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Musical theatre is a combination of songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance brought together to tell a story. Since the early 20th century, musical theatre stage works have generally been called, simply, MUSICALS!

 

In this unit, we play the following pieces. Click on the links below to access the music.

Hairspray      A Million Dreams

THE VOICES:

Soprano	Alto	Tenor	Bass
High Female Voice Soprano Example	Low Female Voice Alto Example	High Male Voice Tenor Example	Low Male Voice Bass Example

MUSICAL CONCEPTS:

Concept	Definition	Link
Chorus	When a group of Singers sing together. Often they are singing different parts.	Chorus Example
Solo	When one instrument or voice performs by themselves.	Solo Example
Duet	When two instruments or voices perform together.	Duet Example
Unison	When two or more instruments or voices are playing/ singing at the same pitch	Unison Example
Harmony	When two or more notes are played or sung at the same time.	Harmony Example
Accompanied	When the main melody has voices or instruments supporting them.	Accompanied Example
Unaccompanied	When the main melody has no other voices or instruments supporting them.	Unaccompanied Example
Melismatic	Where there are several notes sung to one syllable.	Melisma Example
Syllabic	Vocal music where each syllable is given one note only	Syllabic Example

Overture	An orchestral piece at the beginning of a musical or opera	Overture Example
Major	Music in a major key it is often described as having a cheery, happy feel to it	Major Example
Minor	Music in a minor key it is often described as having a sad feel to it	Minor Example
Melody	The main tune	Melody Example
Counter Melody	A secondary melody	Counter Melody Example
Step-wise	When the notes of the melody move up and down between notes that are close together	Step-wise Example
Leap	When the notes of the melody move up and down between notes that are far apart	Leap Example