Defying Gravity

Question 1

Who wrote it and when

Answer 1

Stephen Schwartz in 2003for the play wicked

Question 2

Why is it on the spec

Answer 2

From a musical

Question 3

Dynamics

Answer 3

Lots of crescendos and diminuendos. Sfz on stabbed chords

Question 4

Rhythm

Answer 4

Syncopation. Lots of tempo changes throughout. Opening of 3/2 changes to 2/2 then 4/4 then back to 2/2. Lots of dotted rhythms and triplets. Lots of pauses for dramatic effect. fast quaver rhythms.

Question 5

Structure

Answer 5

Distinct verse chorus form

Question 6

Melody

Answer 6

Syllabic throughout with few moments of melisma. Vocalisation.
Often large angular leaps. Octave leaps.

Question 7

Instrumentation

Answer 7

Full orchestra. A duet between a soprano and mezzo soprano voice. E bow on guitar. Distortion and overdrive

Question 8

texture

Answer 8

Thin at the start but thickens later on in the piece. Use of unison in some parts. verses of MDH

Question 9

Tonality

Answer 9

Ambiguous in the opening but then goes to D major. Lots of changes from B major to F major to D major to G major.

Question 10

Harmony

Answer 10

Root position chords. dissonance. Pedal at the end. Stabbed Chords. Sus chords