Andrew Lloyd Webber is the quintessential musical theatre composer. There, I said it. He has created some of the most recognisable theatrical productions in the world, including Cats, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, and many more. In between creating these amazing works, he has gained a knighthood, multiple awards, and started one of the most popular theatre productions companies in the world – The Really Useful Group.
Born in London on March 22, 1948, with a pianist for a mother, the director of the London College of Music for a father, and a renowned cellist for a brother, Lloyd Webber was destined to excel musically. He was a prodigy, beginning to play the piano, the violin, and French horn by age three, and writing his own music by the time he was six.
In winter 1965, Lloyd Webber stopped studying history at the Magdalen College, Oxford to begin pursuing a career in musical theatre. In the next few years, in collaboration with writer Tim Rice, he would create some of his most popular works such as Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat (1968), and Jesus Christ Superstar (1971).
Not only does Andrew Lloyd Webber write for musical theatre, but he also composed a Requiem Mass that premiered in New York on February 25 1985. He was inspired by an article in the New York Times about a Cambodian boy who had the option of either killing his sister, or himself. Despite the piece being classical and operatic, it managed to top the Great Britain popular music charts.
Lloyd Webber’s personal life has unfortunately not been as easy as his professional life. He has married three times, to Sarah Hugill, Sarah Brightman (best known for her performance as Christine in Phantom of the Opera) and Madeleine Gurdon. He has also fathered five children: Imogen; Isabella; William; Nicholas; and Alastair. Fortunately, even though the marriages disintegrated violently, Andrew Lloyd Webber still has a healthy relationship with his children.
Something about Lloyd Webber’s works inspires people to give him awards, and has subsequently earned seven Tony Awards, three Grammys, five Olivers, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar. He was also knighted, and named Lord Lloyd-Webber of Sydmonton. Want to overachieve anymore, Andrew?
Basically, Andrew Lloyd Webber is amazing. He is considered one of the best musical theatre composers in the world, and quite rightly so. Bam. Post one, done.
Bibliography
Bio.com. (n.d.). Andrew Lloyd Webber. Retrieved 9 16, 2013, from Biography.com – True Story: http://www.biography.com/people/andrew-lloyd-webber-20825129?page=2
Stacy’s Musical Village. (n.d.). Stacy’s Musical Village. Retrieved 9 16, 2013, from Andrew Lloyd Webber – Biography: http://www.theatre-musical.com/lordalw.html
The Really Useful Group. (n.d.). Andrew Lloyd Webber – About. Retrieved 9 16, 2013, from Andrew Lloyd Webber – Official Website: http://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/about/
The Really Useful Group. (n.d.). Andrew Lloyd Webber – Compositions. Retrieved 9 16, 2013, from Andrew Lloyd Webber – Official Website: http://www.andrewlloydwebber.com/music/compositions/
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