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Sunrise, Sunset – Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick - Waltz
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Sunrise, Sunset – Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick

description Sunrise, Sunset – Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick Overview

"Sunrise, Sunset" is a song from the 1964 Broadway musical Fiddler on the Roof, with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. In the original production it is performed during the wedding scene of Tevye's daughter Tzeitel and Motel Kamzoil, with Tevye and his wife Golde joined by guests Perchik and Hodel. The song is written in triple meter and draws on musical idioms associated with Eastern European Jewish folk and celebration music. It has become one of the most widely recognized numbers from the score, and has been recorded separately by numerous artists and translated into multiple languages.

insights Ranking position

Sunrise, Sunset – Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick ranks #42 of 206 in the Waltz ranking, behind Waltz No. 10 in B minor, Op. 69 No. 2 — Frédéric Chopin, ahead of Valse triste, Op. 44 No. 1 — Jean Sibelius.

help Sunrise, Sunset – Jerry Bock & Sheldon Harnick FAQ

What musical is the song "Sunrise, Sunset" from?

"Sunrise, Sunset" was written by composer Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick for the 1964 Broadway musical *Fiddler on the Roof*. It is performed during Act II at the wedding ceremony of Tzeitel, the eldest daughter of the protagonist Tevye. The song has since become one of the most widely recognized numbers from the show.

Who sings "Sunrise, Sunset" in the original Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof?

In the original 1964 Broadway staging, the song is performed as a quartet by Tevye, Golde, Perchik, and Hodel during Tzeitel's wedding celebration. Zero Mostel originated the role of Tevye and would have been among the singers. The number serves as a reflective waltz expressing the parents' astonishment at how quickly their children have grown.

What time signature is "Sunrise, Sunset" written in?

The song is written in 3/4 waltz time, which gives it the flowing, ceremonial character appropriate for a wedding scene. This waltz tempo makes it a popular choice for father-daughter and mother-son dances at real weddings. Sheet music arrangements are typically published in keys such as F major or G major to accommodate vocal ranges.

Is "Sunrise, Sunset" commonly used at real weddings?

Yes, the song is frequently chosen for parent-child dances at Jewish and secular weddings because its lyrics directly address the passage of generations. Its waltz tempo and sentimental tone make it a natural fit for wedding ceremonies. The song has been covered by dozens of artists since the 1960s, further cementing its association with weddings.

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