Making the Music: Anaïs Mitchell on the Creation of "All I've Ever Known" From ''Hadestown''

Find out how a cast member's impact can change the direction of a song for the better.
If you saw ''Hadestown'' at New York Theatre Workshop, you might remember the song "All I've Ever Known" as a solo for the character of Eurydice. But on the road to Broadway, Tony-winning composer Anaïs Mitchell received an interesting challenge from leading man Reeve Carney, who plays Orpheus: He wanted a moment where Orpheus could express his love for Eurydice. It took Mitchell a while to crack the case - she thought the song was already really tight - but she eventually found the solution. Here, she discusses the evolution of the number and gives us a private performance at the beautiful KZbin Space at Chelsea Market.

[@theatermania]

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[@patricelinman7183]

A musical GENIUS. We are not worthy

[@kaylingines8513]

Patrice Linman make that the tony award winning genius

[@patricelinman7183]

@@kaylingines8513 You are absolutely correct

[@hifellowhumans8393]

Anais and Joni are on the same level. ❤

[@sisterspoof23]

her MIND is so powerful

[@ritaofthelions]

I CANNOT WAIT until the bway version drops, I’ve had the 2016 on repeat all day, so gorgeous! 🌹 Side note- Anaïs’ physical relationship with her guitar is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, the way she holds it and the sounds that flow out are so poetically beautiful, you can see she really really understands music on another level

[@andrelajevardi1842]

how can one be so talented

[@ninjago077]

Amazing I would happily listen to her talk about all of her songs she wrote

[@alisonrex5767]

educate me, my queen

[@epicglitter7218]

so glad to see this! it's truly amazing to still come across a Broadway love song that feels unique, sincere, etc but that whole context of Eurydice being tough, independent, a little world-weary, helps make it really work. kinda weird to know the male lead nosed his way into the song like that, but not gonna complain, it's still a good song. at the end of the day, the added lines of "you're someone that I've always known" add to that epic, mythic, cyclical quality of the show.

[@camara1194]

interesting, you think it’s weird that he wanted to be in it? why do you feel that way? what do you think?

[@drartemisa21]

it didn't feel like he nosed his way in at all. Like how Reeve suggested, it had a possibility of a great intimate two-way conversation and Anais saw that, had difficulties, making it possible.

[@epicglitter7218]

@@drartemisa21 In this comment I wrote over two years ago, I wrote four sentences, three positive and one very minorly critical. it is interesting that the only comments I get, are on the latter. is the community of Hadestown fans very big on shouting down criticism- even from someone who's praising the song? is this more true for Hadestown, or typical for Broadway-related KZbin?

[@drartemisa21]

@@epicglitter7218 ?? I apologize if you feel criticized but all I was doing was stating my opinion, same as you. The commenter above me didn't even agree or disagree with you and just wanted to know why you mentioned that because they probably felt it lacked explanation. Better not to lump people into a monolith because everyone has different opinions. No offense meant whatsoever. Hope you have a good week. :)

[@lizzabbott]

The way I heard that when Anais told about it, was that Reeve was just truly invested in the show / dedicated to it … and felt a calling for his character to add even more dimension to the song. To me , it wasn’t anything like being opportunistic or the like, but being very present with the show, and working with his artistic promptings.

[@zbotello1439]

I love these segments, they’re so interesting

[@multiplefandomlover7179]

It's so cool to see a clip that talks about the making of the songs for a musical!

[@cathrose4879]

Seeing Hadestown next month! So excited!!!!!

[@Theeio_]

we need this for all of the songs ;-; this is beautiful

[@sofimalofi]

I am so grateful to have witnessed this artistry on the Hadestown stage 😭❤️

[@ZoraTheberge]

Release the iTunes track you cowards.

[@claddagh1826]

the melody is waaaay too repetitive for me, but it is interesting to hear how anais made these songs.