Listen to Tuesday: Stephen Sondheim

Even if you haven't quite heard his music, you probably know his name. Stephen Sondheim is one of the most prominent contemporary composers, and for good reason too - among his most famous musicals are Into The Woods and Sweeney Todd, the latter of which which you might know from the film adaptation with Johnny Depp.

Admittedly, Sondheim's music is a bit on the less accessible side - it can be hard to understand, with a much less accessible subject matter alongside less poppish, crowd-pleasing melodies. That said, there is no doubt that his work is nothing short of musical genius.

Just listen to Children Will Listen from Into The Woods:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJaXmnWfZh8

And this perennial favourite, Send In The Clowns:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vufO2FZY6XQ

It's like listening to musical Shakespeare.