| This dissertation aims to identify and elucidate many of the primary musical elements that constitute the American musical theater style in the second half of the twentieth century. I demonstrate how this musical style was united by the common presence of these elements yet significantly changed over time through their development. Unlike the majority of music-analytical studies of this period, I eschew concentrating on any single composer or piece. Instead, I utilize individual musicals, songs, and composers for their participation in an overall musical theater style. At the same time, I appreciate the individuality of these composers and works by acknowledging their particular contributions to various musical elements. Following an introductory chapter, this dissertation organizes the main stylistic components of musical theater into three larger categories: sonority and accompaniment; hypermeter and text setting; and issues of expression, chromaticism, and modality. |
