Trying to explain music from Broadway — Page 2

I don't think that it's a matter of convincing someone to like show music, more so a question of how to explain its appeal to you. And it's curious to me that it would be so difficult for me to identify the essence of why I love Broadway music so much. If someone from abroad were to ask me what I love about America, I could very easily list around 20 things right of the top of my head. Perhaps explaining a love for an art form is inherently more difficult, or maybe even impossible. As Louie Armstrong said when someone asked him to describe jazz, "If you've got to ask, you'll never know".

SamIAm2, I think you're right that enjoyment of any art form is a matter of education. I wonder how many of us who love show music were either taken to the theater as a child or, as I did, grew up on church music that shared certain characteristics. (To be clear, my parents also valued musical theater even if they couldn't afford to go very often. They certainly exposed me to film and TV adaptations.)

It occurs to me that by the end of 9th grade (1969), I had studied THE KING AND I and contrasted PYGMALION with MY FAIR LADY in English class and performed scenes and songs from both musicals. Even though most of my contemporaries grew up to prefer rock 'n' roll, we at least had a basic understanding of how the classic American musical was supposed to work.

Is that still true today?

Gaveston, that English class sounds like a dream.

I think what you mentioned about "over-singing" plays a key role in why this generation is not thrilled by Broadway songs, it's not the character aspect or the lyrics, as there a many strictly pop and rock songs in the contemporary musical theatre catalog, it's the performances. Today's mainstream culture favors sweet and melodic over raw and emotional music, they're also not thrilled about legit sopranos or tenors or belting to the heavens. A clear example is the casting for Cossete and Johanna in their respective film adaptations.

There's also a huge double standard for everything Broadway related. People freak about about artists like Beyonce or Adele (rightfully so) and are only mildly impressed when they hear Broadway performers who are just as talented, if not more.

I'm always baffled and amused when media phenomenons like Susan Boyle occur. It's like people didn't know that there already are singers like that out there, even better singers. Why don't Elaine Paige or Sierra Boggess receive the same media attention?

But she's around the same age as Elaine and sings the same kind of music. Why don't they buy her albums instead?

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That's a lovely story.

Updated On: 4/28/13 at 07:00 PM

I guess that sums it up.

Gaveston, in what ways was Susan Boyle's performance shockingly worse live?

AMEN!!

Gaveston, I had the same reaction when I first heard her, she didn't live up to the hype.

I was horrified with this performance in particular in which demonstrates her lack of stage presence.

http://youtu.be/C6zjMqW_hoU

Updated On: 4/29/13 at 06:15 PM

I think that's her best performance I've seen so far, which is sad.

The lady is talented but she needs more training.

Updated On: 4/29/13 at 07:11 PM

Aw, Thanks Gav!! That means a lot coming from someone as wise and gracious as yourself.