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I haven't seen "Spring Awakening" on Broadway, but being a longtime fan of Duncan Sheik and an owner/appreciator of his solo output, the soundtrack album has been in near-steady rotation in my car and on my iPod for months. Those familiar with Sheik's music will notice similarities between his solo work and "Awakening's" musical score, particularly in the guitar chords and string arrangements. The man has a way with a pensive minor chord which serves this work so well. The orchestration is layered, lush and gorgeous.
I don't know if Sheik was the only person who could've scored this play, but wow, I admire what he and lyricist Steven Sater have done with it. What an accomplishment. The show-ender "Song of Purple Summer" - its harmonies and its hope - still chokes me up, even after hundreds of listens.
Crank it up.
