Andrew and Sarah Lloyd Webber~ a tribute

Mr.and Mrs. Andrew Lloyd Webber...that's what they were known as during the a brief period between 1984-1990. Throughout the course of their brief marriage, one can say that Andrew Lloyd Webber produced some of his most intelligent, romantic and stirring music to date. Sarah Brightman was his muse. And when the world discovered that their marriage was over, many believed that the music was over as well. Nearly 9 years later, the now former Mr and Mrs Andrew Lloyd Webber carry on a close professional and personal relationship. Both have gone in different directions artistically, but are still united in spirit and song. Come with me as we explore the joys of Lloyd Webber marriage of yesterday... THE RELATIONSHIP: The exact time of the beginning of their relationship is unknown. Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sarah Brightman first met during Sarah's audition for the original production of Cats in London. Both claim that their relationship did not start until sometime after Sarah's year-long run in the show. According to author Michael Walsh, it was when Lloyd Webber went to see Sarah in the West End production of Charles Strause's Nightengale that the "pent-up sparks began to fly." THE WEDDING They were married on 22 March 1984 at the Magistrate's Office in Kingsclere, Berkshire, U.K. During their 6 year marriage, they spent time not only at Lloyd Webber's Sydmonton Court estate, but also at various addresses around London. In the latter part of their marriage, particularly during Brightman's time in the Broadway production of Phantom of the Opera the couple occupied a duplex in the posh Trump Tower of NYC. Lloyd Webber also kept a villa in the South of France at Cap Ferrat. RUMOURS: Many still claim that the marriage was completely superficial, initiated only to strengthen each other's image. On the contrary, the public perception of their marriage was quite the opposite. Both individuals suffered an enormous amount of criticism, both for their talents and their personal life. Lloyd Webber's insistance on using her in various productions during the 80's (Requiem, Song and Dance, Phantom of the Opera) ignited a very noticeable spark of Brightman criticism, much of which still exists today. COLLABORATIONS: Perhaps the most famous Lloyd Webber/Brightman production is Phantom of the Opera. There are conflicting opinions about the conception of the show. Brightman denies the idea that the role of Christine was written particularly for her. In a 1997 interview on Canada's Pamela Wallin show she claims that the role was written with her voice in mind, but was never intentionally meant to be just for her. Lloyd Webber is more aggressive in the issue. He states, whole heartedly, that the intention was to write a piece that would be suitable for his wife. Believe what you want. The other huge Lloyd Webber/Brightman product of the Eighties was Lloyd Webber's Requiem mass. Brightman sang soprano along with tenor Placido Domingo and choir boy Paul Miles-Kingston. The album itself won several awards throughout the world. Brightman received a Grammy nomination in 1985 for Best New Classical Artist.

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