Alan Menken has become synonymous with animated film music, crafting scores for The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Pocahontas. His gift for melody paired with sophisticated orchestration has made him one of the most celebrated composers in contemporary musical theater. Stephen Schwartz, equally accomplished, brought his lyrical prowess and theatrical instinct to projects ranging from Godspell and Pippin to Wicked and the films Enchanted and Tangled. Together on The Hunchback of Notre Dame, they created a score that honors the darker, more complex source material while maintaining the accessibility that defines great musical theater writing.
Menken and Schwartz's partnership demonstrates how composers working at the highest level of their craft can serve young singers and student pianists. Their music rewards careful attention to phrasing and dynamic control without sacrificing the joy of performance.
