Famous songs recommended for musical beginners

Some Enchanted EveningRichard Rodgers／ Oscar Hammerstein II

‘Some Enchanted Evening’ from SOUTH PACIFIC (1958)

A masterpiece that shines brilliantly in Broadway musical history, this love ballad by the golden duo Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein, created in 1949, is a gem that portrays a fateful encounter and the universality of love.

Its rich melody and poetic lyrics quietly resonate in the listener’s heart.

At its premiere, Ezio Pinza captivated audiences with his resonant voice, and in the same year Perry Como reached No.

1 on the Billboard chart while Bing Crosby climbed to No.

3, propelling the song to swift popularity.

It drew renewed attention with the 1958 film adaptation and has continued to be covered by illustrious artists such as Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand.

An eternal classic loved across generations, it’s a song to cherish in life’s special moments or during a tranquil evening.

Losing My MindStephen Sondheim

Follies | ‘Losing My Mind’ performed by Imelda Staunton | National Theatre Live

A heart-stirring ballad born from the 1971 musical Follies.

Showcasing Stephen Sondheim’s genius for lyrics and composition, this work is a masterclass in emotional expression, portraying obsession with a past lover and profound loneliness.

While grounded in the traditional torch song form, Sondheim’s signature complex harmonies and rhythms blend exquisitely, resonating deep within the listener.

In the original production, it was performed by Dorothy Collins in the role of Sally, captivating audiences.

Since then, it has been covered by numerous artists; notably, Liza Minnelli’s 1989 version reached No.

6 on the UK charts, earning widespread acclaim.

With its unforgettable, delicate emotional nuance and beautiful melody, this song offers empathy and comfort to those bearing emotional scars or experiencing the ache of unrequited love.

Lot’s WifeTonya Pinkins

Lot’s Wife

A gem of a number from the Broadway musical Caroline, or Change, where grand dramatic expression meets overwhelming vocal power.

American performer Tonya Pinkins’s commanding expressiveness brilliantly colors the story’s climax, set in Louisiana in 1963.

The piece is included on the Original Broadway Cast Album released in June 2004, allowing listeners to savor the delicate musical world crafted by Tony Kushner and Jeanine Tesori.

Pinkins received such acclaim that she was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actress that same year, and her performance at the 58th Tony Awards captivated the audience.

It’s the perfect song for anyone who wants to experience emotions welling up from deep within, or to feel the conflict between society and the individual through music.

Everyone Says I Love You — “I’m Through With Love”Goldie Hawn

Everyone Says I Love You: I’m Through With Love (Woody Allen, 1996)

A 1996 work.

In this charmingly playful, grown-up classic scene, Woody Allen, the protagonist, and Goldie Hawn, who plays his ex-wife, float and dance lightly along the banks of the Seine to a classic jazz standard.

The song is “I’m Through With Love,” composed in the 1930s.

All That Jazz — On BroadwayGeorge Benson

All That Jazz – The Opening

All That Jazz is a 1979 American film.

Directed by Bob Fosse, it is a semi-autobiographical work portraying the life of stage director Joe Gideon (Roy Scheider).

While it depicts the glamorous façade of Broadway, it also reveals its darker underside.

Despite the somber themes, the actors’ sharp, dynamic performances are not to be missed.

The opening audition scene set to “On Broadway” is especially superb, perfectly matching the dancers’ movements.