We have a collection of 3 arrangements for Hamilton: A Medley
What groundbreaking musical features a hip-hop retelling of American history? Learn!
"Alexander Hamilton" is the opening number of the musical "Hamilton," written and composed by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The musical tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, through a diverse range of musical styles, including hip-hop, R&B, and traditional musical theater.
Here are some interesting facts about the song "Alexander Hamilton":
Fast-paced Rap: The song is known for its rapid-fire, fast-paced rap verses, which summarize the early life of Alexander Hamilton in a matter of minutes. Lin-Manuel Miranda, who also played the role of Hamilton, showcased his impressive rapping skills in this number.
Miranda's Inspiration: Lin-Manuel Miranda was inspired to write "Alexander Hamilton" after reading Ron Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton. Miranda saw parallels between Hamilton's story and the struggles of contemporary immigrants, and he wanted to tell the story in a way that would resonate with a modern audience.
Miranda's Early Performance: Lin-Manuel Miranda first performed a version of "Alexander Hamilton" at the White House in 2009 during a poetry jam. The performance was well-received, and it eventually evolved into the opening number of the full musical.
Historical Accuracy: While the musical takes creative liberties for the sake of storytelling and entertainment, "Alexander Hamilton" introduces key aspects of Hamilton's life accurately. It touches on his difficult childhood in the Caribbean, his arrival in New York, and his early interactions with other historical figures.
Motif of Writing: The song introduces the motif of Alexander Hamilton's writing and his ability to articulate his thoughts through words. This theme is prevalent throughout the musical, emphasizing Hamilton's prolific writing and contributions to the shaping of the United States.
Recurring Themes: "Alexander Hamilton" sets the stage for several recurring themes in the musical, such as the immigrant experience, the tension between Hamilton and Aaron Burr, and the idea of leaving a legacy.
Diversity in Casting: "Hamilton" is known for its diverse cast, with actors of various ethnicities portraying historical figures. This intentional casting choice adds a modern and inclusive dimension to the storytelling.
"Alexander Hamilton" serves as a dynamic and captivating introduction to the world of "Hamilton," setting the tone for the rest of the musical.