The Meaning Behind The Song: Chromolume #7 / Putting It Together by Original Broadway Cast of Sunday in the Park with George
| Title | Artist | Writer/Composer | Album | Release Date | Genre | Duration | Producer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chromolume #7 / Putting It Together | Original Broadway Cast of Sunday in the Park with George | Stephen Sondheim | Sunday in the Park with George (Original Broadway Cast Recording) | 1984 | Broadway, Show Tune | 6:51 | Hugh Fordin |
The song “Chromolume #7 / Putting It Together” is from the musical “Sunday in the Park with George,” with music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim. The musical tells the story of George Seurat, a French post-impressionist painter, and explores the artistic process and the struggle between creating meaningful art and the demands of the commercial world.
“Chromolume #7 / Putting It Together” is a pivotal song in the musical. It is performed by various characters, including Harriet, Billy, Bob Greenberg, Charles Redmond, Betty, Alex, Naomi, and George, who encounter George Seurat’s artwork. The song reflects their diverse reactions and opinions about Seurat’s art and the state of the art world.
The first section of the song features Harriet and Billy discussing the complexity of art and how it cannot be neatly categorized into specific trends. They emphasize the importance of the means rather than the ends, suggesting that the process of creation holds more significance than the final outcome.
Bob Greenberg and Charles Redmond join in the second section, expressing their frustration with the constant emergence of new art trends. Greenberg acknowledges that something new may be exciting in the present but quickly becomes passé. This reflects the ever-changing nature of the art world and how what is considered innovative today may be forgotten tomorrow.
Betty, Alex, and Naomi contribute their thoughts in the third section. Betty praises George’s originality, while Alex questions if it is genuinely new or just another form of novelty. Naomi agrees that George is an original but admits his work is not entirely new. The characters engage in a debate about the personal and impersonal aspects of art, highlighting the subjectivity and different perspectives within the art world.
The final section features George himself, reflecting on his own work. He faces criticism, with Blair suggesting that his light machines, known as chromolumes, are becoming repetitive and lack a sense of progression. However, George remains determined and asserts his belief in the importance of the creative process and putting together art piece by piece.
The song conveys a broader message about the challenges and complexities of creating art. It explores the tension between artistic innovation and the demands of the art world, including the need for prominence, recognition, and financial support. It highlights the difficulties artists face in balancing personal expression with commercial success and the constant need to evolve their craft to stay relevant.
Personally, “Chromolume #7 / Putting It Together” holds a special place in my heart. As a lover of musical theater and a student of the arts, the song resonates with me on a deep level. It captures the essence of the eternal struggle that artists face between staying true to their vision and navigating the realities of the industry.
I have often found myself torn between creating art that speaks to me and creating art that will be well-received by others. The song reminds me that art should be a personal expression, driven by passion and authenticity, rather than solely focusing on commercial success.
Additionally, “Chromolume #7 / Putting It Together” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of persistence and perseverance in the artistic process. It encourages artists to keep pushing forward, even in the face of criticism or the ever-changing trends of the art world.
In conclusion, “Chromolume #7 / Putting It Together” is a thought-provoking and introspective song that explores the complexities of the artistic process. It raises questions about the nature of art, its relevance, and the challenges artists face in creating meaningful and commercially successful work. As a fan of musical theater and an artist myself, the song resonates deeply, reminding me of the importance of staying true to my vision and continuously putting the pieces of my own artistic journey together.
