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Oscar Hammerstein II

Musicals / Great Lyricists & Librettists

Oscar Hammerstein II (born Oscar Greeley Clendenning Hammerstein II, July 12, 1895 – August 23, 1960), was an American lyricist, librettist, theatrical producer, and theater director of musicals for almost forty years.  He won eight Tony Awards and two Academy Awards for Best Original Song.

Hammerstein II co-wrote 850 songs. He was the lyricist and playwright in his partnerships; his collaborators wrote the music. He collaborated with numerous composers, such as Jerome Kern, (with whom he wrote Show Boat), Richard Rodgers, Rudolf Friml, Vincent Youmans, Sigmund Rombert and Richard A. Whiting; but he is best-known for his collaborations with Richard Rodgers, which include Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific (Pulitzer Prize), The King and I, and The Sound of Music.


Article:

Revisiting Rodgers & Hammerstein by Tel Asiado,  July 27, 2006 (edited, July 12, 2017.)




Hammerstein's sharp dialogue and ability to create dramatic movement through song helped transform the American musical theater; where musical comedies became seamless and powerful dramatic works.

Below, "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" is a show tune from the 1959 Rodgers and Hammerstein's one of all-time best musical The Sound of Music. It is sung at the close of the first act by the Mother Abbess for Maria, in particular. In general, it is themed as an inspirational piece, to encourage people to take every step toward attaining their dreams. Beautiful and uplifting. 

Apology: Video embedding of "Climb Ev'ry Mountain" is unavailable on websites. Please WATCH on YouTube.

Video Credit:

Hammerstein Musical Tribute (February 12, 2017) - Music & The Spoken Word. Youtube, uploaded by Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Accessed July 12, 2017.  In this special musical tribute to Hammerstein II, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed many of his songs, and Oscar “Andy” Hammerstein III, grandson of Oscar Hammerstein II, delivered the Spoken Word segment. (Episode 4561. Aired February 12, 2017.)

Sound of Music - Climb Ev'ry Mountain. YouTube, uploaded by COSMOTOPPER777. Accessed May 8, 2021. A classic scene at the monastery.

 

Image Credit: 

Oscar Hammerstein II.  en.wikipedia.org Commons / Public Domain.

Resources:

Oscar Hammerstein II. Chambers Biographical Dictionary, 9th Edition. London: Chambers Publishers, 2011. 

Oscar Hammerstein II. en.wikipedia.org.  Accessed July 12, 2017.



(c) July 2017. Updated July 12, 2020. Tel. Inspired Pen Web. All rights reserved. 

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