Walter Frisch, H. Harold Gumm/Harry and Albert von Tilzer Professor of Music, will lead a multimedia discussion of his new book, "Over the Rainbow." In Arlen and Harburg's "Over the Rainbow," Frisch traces the history of this song from its inception during the development of "The Wizard of Oz"'s screenplay to its various reinterpretations over the course of the twentieth century. Through analysis of the song's music and lyrics, this Oxford Keynotes volume provides a close reading of the piece while examining the evolution of its meaning as it traversed widely varying cultural contexts. From its adoption as a jazz standard by generations of pianists, to its contribution to Judy Garland's role as a gay icon, to its re-emergence as a chart-topping recording by Hawaiian singer Israel Kamakawiwo'ole, "Over the Rainbow" continues to engage audiences and performers alike in surprising ways. Featuring a companion website with audio and video supplements, this book leaves no path unexplored as it succeeds in capturing the extent of this song's impact on the world.
Complimentary buffet lunch
