Complete music—all 20 songs—from the Tim Burton–directed film (2008 Golden Globe winner for Best Picture) of the Stephen Sondheim musical starring Johnny Depp in a performance the New York Times called "stunning in every dimension." Includes an 80-page bound booklet with an introductory note by the director, lyrics, and full-color photos.
Nonesuch releases the soundtrack to Dream Works and Warner Bros. Pictures’ Tim Burton–directed Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The film is an adaptation by John Logan of Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler’s 1979 Tony Award–winning musical. It stars Johnny Depp (Sweeney Todd), Helena Bonham Carter (Mrs. Lovett), and Alan Rickman (Judge Turpin). The film is produced by Richard D. Zanuck, Walter Parkes, Laurie MacDonald, and John Logan. Sweeney Todd will be in theaters beginning December 21.
Longtime Sondheim collaborators orchestrator Jonathan Tunick and music supervisor Paul Gemignani also worked on the soundtrack, which was produced by Mike Higham and recorded in London. (A highlights version of the soundtrack will be released simultaneously.)
Rounding out the cast—all of whom sing their own parts—are Timothy Spall (Beadle Bamford), Sacha Baron Cohen (Adolfo Pirelli), Jayne Wisener (Johanna), Jamie Campbell Bower (Anthony), Laura Michelle Kelly (Beggar Woman), and Edward Sanders (Tobias Ragg).
Sweeney Todd is based on the nineteenth century legend—from an adaptation by Christopher Bond—of a London barber who is driven to crime when a malevolent judge takes his wife and child from him. His plan for revenge includes a cutthroat partnership with Mrs. Lovett, an enterprising businesswoman, who is soon producing the tastiest meat pies in London.
The most recent Broadway production of Sweeney Todd was in 2005, directed by John Doyle. Nonesuch released the cast album for that Tony Award–winning revival, in which the singer/actors also performed the score on musical instruments. Doyle’s production currently is touring the United States. (The original 1979 production was directed by Harold Prince.)
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Recording produced by Mike Higham
Orchestra recorded by Jake Jackson and Geoff Foster at Air Lyndhurst Studios, London
Conducted by Paul Gemignani
Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
Additional orchestrations by Julian Kershaw
Additional arrangements by Mike Higham and Alex Heffes
Vocals for Mr. Depp produced by Bruce Witkin
Vocals Recorded by Andy Richards and Mike Higham at Out of Eden, London
Rugby School chapel organ played by Andy Richards
Music editors: Sam Southwick, John Warhurst
Mixed by Andy Richards at Out of Eden, London
Mastered by Robert C. Ludwig at Gateway Mastering & DVD, Portland, ME
Laura Michelle Kelly appears courtesy of EMI/Angel Records
Executive soundtrack album producers: Tim Burton and Robert Hurwitz
Executive in charge of music for Warner Bros. Pictures: Doug Frank
All music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim
Design by Gabriele Wilson
368572
A TIM BURTON FILM
Johnny Depp is
SWEENEY TODD
The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Directed by TIM BURTON
Music & Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
Screenplay by JOHN LOGAN
Based on the Musical by STEPHEN SONDHEIM & HUGH WHEELER
Book by HUGH WHEELER
Originally Staged by HAROLD PRINCE
From an Adaptation by CHRISTOPHER BOND
MUSICIANS
Johnny Depp, Sweeney Todd; vocals (2, 5, 9, 13-16, 18, 20)
Helena Bonham Carter, Mrs. Lovett; vocals (3-5, 9, 11, 15, 17-20)
Alan Rickman, Judge Turpin; vocals (13, 20)
Timothy Spall, Beadle Bamford; vocals (12)
Sacha Baron Cohen, Pirelli; vocals (10)
Jayne Wisener, Johanna; vocals (6)
Jamie Campbell Bower, Anthony; vocals (2, 8, 16)
Laura Michelle Kelly, Beggar Woman; vocals (7, 16, 20)
Edward Sanders, Tobias; vocals (9, 17, 19)
