Elements of Musical Theater Lyrics A theater lyric

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