Song of the Season

Outstanding Broadway Songs since 1891

Thomas Hischak (Flagler College, USA)

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English

Methuen Drama
16 May 2024

Theatre Studies; Musical scores, lyrics & libretti

"What links the popular songs ""You'll Never Walk Alone"",

""Send in the Clowns"", ""Memory"" and ""I Am What I Am""? They all originated in Broadway musicals.

Song of the Season is for those who believe that the score is at the heart of a musical and is the essential building block on which the rest of a show is built. Through a systematic historical survey from 1891 to 2023 it argues that the best musicals survive because of their songs, from early 20th century classics such as Show Boat and Oklahoma! through to the contemporary sound of Dear Evan Hansen and Hamilton.

looking at outstanding songs from each Broadway season, the development and history of the musical is illustrated with a fresh perspective. As song styles and popular music tastes changed throughout the decades this structure charts the progress of American showtunes alongside popular music forms as songs evolved from the waltz and ragtime to jazz, rock, rap and hip-hop. Factual analysis and historical context combine to offer a rich picture of the American songbook from Irving Berlin to Elton John.

Song of the Season paints a fresh picture for musical theatre students and fans alike, illustrating significant changes in the form through the music. Analyzed in an accessible and engaging way that doesn't rely on music theory knowledge, and including a link to playlist where all the 'songs of the seasons' can be listened to, it is a must-have for those looking to expand their knowledge of the form and trace the social history of the American showtune."

By: Thomas Hischak (Flagler College USA)
Imprint: Methuen Drama
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781350423718
ISBN 10: 1350423718
Pages: 440
Publication Date: 16 May 2024
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Preface Acknowledgements Guide to Musical Terms List of Seasons, Songs and Musical Sources Songs 1891-1899 Songs 1900-1919 Songs 1920-1939 Songs 1940- 1959 Songs 1960-1979 Songs 1980-1999 Songs 2000-2023 Afterword Bibliography Indices About the Author

Thomas Hischak retired from full time teaching in New York State and now teaches theatre part time at Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida, USA. He is the author of over thirty non-fiction books on theatre, film and popular music including The Abbott Touch (Methuen Drama, 2023).