Abstract:
The art of musical theatre is constantly changing. Throughout its century of existence, the musical has taken many forms and so has its music. The music in musical theatre has always been in a constant state of evolution. Early musical theatre music was influenced by ragtime and operetta. As jazz gained popularity in the 20s and 30s, it dominated Broadway. By the 1 940s, music's focus was not to merely entertain but to help further the plot. Music of this era was still influenced by jazz, but Broadway had already developed its own sound. In the 1960s and 1970s, composers began exploring other genres of music, especially rock. By the 1990s, Broadway's biggest hits had a contemporary pop sound, although the traditional Broadway sound can still be heard. This project involved a recital of selections from all eras of musical theatre presented in Pruis Hall on April 15,2012. Pieces represented various composers, musical styles, and subject matter.
