What Genres Influenced Musical Theatre?

Musical Theatre|Theater

Musical theatre has been around since the mid-1800s, and it has evolved from a variety of influences. The genre has been shaped by centuries of different music styles, from classical to jazz to rock and roll.

As the genre has developed, it has taken elements from all of these influences to create something unique and special.

Classical music is one of the oldest forms of musical theatre and is still used today in some styles. It is known for its intricate melodies, complex harmonies and often lengthy pieces.

Classical music is often considered the foundation for musical theatre as it helped define the structure and form of many traditional shows.

Jazz was an important influence on musical theatre in the 1920s. This style of music had a significant influence on Broadway musicals during this time period as it brought with it a new level of energy and excitement that could be seen in shows such as “Show Boat” and “Chicago”. Jazz was also instrumental in incorporating elements from popular culture into musical theatre such as ragtime, blues and swing.

Rock and roll was another major influence on musical theatre starting in the 1950s. This style brought with it a sense of rebellion, excitement and freedom that was reflected in shows like “Hair”, “Grease”, “Rent” and many others. Rock music also opened up new avenues for experimentation in terms of instrumentation, lyrics and overall energy.

Popular music also had an impact on musical theatre starting in the 1960s with shows like “Cabaret” which incorporated elements from contemporary pop songs into its score. This allowed for shows to have more accessible lyrics that were easier to relate to for audiences.

Conclusion:

What genres influenced Musical Theatre? From classical music to jazz to rock to pop – all these genres have had a hand in shaping the genre over time. Each style brought with it something unique that contributed to making musical theatre what it is today: an exciting blend of styles that continues to evolve even today!