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Working on a Song

The Lyrics of HADESTOWN
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( 2,598 ratings, 516 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Working on a Song by Anais Mitchell delves into the creative journey of turning historical myth into musical theatre. It provides insights into the songwriting process behind the acclaimed Broadway hit Hadestown. Through anecdotes, reflections, and lyrics, Mitchell offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artistic evolution of the show, capturing the nuances of transforming ideas into a celebrated musical experience.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you're drawn to exploring the creative process behind songwriting and enjoy a blend of narrative and lyrical storytelling, this book may captivate you. It offers a deep dive into the artistic journey of crafting songs, making it a compelling read for music enthusiasts and lovers of poetic language.

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Working on a Song

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A stunning book of lyrics from Hadestown, the winner of eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, annotated and explained by the playwright and lyricist herself.

Working on a Song is one of the best books about lyric writing for the theatre I've read."–Lin-Manuel Miranda

Anaïs Mitchell named to TIME's List of the 100 Most Influential People in the World of 2020.

An illuminating book of lyrics and stories from Hadestown—the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical—from its author, songwriter Anaïs Mitchell with a foreword by Steve Earle.

On Broadway, this fresh take on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice has become a modern classic. Heralded as "The best new musical of the season," by The Wall Street Journal, and "Sumptuous. Gorgeous. As good as it gets," by The New York Times, the show was a breakout hit, with its poignant social commentary, and spellbinding music and lyrics.

In this book, Anaïs Mitchell takes readers inside her more than decade-long process of building the musical from the ground up—detailing her inspiration, breaking down the lyrics, and opening up the process of creation that gave birth to Hadestown. Fans and newcomers alike will love this deeply thoughtful, revealing look at how the songs from "the underground" evolved, and became the songs we sing again and again.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Working on a Song is highly praised for its insightful exploration into lyric writing for theatre. Lin-Manuel Miranda places it among the top books in its genre, highlighting its focus on rewriting, revising, and maintaining one's artistic voice while storytelling.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780593182574

Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 October 2020

Country: United States

Imprint: Plume

Illustration: 6 Illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 134.0mm

Height: 203.0mm

Weight: 0g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Anais Mitchellis a singer-songwriter who comes from the world of narrative folksong, poetry, and balladry. Among her recorded works are six full-length albums including the original studio album ofHadestown(2010, featuring Justin Vernon and Ani DiFranco);Young Man in America(2012); andBonny Light Horseman(2020, with folk band Bonny Light Horseman). Mitchell has headlined concerts around the world. Awards include a Tony Award for Best Score forHadestown. Her albums have been featured in year-end best lists includingNPR, Wall Street Journal, Guardian,andSunday Times. Hadestown is Mitchell's first musical.

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