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.
Listening Pleasure:
Rodgers & Hammerstein - A partnership that redefined musical theatre forever.