Question
Here is the question : OSCAR HAMMERSTEIN SERVED AS A MENTOR FOR WHAT BROADWAY LEGEND?
Option
Here is the option for the question :
- Andrew Lloyd Weber
- Alan Jay Lerner
- Stephen Sondheim
- Claude-Michel Schönberg
The Answer:
And, the answer for the the question is :
Explanation:
Even though Hammerstein passed away in 1960, his legacy lives on. The Broadway icon helped guide the young Stephen Sondheim in his development as a composer and lyricist towards the end of his life. On his route to becoming a Broadway genius of a new generation, Sondheim never forgot those teachings, adopting Hammerstein’s non-operatic approach and narrative-focused framework.
Oscar Hammerstein II is considered one of the most influential figures in the history of American musical theater. Throughout his career, he mentored many aspiring artists, including one who would go on to become a legend in his own right: Stephen Sondheim.
Sondheim, who was born in 1930, grew up in New York City and developed a love for musical theater at a young age. He was particularly drawn to the works of Hammerstein and his collaborator, Richard Rodgers, and was inspired by their ability to tell stories through song.
In the early 1950s, Sondheim began working as a lyricist on Broadway, and it was during this time that he first met Hammerstein. The two struck up a friendship, and Hammerstein soon became a mentor to Sondheim, offering him guidance and encouragement as he honed his craft.
Under Hammerstein’s tutelage, Sondheim began to develop his own unique style of songwriting. He eschewed the traditional structure of musical theater songs, opting instead for complex, multi-layered compositions that reflected the inner lives of his characters. He also experimented with unconventional subject matter, tackling difficult topics such as mental illness, political corruption, and the decline of American society.
Sondheim’s first major success came in 1957, with the premiere of “West Side Story,” a musical that he co-wrote with Leonard Bernstein. The show was a critical and commercial hit, and it cemented Sondheim’s reputation as a rising star in the world of musical theater.
Over the years, Sondheim continued to push the boundaries of the art form, creating such landmark works as “Company,” “Sweeney Todd,” and “Into the Woods.” Throughout his career, he remained close to Hammerstein, who continued to offer him advice and support.
Sondheim is widely regarded as one of the greatest composers and lyricists in the history of musical theater. His work has inspired countless artists and has helped to shape the American cultural landscape in profound ways. And while he has undoubtedly achieved great success on his own, his early mentorship under Oscar Hammerstein was a crucial factor in his development as an artist, and helped to pave the way for his many achievements.