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Disney Renaissance

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

Disney Renaissance · After a period of mixed success, Disney animation found a new form in 1989. The composer Alan Menken and the lyricist Howard Ashman brought the craftsmanship of the Broadway musical. Their songs carry the story forward: an 'I want' song lets us hear what the protagonist longs for, a big ensemble number opens up a new world. The Little Mermaid (1989) uses calypso in 'Under the Sea'. Beauty and the Beast (1991) and Aladdin (1992) follow the same model. Ashman died in 1991, after which Tim Rice, among others, wrote the lyrics. For The Lion King (1994) Elton John and Rice wrote the songs and Hans Zimmer made the score, with South African choral singing by Lebo M. All four films won an Oscar for best score.

Listening

Listening tip. Follow how a song pushes the story forward: notice the transition from speaking to singing and the orchestra that underlines every turn in the text.

In School of Rock

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See also

Categories: Genres