Elements of Musical Theater Lyr ics
Dec 31, 2015
Elements of Musical Theater
Lyrics
A theater lyric is a compact pattern of words that when set
to music communicates information vital to the dramatic life of a show.
“Lyrics put language to the task of expressing thoughts and emotions through the
denotative and connotative meanings of words, patterns of
literary development and form.”
Denotative vs. Connotative Meaning
• An explicit factual definition found in the dictionary.
• Marks out boundaries and specific limitations.
• A more emotional meaning that comes from personal experience.
• Conveys association and overtones
Good lyricists use both types of meaning
Elaborating
Description Carefully re-creating the impression of each experience.
Exposition Begins the motion of the plot, pushes it forward and records its conclusion.
Narration Relates a connected sequence of events that tell us what happened to whom, when, where and how.a
Persuasion Exploiting a situation in order to convince another to accept an idea.
Types of Songs• Ballad – love songs. How to say I love you, without actually saying it.• Charm Song- gives a vision of a world where every thing turns out well in the end.• Comedy Song – turns the frustrations of life into laughter• Musical Scene- all dramatic action is set to music.• “I am” Song• “I want” Song