Melodrama in History and Pine Bluffs

Pygmalion: a Lyric Scene, generally considered to be the first full melodrama, was written in 1762 by Jean Jacques Rousseau, philosopher, writer and composer, and first performed in 1770.

Melodramas from the above through Victorian times and even into silent films were typically works of a sensational nature designed to appeal to the emotions. The melodramas of these eras featured music alternating with the spoken word or with the music playing in the background to underscore or highlight the action and dialogue on stage. At times, the music of the piece would accompany a pantomime on the s...