Song of the Season: Outstanding Broadway Songs since 1891 [Hardcover]

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 Seasonis 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 asShow BoatandOklahoma!through to the contemporary sound ofDear Evan HansenandHamilton.

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 Seasonpaints 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.

Thomas Hischakretired 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 includingThe Abbott Touch(Methuen Drama, 2023).Fresh and exciting & A book to add to your musical theatre education, which will take you along a path oflÃ.