SONDHEIM, STEPHEN. (1930-2021). American composer and lyricist known for West Side Story, Gypsy, Company, and many other musicals. TLS. (“Stephen Sondheim”). ½ p. 8vo. N.p., March 23, 1995. On his personal stationery. To American composer NORMAN MATHEWS (b.1942).

“Thanks for the compliments and the condolences. They both help.

Unfortunately, the fire was indeed very serious, but it could have been worse. Gratefully…”

Following his parents’ divorce, Sondheim was taken under the wing of Oscar Hammerstein II, the father of his friend James Hammerstein. The elder lyricist and producer nurtured Sondheim’s songwriting ambitions while offering him entree into the world of theater. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, the first successful musical for which he wrote both lyrics and music, was a smash when it opened in 1962. It was followed by other Broadway hits including Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sunday in the Park with George, and Into the Woods.

Mathews’ musical education included studying at Hunter College, New York University, the Mannes School of Music, and the Manhattan School of Music. He is the composer of The Triumph of Night, the song cycle Songs of the Poet, the musical revue Somebody Write Me a Song, the musical You Might as Well Live, and an autobiography The Wrong Side of the Room: A Life in Music Theater.

Our letter refers to the February 24, 1995 electrical fire which damaged the composer’s Manhattan brownstone. He was not home at the time of the blaze which spared his manuscripts but his dog perished in the fire.

Folded with a few creases and some ink transfer in the lower margin. In very good condition.