19 July 2023
Understanding the Essence of Broadway Musicals
When we think about Broadway musicals, we imagine grand stages, vibrant costumes, and melodious tunes that stay in our minds long after the show has ended. The songs, in particular, hold a special charm. They narrate the plot, express emotions, and create a unique atmosphere that only a Broadway musical can offer. Many might have noticed that Broadway musical songs share some similarities. We might wonder why this is so. In this section we'll explore the essence of Broadway musicals and how their songs are an intrinsic part of their identity.
Firstly, Broadway musical songs share a common goal - to tell a story. Unlike pop songs that are meant to be standalone pieces, Broadway songs are designed to further the narrative of a show. They are like chapters in a book, each one revealing a new aspect of the plot or a character's emotions. Therefore, they follow a certain pattern and structure, which lends them a distinct similarity.
Role of Repetition and Motifs in Broadway Songs
Repetition and musical motifs play a significant role in Broadway songs. Often, the same melody or theme is repeated across different songs to create a sense of continuity and to strengthen the emotional connection with the audience. This is a common practice in musical theatre and is known as 'leitmotif'. It is one of the reasons why Broadway songs may seem similar to the untrained ear.
For example, in 'The Phantom of the Opera', the haunting melody that represents the Phantom is repeated throughout the show, creating a sense of familiarity and anticipation. Similarly, in 'Les Misérables', the melody of 'I Dreamed a Dream' is echoed in other songs, tying the narrative together. This use of repetition and motifs is a defining characteristic of Broadway musicals, and is a key reason behind their songs' similarity.
The Importance of Musical Style and Genre
Another factor that contributes to the similarity between Broadway musical songs is the style and genre of music. Broadway musicals often adhere to a specific musical style, which is determined by the show's setting, theme, and characters. This style becomes a common thread that binds all the songs together. For instance, if a musical is set in the 1920s, the songs are likely to be influenced by jazz and big band music, giving them a similar sound.
Additionally, Broadway musicals often draw from a limited range of genres, such as classical, jazz, pop, and rock. These genres have certain defining characteristics, which influence the structure and sound of the songs. As a result, songs from different musicals but of the same genre may share similarities. For example, the rock-infused songs of 'Rent' and 'Spring Awakening' have a similar vibe, despite being from different shows.
Character Development Through Song
Broadway musical songs often follow a similar path due to character development. Songs are used as a tool to reveal character traits, emotions, and motivations. Therefore, certain song structures are repeated to reflect the journey of the characters. For example, almost every Broadway musical has an 'I want' song, where the protagonist expresses their desires and goals, such as 'Part of Your World' in 'The Little Mermaid' or 'The Wizard and I' in 'Wicked'.
Similarly, many musicals have a 'love duet', a 'villain's song', and a 'finale' - all of which follow certain musical and lyrical conventions. This is not a coincidence, but a deliberate choice to reflect the universal themes of love, ambition, conflict, and resolution, which are central to most stories.
The Influence of Iconic Composers
Last but not least, the similarity between Broadway musical songs can be attributed to the influence of iconic composers. Composers like Stephen Sondheim, Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Rodgers and Hammerstein have shaped the sound of Broadway with their distinctive musical styles. Their compositions have become the benchmarks for Broadway music, influencing other composers and resulting in a certain degree of similarity.
For example, Sondheim's complex melodies and clever lyrics have become a hallmark of Broadway music. Similarly, Webber's grand, operatic style has influenced many musicals. As a result, songs from various musicals may sound similar due to the influence of these iconic composers. However, this is not to say that Broadway music lacks diversity. On the contrary, it is a melting pot of various musical styles, genres, and influences, which is what makes it so unique and fascinating.
