In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Lionel Bart

Born: 1930. Died: 1999. Lived in: England
He was born Lionel Begleiter, the youngest of seven surviving children of Galician Jews, Yetta (nee Darumstundler) and Morris Begleiter, a master tailor. He grew up in Stepney; his father worked in the area as a tailor in a garden shed. He started his songwriting career in amateur theatre, first at The International Youth Centre in 1952 where he and a friend wrote a revue together called IYC Revue 52. The following year the pair auditioned for a production of the Leonard Irwin play The Wages of Eve at London's Unity Theatre. Shortly afterward Bart began composing songs for Unity Theatre productions, contributing material (including the title song) to its 1953 revue Turn It Up, and songs for its 1953 pantomime, an agitprop version of Cinderella. While at the Unity he was talent-spotted by Joan Littlewood, and so joined Theatre Workshop. He also wrote comedy songs for the Sunday lunchtime BBC radio programme The Billy Cotton Band Show.

Media Articles
Obituary, The Independent, Lionel Bart Dies

Obituary, New York Times, Lionel Bart, 68, Songwriter; Created the Musical 'Oliver'

Arrangements | Trax CDs

Lionel Bart : Oliver!

The vocal score to all 32 pieces in the beloved musical, featuring: As Long As He Needs Me - Consider Yourself - Food, Glorious Food - Oliver - Where Is Love? - and more.

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-13 of 13 items.

Norman Leyden : As Long As He Needs Me

Available: SATB, SSA.

Arranger: Norman Leyden | Musical: Oliver!

John Leavitt : Consider Yourself

From Oliver, the ever-popular Broadway musical by Lionel Bart comes this rollicking production number! John Leavitt's sparkling arrangement for younger choirs will make your audience feel right at home and get your concert off to a great start!Available separately: 2-Part, 3-Part and ShowTrax CD. Approx. Performance Time: 2:30.

Arranger: John Leavitt | Lyricist: Lionel Bart | Musical: Oliver!

Tom Gentry : Consider Yourself

Lionel Bart was a writer of English pop music and musicals and is best known for creating the book, lyrics and music for the 1960 hit musical, and later film, Oliver! Tome Gentry, one of the foremost barbershop arrangers, has given us this playful, welcoming creation which captures the spirit and character of the song. The soaring harmonies and special treatment individual parts are a delight to the ear.

Arranger: Tom Gentry | Lyricist: Lionel Bart | Musical: Oliver!

Norman Leyden : Consider Yourself

Available: SATB, SAB, SSA, SA.

Arranger: Norman Leyden | Lyricist: Lionel Bart | Musical: Oliver!

Aden G. Lewis : Food Glorious Food

Now available with a new ShowTrax CD accompaniment, here is the show-stopping answer to the question, More, sir?

Arranger: Aden G. Lewis | Musical: Oliver!

Mac Huff : I'd Do Anything

Lionel Bart's wonderful adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel is classic Broadway at its best! This setting in the Discovery series is a natural for young performers.Available separately: 3-Part Mixed, 2-Part and ShowTrax CD. Performance time: Approx. 2:30.

Arranger: Mac Huff | Musical: Oliver!

Roger Emerson : Oliver - Choral Highlights

A perfect way to introduce the music from one of Broadway's classic musicals. Originally staged in 1960, Lionel Bart's musical tale of Dickens' Oliver Twist still charms today's audiences. Includes: Consider Yourself, Food, Glorious Food, I'd Do Anything, and Where is Love?Available separately: SATB, SAB, 2-Part and ShowTrax CD. Performance Time: Approx. 8:00.

Arranger: Roger Emerson | Musical: Oliver!

Norman Leyden : Oliver! (Choral Selections)

Available: SATB, SAB, SSA.

Arranger: Norman Leyden | Musical: Oliver!

Joshua Shank : Where Is Love?

From the Broadway musical Oliver, this contemporary setting offers lush vocal textures over a gentle and flowing piano accompaniment. Duration: Approx. 4:40.

Arranger: Joshua Shank | Lyricist: Lionel Bart | Musical: Oliver!

Pais Rutherford : Where Is Love?

From the Broadway musical Oliver, the purity of a cappella voices showcase the emotion and longing of this beautiful song. From the simple opening, the setting gradually builds in harmonic and lyric richness and into a full climax before retreating to a gentle conclusion. For advanced jazz and concert choirs.

Arranger: Pais Rutherford | Lyricist: Lionel Bart | Musical: Oliver!