Studios, British Grove Studios in London.

Production and Reception.

Stephen Sondheim composed the music and lyrics, with Paul Gemignani as music supervisor and conductor. The London Symphony Orchestra and London Philharmonic performed the score. Critics praised the soundtrack's faithful adaptation of the original musical. Fans appreciated the cast's vocal performances, especially Meryl Streep's portrayal of the Witch. The album reached number 134 on the US Billboard 200 chart in 2015.

Critic's Reviews.

Critics lauded the soundtrack for its intricate lyrics and melodies. The New York Times described the prologue as "stunning," highlighting its effective character introductions. Entertainment Weekly noted the cast's impressive vocal performances, emphasizing the seamless blend of dialogue and song. Some reviewers mentioned that certain songs, while beautifully composed, might be challenging for listeners unfamiliar with Sondheim's complex structures.

Track Highlights.

1. "Agony" by Chris Pine and Billy Magnussen: A humorous duet where two princes lament their unfulfilled desires.
2. "Stay With Me" by Meryl Streep: A poignant plea from the Witch to her daughter, showcasing deep emotion.
3. "On the Steps of the Palace" by Anna Kendrick: Cinderella's introspective moment, deciding her future's path.

Musical Styles and Themes.

The soundtrack blends traditional musical theater with contemporary elements. Sondheim's signature complex melodies and harmonies are evident throughout. Themes of desire, consequence, and moral ambiguity are explored in songs like "No One Is Alone." The music reflects the intertwining of fairy tale narratives with real-life dilemmas.

Movie Background.

"Into the Woods" is a 2014 film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Broadway musical. Directed by Rob Marshall, it weaves together various fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters' wishes. The ensemble cast includes Meryl Streep as the Witch, Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife, James Corden as the Baker, and Anna Kendrick as Cinderella. The film delves into the darker aspects of these tales, highlighting the complexities of human nature.

Main Cast of the Movie.

Meryl Streep as the Witch.

Meryl Streep portrays the Witch, a complex character seeking to reverse a curse placed upon her. Her performance blends menace with vulnerability, adding depth to the narrative.

Emily Blunt as the Baker's Wife.

Emily Blunt plays the Baker's Wife, a woman yearning for a child. Her journey explores themes of fidelity and desire, bringing nuance to the story.

James Corden as the Baker.

James Corden embodies the Baker, a man on a quest to lift a family curse. His portrayal balances humor and sincerity, serving as the story's emotional anchor.

Anna Kendrick as Cinderella.

Anna Kendrick takes on the role of Cinderella, a young woman torn between her dreams and reality. Her performance captures the character's internal conflict and growth.

Quotes.

"The 'Into the Woods' soundtrack is a masterful blend of wit and melody."

Entertainment Weekly

"Sondheim's lyrics shine brilliantly, brought to life by a stellar cast."

The New York Times

"A musical journey that challenges and delights, much like the tales it draws from."

Los Angeles Times

January, 30th 2025

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A-Z Lyrics Universe

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