A music drama is a dramatic work that incorporates music as part of the story. It is a form of theater that originated in the ancient and medieval periods. Some of the earliest examples of music drama are holy plays performed in churches and on squares. This type of theater was also used in China. The modern form of music drama is a blend of ancient and modern styles.
One example of a musical is the Ludus de Antichristo, composed in the mid-twelfth century in Tegernsee during the power struggle between the papacy and barbarossa. The play has recently been translated and has a new commentary. It represents the changing nature of the genre and the direction in which it appears to be headed. The evolution of the musical theater has seen periods of relative stability as well as pivotal changes.
Musicals can range in length from one-half to three hours. They are typically presented in two acts with a short intermission in between. The first act often has more songs, whereas the second act usually consists of a reprise of important musical themes. As a result, musicals can be more than just entertainment.
Music dramas often deal with social issues, such as race, gender, and sexuality. Since the 1960s, tolerance has become an important theme in musicals. The movie West Side Story made it easier for people to accept and celebrate others, while many musicals have a multicultural message. Other works have addressed difficult topics, such as gay rights, anti-Semitism, and historical American racism.