Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. It originated in the late 19th century with European operettas and musical comedies. Musical theatre has since developed into a popular genre of entertainment that has evolved to encompass many different styles and themes.
The history of musical theatre is closely linked to the development of other performing arts such as opera, ballet, and vaudeville. In Europe, the earliest forms of musical theatre were derived from opera and operetta, which featured lavish costumes, sets, and large casts of singers and dancers. These early productions often combined elements from different theatrical traditions such as commedia dell’arte and farce.
In the United States, musical theatre developed out of vaudeville and minstrel shows. Vaudeville was a variety show featuring comedic sketches interspersed with singing and dancing routines.
Minstrel shows were popular in the 19th century but became less so after the Civil War due to their offensive stereotypes. Nevertheless, these performances laid the groundwork for modern Broadway-style musicals by introducing popular songs into the theatrical repertoire and incorporating dancing into productions.
Musical theatre was also heavily influenced by classical music forms such as symphonies, concertos, sonatas, suites, arias, cantatas, fugues, masses, oratorios — all of which contributed to its evolution into what it is today. The influence of classical music can be seen in many aspects of modern musicals including their use of complex harmonies and melodies as well as their multi-movement structure which is often used to tell stories or create dramatic tension in productions.
Modern musicals have also been influenced by jazz music which was first introduced to Broadway in 1927 with George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue. Jazz music brought with it an emphasis on improvisation which allowed for greater flexibility in terms of music composition for musicals. This led to more intricate arrangements that could be tailored for specific scenes or characters within a production.
Musical theatre has been shaped by many different influences over time but some of its most significant influences are derived from classical music forms such as opera and operetta; vaudeville; minstrel shows; classical music forms such as symphonies; concertos; sonatas; suites; arias; cantatas; fugues; masses; oratorios; jazz music; improvisation techniques; contemporary pop culture trends such as hip hop dance styles etc.. All these elements have helped shape what we know today as modern day Musical Theatre – one that continues to evolve with each new production it brings forth!
Conclusion: What was Musical Theatre Influenced By? Musical Theatre was heavily influenced by European Operettas & Musical Comedies along with Vaudeville & Minstrel Shows from America during its formative years along with Classical Music Forms like Symphonies & Concertos etc., Jazz Music & Improvisation Techniques further advanced its scope while Contemporary Pop Culture Trends like Hip-Hop Dance Styles also had their share in shaping up Modern Day Musical Theatre – one that continues to evolve with each new production!