Leitmotifs in Hamilton: the Broadway musical

Abstract

Throughout Hamilton, the same melodies and accompaniments are constantly recycled, and the way this is done gives the music a unique power in the show. Many of these repetitive musical statements, seventeen of which were examined in this paper, are leitmotifs: musical statements with apparent ties to a character, setting, or idea. As tunes reappear, they begin to develop an association for the viewer. Further analysis of the apparent repetitions of a given leitmotif, enables listeners to discover additional, more subtle and nuanced instances of leitmotifs. These repetitions give music the power to subtly communicate what a given character might be feeling, and connect character, concepts, and scenes in really meaningful ways . ¶

Take for example, the “Satisfied Accompaniment”. Alone, the accompaniment is nice enough, but, once it becomes associated with Angelica and the concept of satisfaction, the accompaniment is granted symbolic significance. The symbolic significance now allows the listener to better understand Angelica’s feelings when she marries, corresponds with Hamilton, or has to confront a disgraced Hamilton. This is just one of dozens of examples of Lin Manuel Miranda’s brilliant use of music in Hamilton to add depth and dimension to the show. (from Conclusion)