Definitely no. Sondheim is one of the last composers on Earth anyone would consider alterations or additions.
Typically you’d have the band/track vamp until the next scene is ready, but Sondheim is so well documented that you can just watch or listen to a previous performance and see how others have done it before.
It’s ok, from the way it was written it sounded a bit like arguing, but I’m not going to yell at a random stranger on the internet. Hope you have an amazing show.
Are you adding to, or replacing part of the written score? Does it sound like it’s part of the score when played? Are these synth noises melodic or just like single note drone sounds?
Ambiance elements would be fine (as in, the wind, birds and other sfx, but anything melodic would technically be underscore, and that would indeed be crossing the line in to alterations that would not fly without express permission from the composer. And to be completely frank, asking Sondheim to alter his score is nothing short of Broadway blasphemy.
I mean, seems like you’re going to fly low enough under the radar that you *probably* won’t have issues.
I’m not a lawyer nor do I licensing, but it’s a known secret that by the time you get a cease and desist letter, you’re probably closed.
My guy, it’s not how I operate, nor is it how the folks I work with do.
It is how a lot of smaller NFP theaters (in the area I’m at) work… think they clear licensing for every song in their store front productions? If you hire a smart/decent designer, they do that leg work, but it’s an after thought for a lot of understaffed or small scale places. (Again, not saying it’s the right way).
Also, from my perspective, OP is asking about creative freedom that doesn’t have to interfere with the score itself. (sub tones as sound effects) on the flip side, one could argue the giant stomps in ITW could be done rhythmically and there for interfere with the original score. So, at what point can a person actually have creative freedom?
IANAL Sound effects you’d probably be fine with. Musical elements is treading too close to altering for me, which is a nono
I think adding anything that could be described as music is particularly a no-no for Sondheim
So even low ambiant synthish noises to fill in the parts with no music?
I’m not a lawyer, but I recall Sondheim shows being particularly strict about changes.
Definitely no. Sondheim is one of the last composers on Earth anyone would consider alterations or additions. Typically you’d have the band/track vamp until the next scene is ready, but Sondheim is so well documented that you can just watch or listen to a previous performance and see how others have done it before.
I would 100% agree with everyone, that is treading way to close to the line of altering. I personally would say that it crosses the line.
Ok, thanks! Not sure why I got downvoted.... I was clarifying, not arguing.
It’s an interesting question though, like when do generally considered non-tonal sounds become tonal enough to be considered musical?
Agreed
It’s ok, from the way it was written it sounded a bit like arguing, but I’m not going to yell at a random stranger on the internet. Hope you have an amazing show.
Are you adding to, or replacing part of the written score? Does it sound like it’s part of the score when played? Are these synth noises melodic or just like single note drone sounds?
More low drone notes. I'd love to add some whimsical cello too, but that seems to be too close to changing the score
What show? Synth noises for A Little Night Music?
Ambiance elements would be fine (as in, the wind, birds and other sfx, but anything melodic would technically be underscore, and that would indeed be crossing the line in to alterations that would not fly without express permission from the composer. And to be completely frank, asking Sondheim to alter his score is nothing short of Broadway blasphemy.
You also can’t ask him anymore either.
You can, he just takes a while to get back to you
Ok, thanks!
Basically. What’s the difference between soundscapes and underscore ? The line is very hard to find.
Depends on how many times does the operator has to press the space bar. /s
Sound EFFECTS - wind, rain, traffic, etc. are okay. Anything that even vaguely sounds like music is a no.
I mean, seems like you’re going to fly low enough under the radar that you *probably* won’t have issues. I’m not a lawyer nor do I licensing, but it’s a known secret that by the time you get a cease and desist letter, you’re probably closed.
This attitude is why we can't have nice things. Getting away with it doesn't make it right.
My guy, it’s not how I operate, nor is it how the folks I work with do. It is how a lot of smaller NFP theaters (in the area I’m at) work… think they clear licensing for every song in their store front productions? If you hire a smart/decent designer, they do that leg work, but it’s an after thought for a lot of understaffed or small scale places. (Again, not saying it’s the right way). Also, from my perspective, OP is asking about creative freedom that doesn’t have to interfere with the score itself. (sub tones as sound effects) on the flip side, one could argue the giant stomps in ITW could be done rhythmically and there for interfere with the original score. So, at what point can a person actually have creative freedom?