Composer

:

Burton Lane

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Show/Musical

Average_duration

:

3:25

"How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" is a musical number composed by Burton Lane with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg. It was written for the 1947 Broadway musical "Finian's Rainbow." The musical is set in the fictional town of Rainbow Valley, Missitucky, and follows the story of an Irishman named Finian McLonergan who has stolen a pot of gold from a leprechaun and has come to America to bury it in the soil, believing that it will grow and multiply. The song "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" is sung by the character Sharon McLonergan, Finian's daughter, who is in love with a young man named Woody Mahoney. The song is a dreamy, romantic ballad that expresses Sharon's longing for a simpler, more idyllic life in the Irish village of Glocca Morra. She sings about the beauty of the landscape, the kindness of the people, and the happiness that she imagines she would find there. The song is notable for its use of Irish musical motifs, including a lilting melody and a prominent use of the harp. It also features a number of unusual chord progressions and modulations, giving it a distinctive and memorable sound. "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" was an instant hit with audiences and critics alike, and it quickly became one of the most beloved songs from "Finian's Rainbow." The musical premiered on Broadway on January 10, 1947, and ran for 725 performances. It was later adapted into a film in 1968, starring Fred Astaire and Petula Clark. The success of "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" helped to establish Burton Lane as one of the leading composers of his time. Lane was known for his ability to blend traditional musical styles with modern sensibilities, and his work on "Finian's Rainbow" helped to pave the way for the development of the modern musical theater. In conclusion, "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" is a beautiful and memorable musical number that captures the romantic spirit of "Finian's Rainbow." Its use of Irish musical motifs and unusual chord progressions make it a unique and distinctive piece of music, and its popularity has helped to cement Burton Lane's place in the pantheon of great American composers.

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