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The Year of Tony Bennett

An Appreciation of the Art and Music of Tony Bennett

February 8, 2022 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Two By Two

The song of the day for Wednesday, February 9, 2022, is “Two By Two.”

About This Song

“Two By Two” was written by Richard Rodgers and Stephen Sondheim for the musical Do I Hear A Waltz?, which opened in 1965, although the song was cut from the score before the show opened. Oscar Hammerstein, Rodgers’s writing partner and Sondheim’s mentor, said as he was dying that he wanted the two of them to work together on a project. Unfortunately, the partnership was not good for either of them and the production was not well-received by the critics.

About This Version

Tony Bennett recorded “Two By Two” in 1965 for his album If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set. It was arranged and conducted by Don Costa.

“Two By Two,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set is available on Apple Music.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Do I Hear A Waltz?, Don Costa, If I Ruled The World: Songs For The Jet Set, Richard Rodgers, Stephen Sondheim, Tony Bennett

February 26, 2015 By Suzanne Leave a Comment

Song of the Day: Two By Two

The song of the day for Thursday, February 26, 2015 is “Two By Two.”

About This Song

“Two By Two” was written in 1965 by Richard Rodgers (music) and Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) for the musical Do I Hear a Waltz?, although the song was cut before the production opened on Broadway. Do I Hear a Waltz? was a difficult experience for both men. Rodgers long-time partner, Oscar Hammerstein II, had just died; Hammerstein’s dying wish was that Stephen Sondheim, whom Hammerstein had mentored for many years, collaborate with Rodgers on this piece. In addition, Mary Rodgers, Richard’s daughter, was a close friend of Sondheim and encouraged her father to use Sondheim as well. Rodgers and Sondheim were not able to form a trusting relationship; nor was Rodgers happy working with Arthur Laurents, who wrote the book. In spite of the issues, the production had a decent run of 220 performances and was nominated for three Tony Awards, including Best Original Score, but did not win.

About This Version

With this recording in early 1965, Tony Bennett’s version of “Two By Two” on If I Ruled The World was probably the first recording of this song. It’s a terrific, up-tempo number that was last song on the album, though a bonus track was added for the CD release later.

Two By Two

Listen to Two By Two on Spotify. Tony Bennett · Song · 1965.

“Two By Two,” as well as If I Ruled The World: Songs for the Jet Set, is available from iTunes.

Filed Under: Song of the Day Tagged With: Do I Hear A Waltz?, Richard Rodgers, Stephen Sondheim

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