What a musical is
- A musical tells a story through songs, spoken dialogue and dance. Famous examples include Wicked, Les Misérables and The Lion King.
- Types of song: solo songs (often an "I want" song where a character says what they wish for), duets, ensemble numbers with many characters, and the big showstopper.
- Songs move the plot on or show what characters feel. Underscore can play under dialogue.
How the music tells the story
- Leitmotifs (themes for characters or ideas) return through the show.
- Key changes, a rising melody and a build-up of the orchestra or band show a character growing more determined.
- Belting (a powerful chest voice) is used for big moments; quieter, speech-like singing for thoughtful ones.
- The accompaniment may be a pit orchestra, a rock band, or synthesisers, chosen to suit the story and period.
Structure and texture
- Many songs use verse and chorus, or AABA (32-bar song form): three sections with the same tune and a contrasting middle section.
- Textures change to show the drama: one voice for a private moment, overlapping melodies when characters disagree, a full chorus for a finale.
- Dialogue and song flow into each other, sometimes through recitative-like singing.
Key terms
- Musical
- A show that tells a story through songs, dialogue and dance.
- Showstopper
- A big number that gets huge applause.
- Ensemble number
- A song for many characters together.
- Belting
- A powerful, loud singing style using chest voice.
- 32-bar song form
- AABA: three matching sections and a contrasting middle.
- Underscore
- Music played under spoken dialogue.
- Pit orchestra
- The band or orchestra that accompanies a stage show.
Quick questions on Music for stage: musicals
- How does a musical tell its story?
- Through songs, spoken dialogue and dance: The songs move the plot on.
- What is a showstopper?
- A big number that gets huge applause: It "stops the show".
- What is belting?
- A powerful, loud singing style using chest voice: Used for big emotional moments.
- What is 32-bar song form?
- AABA: three matching sections and a contrasting middle: Common in classic musicals.
- What is an ensemble number?
- A song for many characters together: Often at the end of an act.
- What is underscore in a musical?
- Music played under spoken dialogue: It sets the mood.
- How might a composer show a character becoming more determined?
- A key change upwards and a build-up of the orchestra: The music grows with them.
- What is a pit orchestra?
- The band or orchestra that accompanies a stage show: It sits in front of or under the stage.