The Soul Purpose of Oomph

What is the essence of a good musical? Domenic Cavendish has the answer in the Telegraph:

"What is essential – antiquated and quasi-religious though it sounds – is something underpinning it all called 'soul'"

OK, drilling down. By 'soul', are we talking about:

(1) the religio-philosophical concept of the immortal and non-corporeal essence of human nature, most notably expounded in the Thomist tradition or

(2) a central component in twentieth century African-American popular music born out of the convergence of gospel and rhythm 'n' blues or

(3) a vaguely indefinable quality attached to the musicals I happen to like?

 Now, now. Let's be fair. He does go on to explain:

"It doesn’t matter how much money, time and effort is thrown at a musical; if it doesn’t offer, at least in significant part, some profound sense of expressing our innermost being, then it’s money, time and effort largely wasted."

I don't know about you but the last time I expressed my innermost being was when I ignored the use-by date on that sushi mix. Sorry, cheap gag. Carrying on:

"These are transcendent moments, and no amount of technical skill can mask a deficiency in that department."  

It's also an interesting way to think about writing a musical: less about telling a story and more about creating moments. Like threading pearls on a string.

"The best musicals trade in the same gold as the best opera, but they tend to obtain it by unwrapping something apparently ordinary – the grandeur is hard-earned, not a given" 

Now this I like: unwrapping the ordinary. There is definitely something more down-to-earth about musicals compared to the abstractions of opera; Fred Astaire dancing with a hat stand or Gene Kelly splashing in puddles with an umbrella come to mind. Alternatively try and imagine an opera where somebody's doing the ironing.

"I’m aware that this 'thesis' can’t translate into hard and fast rules" 

Not to worry. I suspect most arts theses can't. However I think I understand the general ball park into which Mr. Cavendish is aiming. Personally I wouldn't use the word 'soul'; I would opt for 'oomph' instead. Musicals must have 'oomph'. 

The thing about 'oomph' is that it comes from the gut, literally - just try saying the word without moving your abdomen. And musicals must come from the gut. As one writer said about ancient peoples, they thought with their hearts and felt with their guts. So too for musical peoples.

For soul, think oomph.