The Music Show
Clive James on words and music
Jun 16, 2024
The late, great Clive James discusses writing for songs and the stage while sharing his favorite pieces of musical poetry, from Stephen Sondheim to Aretha Franklin. The conversation explores the interplay between words and music, highlighting the complexity and depth in classical music through Mahler's Ninth Symphony.
54:07
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Quick takeaways
- Clive James highlights the significance of lyrics in songwriting and their evolution over time.
- The podcast discusses the relationship between singers and composers in interpreting songs and maintaining their essence.
Deep dives
Influence of Music and Words in Songwriting
The episode delves into the importance of music and lyrics in songwriting. Clive James discusses working as a rock lyricist with Pete Akin and their revival due to public demand. He expresses a deep passion for lyric writing, citing examples of memorable songs and their impact. James highlights the shift in musical creativity over time, appreciating the confessional nature of singer-songwriters' lyrics.
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