Defying Gravity

Question 1

Context for Defying Gravity

Answer 1

-Written by Stephen Schwartz in 2003
-Written for the finale of Act 1 of the play Wicked, trying to create a dramatic ending to the Act
-In it, Elphaba sings of wanting to be free and living without limits that other have imposed upon her
-Creates dramatic ending with maestoso, rallentando, full band

Question 2

Key features of Defying Gravity (DR SMITH)

Answer 2

-R: lots of tempo changes, starts colla voce, mostly crotchets and quavers
-S: extended piece of musical theatre with songs, spoken dialogue, acting and dance
-I: large pit orchestra and a wide vocal range, duet between Glinda and Elphaba
-T: melody and accompaniment but later has 3 part counterpoint
-H: starts B major but has frequent modulation (F and D maj), tonally ambiguous