School of Rock
Random article All articles A–Z
2 languages

Oscar Hammerstein II

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Artist

Oscar Hammerstein II · Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II was an American lyricist, librettist, theatre producer and director, active in the musical for almost forty years. He was born on 12 July 1895 in Harlem, New York, as the grandson of the impresario Oscar Hammerstein I, and died on 23 August 1960. His father managed the Victoria Theatre, but was opposed to his wish to work in the arts. He abandoned his law studies and began as an apprentice to Herbert Stothart, Otto Harbach and Frank Mandel. His first musical, Always You, came to Broadway in 1920. In total he wrote 850 songs and won eight Tony Awards and two Oscars for best song. Many of those songs are standard repertoire for singers and jazz musicians.

Music and breakthrough

With the composer Jerome Kern he wrote Show Boat in 1927, based on the novel by Edna Ferber, which is often revived and regarded as a masterpiece of the American musical. It was a new genre: the musical play, in which the story comes first. He also collaborated with Vincent Youmans, Rudolf Friml and Sigmund Romberg. His longest and most successful collaboration was with Richard Rodgers, which began with Oklahoma! in 1943. Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, Flower Drum Song and The Sound of Music followed, alongside the film State Fair and the television musical Cinderella. He also wrote the lyrics for Carmen Jones, an adaptation of Bizet's opera Carmen with an all-Black cast.

Influence

His pupil Stephen Sondheim called him an experimental playwright. Hammerstein helped bring the American musical to maturity, by putting story and characters at the centre instead of mere light entertainment. From 1956 to 1960 he was president of the Dramatists Guild.

Listening

Listening tip. Listen to a song from The Sound of Music or Oklahoma! and notice how the lyrics tell a piece of the story and are not just a cheerful tune. Hear how words and melody are matched to each other.

Discography

Studio albums

Categories: Artists