Compositional style and process in Rodgers and Hammerstein's 'Carousel'

This thesis examines the score of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1945 musical, Carousel. Following on the heels of the authors' first collaboration, Oklahoma!, Carousel continued the "Hammerstein model" of the serious musical play, while Rodgers greatly expanded the music to more operatic dimensions. Demanding vocal writing, extended musical sequences, and symphonic orchestration all contribute to its unique aesthetic. A comparison between Rodgers's early drafts and the published versions illustrates the evolution of four musical numbers: "The Carousel Waltz," "Mister Snow," "If I Loved You," and "Soliloquy." Harmonic and structural analysis of the score proves that it is more than just a collection of songs that advance the plot forward. Carousel' s music stands out from other Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, leaving an enduring legacy and transcending the conventions of genre.