Library materials now include Stephen Sondheim's personal records, housed at the Library of Congress
The Stephen Sondheim Collection at the Library of Congress is a remarkable archive, housing over 5,000 items that offer an unprecedented glimpse into the life and work of one of the most influential figures in American musical theater.
In 1993, Sondheim was given a show-and-tell of various items from the Library's music collection, including manuscripts from his mentor Oscar Hammerstein II and his music teacher Milton Babbitt. Just weeks later, Sondheim bequeathed his own papers to the institution, which now include lyric and music sketches, unpublished scripts, and miscellany.
The collection is a testament to Sondheim's tireless work ethic and artistic genius. Mark Eden Horowitz, Senior Music Specialist at the Library of Congress, highlights the extensive sketch pages and annotations that show Sondheim's ongoing refinement of his lyrics and music even after seemingly final versions were completed.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the collection is the context it provides for Sondheim within the evolution of American musical theater. The materials sit alongside those of his mentors and collaborators, such as Leonard Bernstein and Harold Prince, allowing researchers to explore the interconnections and influences that shaped musical theater's development in the 20th century.
The collection also facilitates scholarship and public engagement. Since its opening in 2025, the archive has enabled new research into Sondheim's work, offering unprecedented access for scholars, historians, and theater practitioners to study his compositional and lyrical methods deeply. This research continues to enrich the understanding of his contributions and ensures that his legacy remains dynamic and accessible.
The collection includes several notable pieces, such as the manuscript for the hit song "Send in the Clowns" from A Little Night Music, a remarkable internal monologue written for Glynis Johns, the leading lady in the show, and a treatment for Breakdown, a play or TV show written with Larry Gelbart.
Sifting through Sondheim's collection, Horowitz has found many unused rhymes and ideas, such as 158 potential victims for a song in Sweeney Todd that were not included in the final version. He has also found a particular abandoned couplet that he finds interesting: "everybody shaves except rabbis and riff-raff."
The collection also includes personal items, such as a piano sonata written by Sondheim in college, unsolicited songs sent to Judy Garland, a personal birthday tune penned for a PBS fundraiser, and a "humming song."
The Stephen Sondheim Collection at the Library of Congress is a vital resource that cements Sondheim's status as a towering figure in American musical theater. It provides researchers, scholars, and the general public with a unique opportunity to delve into the creative process of one of the most influential composers in the history of the art form.
[1] "Stephen Sondheim Collection," Library of Congress, accessed May 2023, https://www.loc.gov/rr/music/Sondheim/ [2] Mark Eden Horowitz, Sondheim on Music: Minor Details and Major Decisions (Oxford University Press, 2005) [3] "Oscar Hammerstein II Collection," Library of Congress, accessed May 2023, https://www.loc.gov/rr/music/hammerstein/ [4] "Leonard Bernstein Collection," Library of Congress, accessed May 2023, https://www.loc.gov/rr/music/bernstein/ [5] "Harold Prince Collection," Library of Congress, accessed May 2023, https://www.loc.gov/rr/music/prince/
- The Stephen Sondheim Collection at the Library of Congress houses assets such as unpublished scripts and unused rhymes, showcasing the composer's significant ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitment to transparency and historical preservation.
- The collection's various items, including a piano sonata written by Sondheim in college and unsolicited songs sent to Judy Garland, offer insights into Sondheim's diverse ventures outside the realm of musical theater, including entertainment and personal endeavors.
- In addition to being a significant resource for researchers and scholars, the Stephen Sondheim Collection also serves as an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) of sorts, preserving valuable assets for future generations to appreciate and learn from, ensuring that Sondheim's legacy continues to grow in importance and influence.
