Jason Robert Brown, Duncan Sheik, and More Reimagine Stephen Sondheim Songs in New CD Set

Pianist Anthony de Mare's ongoing series Liaisons: Reimagining Sondheim from the Piano will be capured on a new 3-CD set, to be released September 25 on the ECM Records label.

Liaisons: Reimagining Sondheim from the Piano marries de Mare's love of classical piano with his respect for revered composer Stephen Sondheim. To date, he has commissioned 36 leading contemporary composers from the classical, jazz, theater, and film worlds to write solo piano pieces inspired by Sondheim's music. The recording sessions spanned a four-year period and resulted in a remarkable compendium of new music.

The repertoire includes pieces from such shows A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone Can Whistle, Company, Follies, A Little Night Music, Pacific Overtures, Sweeney Todd, Merrily We Roll Along, Sunday In The Park With George, Into The Woods, Assassins, and Passion.

Featured composers include Tony winners Jason Robert Brown (The Bridges of Madison County) and Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening), Grammy winners Wynton Marsalis and Thomas Newman, Oscar winner David Shire (Big the Musical), Ricky Ian Gordon (My Life With Albertine), Gabriel Kahane (February House), and Nico Mulhy (Two Boys), among others.