Richard Rodgers was one of the major composers of American Musical Theater - creating songs that remain popular and shows that are among the most beloved and performed. For most of his long theater career, he worked with two totally different lyricists. First was Lorenz Hart, with whom Rodgers wrote many songs that are now standards for a variety of shows in the 1920s and 1930s. Hart's style was to write lyrics for songs Rodgers composed.
In 1943, Rodgers began collaborating with Oscar Hammerstein with the landmark show Oklahoma. Between 1943 and 1960, Rodgers and Hammerstein defined the Broadway Musical. Hammerstein's style was to write lyrics for which Rodgers then composed music. Rodgers and Hart mostly wrote great songs for wonderful shows. Rodgers and Hammerstein wrote great shows with wonderful songs. Rodgers and Hart were part of America's Jazz Age. Rodgers and Hammerstein were part of the post-war boomer generation. With both lyricists, Richard Rodgers composed music that helped define the Great American Songbook.
Dr. Robert Butts has conducted The Baroque Orchestra of New Jersey since its founding in 1996. He teaches on the faculties of Montclair State University and The College of Saint Elizabeth and lectures at many community education programs. Dr. Butts has composed numerous pieces for a variety of venues.