Who's behind the notes? Discover Stephen Schwartz: The Magician Behind Broadway's Biggest Hits
"When You Believe" is a song composed and written by Stephen Schwartz for the 1998 animated musical film "The Prince of Egypt." The song became particularly notable for the powerful duet version performed by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Here are some interesting facts about Stephen Schwartz and the song:
Acclaimed Composer and Lyricist: Stephen Schwartz is a highly acclaimed American composer and lyricist known for his work in musical theater. He has contributed to several successful Broadway productions, including "Godspell," "Pippin," and "Wicked."
Academy Award-Winning Song: "When You Believe" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1999. The song's success contributed to the film's overall recognition and success.
Original Hebrew Version: The song was originally recorded in Hebrew for the Israeli version of "The Prince of Egypt." The Hebrew version, titled "Kshe Halev Boche" (כשהלב בוכה), was performed by Israeli singer Ofra Haza.
Powerful Duet: The duet version of "When You Believe" by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey is a highlight of the soundtrack. Their vocal prowess and the emotional delivery of the song contributed to its widespread popularity.
Inspirational Theme: The lyrics of "When You Believe" convey a message of hope and perseverance, emphasizing the power of faith and belief in overcoming challenges. The song is a pivotal moment in the film, symbolizing the characters' journey from adversity to triumph.
Cultural Impact: The song has been covered by various artists and has been used in different contexts, becoming a symbol of inspiration and resilience. It has been performed in numerous languages and settings around the world.
Broadway Adaptation: In addition to its success in the film, "The Prince of Egypt" was later adapted into a stage musical. The musical features songs from the film as well as new compositions, and it has been performed in various productions around the world.
Collaboration with Hans Zimmer: Stephen Schwartz collaborated with composer Hans Zimmer on the score for "The Prince of Egypt." Zimmer is known for his work in film scoring, and the collaboration between these two talented individuals contributed to the film's musical richness.
"When You Believe" stands out as a powerful and emotionally resonant song that has left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.