Defying Gravity Flashcards
Who wrote the song?
Stephen Schwartz
American composer
Born in 1948
What does the pit band consist of?
- flute
- oboe
- bass clarinet
- bassoon
- baritone saxophone
- two horns
- two trumpets
- two trombones
- percussion
- harp
- two violins
- viola
- cello
- double bass
- drum kit
- two guitars
- threee synthesisers
What is the metre of the piece?
Opening bars are collapsing vice (follow the voice)
Second half is andante
What is the texture?
Melody dominated homophony
Monophonic at the opening
What is the tonality?
Ambiguos key
Bi tonal in 2nd dialogue section (g and c major)
What is the melody like?
Two leitmotifs - Elphaba’s theme
What is the instrumentation?
Strings play with tremolo to convey mood of anticipation
What is the harmony like?
Bare fifths (only base and top note played) used
What is the tempo from the chorus to the coda?
Allegro
What is the rhythm from the chorus to the coda?
Accompaniment contains a high pitched 3 note ostinatil
Vocal melody is often syncopated
What is the structure of the piece?
Intro
Verse 1
Chorus
Verse 2
Chorus
Bridge
Chorus
Introduction repertoire
Verse 3
Chorus
Coda
