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Brooklyn Golding

John Karr

PART410

Melodic Mastery: The Rodgers and Hammerstein Musical Revolution

Oscar Hammerstein II (1895–1960) is celebrated as one of the greatest lyricists and librettists

in the history of American musical theatre. His partnership with composer Richard Rodgers

produced a series of timeless works, including "Oklahoma!," "Carousel," and "The Sound of

Music." However, Hammerstein's journey to theatrical greatness began long before he joined

forces with Rodgers. This paper explores Hammerstein's life and career before he collaborates

with Rodgers, highlighting essential experiences and influences that shaped his artistic

development and paved the way for his later successes.

Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II was born in New York City on July 12th, 1895,

into a prominent theatrical family. His father, William Hammerstein, was a successful theatre

manager and producer known for his innovative approach to musical theatre. From a young

age, Oscar was exposed to the world of theatre and developed a passion for storytelling and

music.

Despite his family's theatrical background, Oscar pursued a different path, studying at

Columbia University and law at Columbia Law School. However, his passion for the theatre

soon led him to abandon his legal career and pursue a life in the arts. He immersed himself in

the vibrant cultural scene of early 20th-century New York City, where he was influenced by the

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works of playwrights such as Eugene O'Neill and George Bernard Shaw and by the emerging

art form of musical theatre.

Collaborations with composers like Rudolf Friml and Jerome Kern marked Hammerstein’s

early theatre career. His first significant success came in 1927 with the operetta "Rose-Marie,"

which featured his lyrics set to music by Friml. Hammerstein's talent for crafting poignant

lyrics that resonated with audiences was evident from the start, and he quickly established

himself as a leading lyricist on Broadway.

One of Hammerstein's most significant contributions to musical theatre was his innovative

approach to storytelling. He believed that the songs in a musical should advance the plot and

develop the characters rather than simply serve as musical interludes. This concept, "integrated

musical," would become a hallmark of his collaborations with Rodgers and revolutionize the

genre.

Richard Rodgers (1902–1979) is celebrated as one of the most influential composers in the

history of American musical theatre. His partnership with Oscar Hammerstein II produced a

series of groundbreaking works that redefined the genre. However, Rodgers' musical journey

began long before he collaborated with Hammerstein. This paper delves into Rodgers' early

life, musical education, and early career, shedding light on the experiences and influences that

shaped his musical sensibilities and prepared him for his later successes.

Richard Charles Rodgers was born in New York City on June 28, 1902, into a family with a

deep love for music. His father, William Rodgers, was a physician who also played the piano,

and his mother, Mamie Levy Rodgers, was an amateur singer. From a young age, Rodgers

showed musical talent, and his parents encouraged his musical pursuits.

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Rodgers' musical education began early, with piano lessons starting at age six. He showed a

natural aptitude for the instrument and quickly progressed in his studies. His musical influences

were diverse, ranging from classical composers such as Chopin and Mozart to contemporary

popular music of the time. Rodgers was also influenced by the vibrant cultural scene of New

York City, where he was exposed to a wide range of musical styles and genres.

A series of collaborations with lyricist Lorenz Hart marked Rodgers’ early career in musical

theatre. Together, they created a string of hit musicals, including "Pal Joey" and "On Your

Toes." Their collaboration was characterized by Rodgers' melodic inventiveness and Hart's

witty and sophisticated lyrics, setting the stage for Rodgers' later collaborations with

Hammerstein.

One of Rodgers' most significant musical theatre contributions was his innovative melody and

harmony approach. He was known for his ability to create memorable tunes that resonated with

audiences and his skillful use of harmony to evoke emotion and enhance storytelling. Rodgers'

musical style was characterized by its accessibility and emotional depth, qualities defining his

later collaborations with Hammerstein.

Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II joined forces in 1943 to create the musical

"Oklahoma!," which revolutionized the genre and set a new standard for storytelling in musical

theatre. Their collaboration, which lasted over two decades, produced a series of

groundbreaking works that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. The creative

partnership between Rodgers and Hammerstein and the key works and innovations that defined

their collaboration and shaped the future of American musical theatre.

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Before teaming up with Hammerstein, Rodgers had achieved success as a composer, primarily

in collaboration with lyricist Lorenz Hart. However, Hart's declining health and personal

struggles led Rodgers to seek a new partner. In 1942, Rodgers approached Hammerstein, who

was known for his lyrical skill and innovative approach to storytelling. The two men shared a

vision for creating musicals that integrated music, lyrics, and plots seamlessly and

meaningfully, setting the stage for their groundbreaking collaboration.

The partnership between Rodgers and Hammerstein produced a series of hit musicals that

redefined the genre. "Oklahoma!" (1943) was their first collaboration and is considered a

landmark work in musical theatre history. It was followed by "Carousel" (1945), "South

Pacific" (1949), "The King and I" (1951), and "The Sound of Music" (1959), among others.

These musicals were characterized by sophisticated storytelling, memorable melodies, and

thematic depth, setting a new standard for the genre.

The collaboration between Rodgers and Hammerstein profoundly impacted American musical

theatre, influencing generations of composers, lyricists, and performers. Their innovative

approach to storytelling, use of integrated musical numbers, and exploration of complex themes

such as love, loss, and social issues helped elevate the musical theatre genre to new artistic

heights. The success of Rodgers and Hammerstein's collaborations paved the way for future

generations of musical theatre artists to explore new forms of expression and storytelling.

The collaboration between Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II was a watershed

moment in the history of American musical theatre. Their partnership produced a series of

groundbreaking works that redefined the genre and set a new standard for excellence. By

examining the creative synergy between Rodgers and Hammerstein, we gain a deeper

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understanding of the artistic process behind some of the most beloved musicals in theatre

history and the enduring legacy of their collaboration.

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Works Cited

Secrest, Meryle. "Somewhere for Me: A Biography of Richard Rodgers." Alfred A. Knopf,
2001.

Nolan, Frederick. "The Sound of Their Music: The Story of Rodgers and Hammerstein."
Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, 2002.

Purdum, Todd S. "Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution."

Henry Holt and Co., 2018.

Secrest, Meryle. "Somewhere for Me: A Biography of Richard Rodgers." Alfred A. Knopf,
2001.

Rodgers, Richard. "Musical Stages: An Autobiography." Random House, 1975.

Nolan, Frederick. "The Sound of Their Music: The Story of Rodgers and Hammerstein."
Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, 2002.

Citron, Stephen. "Sondheim and Lloyd Webber: The New Musical." Oxford University Press,
2001.

Hischak, Thomas S. "The Rodgers and Hammerstein Encyclopedia." Greenwood Press, 2007.

Nolan, Frederick. "The Sound of Their Music: The Story of Rodgers and Hammerstein."
Applause Theatre & Cinema Books, 2002.