Description
Book SynopsisThe first book-length study devoted to Rudolf Friml's multifaceted musical legacy
Trade Review"Insightfully restores a neglected star to the Broadway firmament."--
Studies in Musical Theatre"Everett has written a thorough scholarly account of a major but now almost forgotten figure in twentieth-century musical theater. The book surveys his life and career, highlights key works, and reveals many ways in which Friml's legacy remains among us even today."--Jeffrey Magee, author of
The Uncrowned King of Swing: Fletcher Henderson and Big Band Jazz"William Everett's lucid and thorough exploration of the life and music of Rudolf Friml places this important Czech American composer squarely at the forefront of twentieth-century music theater, where he properly belongs. What a delight that this long-overdue volume is also so entertaining and informative. The scholarship is, in a word, sensational. Kudos to Everett for his timely, important, and indispensable addition to our American musical history."--Sara Davis Buechner, concert pianist and recording artist,
Piano Music of Rudolf FrimlTable of ContentsPREFACE ix
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS xi
1. From Prague to America
1 2. The Emergence of a Broadway Composer
14 3. Envisioning the West:
Rose Marie 35 4. A Francophile Musical:
The Vagabond King 56 5. The Challenge of Success
73 6. Away from Broadway
84 7. Reputation and Legacy
102 NOTES 107
SELECTED WORKS 117
FOR FURTHER READING 121
SUGGESTED LISTENING 123
INDEX 125
