Defying Gravity From The Broadway Musical Wicked Flashcards
Points you can use for comparison question
Tempo Changes-Tempo changes can really enhance the different sections of a composition. This includes rallentando (rall), ritardando (rit), accelerando, pauses and rubato
Stabbed Chords-Stab chords are found in jazz and are a great way to punctuate a composition. Use them sparingly, or many in a progression
Syncopated rhythms-Syncopated rhythms can really help build momentum or anticipation
Modulation-A modulation can change the mood of a piece, even if only for a small period, such as two bars
Melody development-If a melody is used for a second time, even one or two different note changes can be highly effective in creating a successful composition
Instrumental timbres-A decision needs to be made to which range the voice sits at, eg high, medium or low pitched. In instrumental writing understand and really utilise the versatility of musical instruments and technology
Timbres/dynamics
a powerful chest range in Elphaba’s part to create an impact at bar 157
some special instrumental techniques, such as guitar overdrive and tremolo
accents and staccato articulations reflecting courage and defiance
a slow-progressing dynamic crescendo which represents the confidence that Elphaba gains while singing Defying Gravity
Lyrics:
Something has changed within me-mp (verse 1)
I’m through accepting limits-forte (verse 2)
Tell them how I’m defying gravity-ff (final chorus)
Significance of timbres/dynamics
Songs in musical theatre have to emphasise the drama and emotion of the story conveyed on stage, therefore it is crucial to implement dynamics and timbre correctly.
Significance of tempos
There are many tempo changes to aid the storyline and lyrics
Tempos
Sometimes the vocalist will lead the pit band, a performance technique called colla voce, but generally the conductor will lead the band and performers on stage. The tempi in Defying Gravity are:
andante - verse 1
allegro - chorus 1 onwards
moderato - introduction reprise
maestoso - coda
Metres/rhythms
it is generally in 4/4 except in the three spoken bars, which have three crotchet beats in the bar
both syncopated melody and accompaniment
layering of strong and consistent driving rhythmic patterns that create cross-rhythms
Pauses are added in bar 29 to wait for the speaking interludes
Texture
There is an array of different types of textures throughout, but the key points to take from this musical theatre song are:
the mainly melody lead homophony
monophonic spoken-word sections heard in the introduction
Significance of texture
Movement of dialogue section (monophonic) to melody dominated homophony shows a sense of progression and elevates the music, symbolising when Elphaba literally ‘defies gravity’
Structure
The song is written with extended sections that include links and spoken passages. This is due to the nature of it being a dramatic song. The structure is:
introduction verse 1 chorus verse 2 chorus bridge chorus introduction reprise verse 3 chorus coda
Structure significance
Repetitive structure allows for more build up between the sections
Tonality
the ambiguous tonal centre at the start
the verses and choruses are in the key of D major
modulations in the bridge to G major and introduction reprise to F major
bitonality sections from bar 88
Tonality point
Like in many musical theatre pieces, Defying Gravity has an ample of key signature changes
Melody
leitmotifs in both the melody and the accompaniment and are heard continuously in Wicked
leaps in the melody make the music sound angular, especially leaps of a fourth or a fifth that litter the score
The melody opens with a repeat of Elphaba’s leitmotif from bars 20 to 21. Only five different pitches are used at bar 32, again at 42 and again at 46
Melody significance
Bars 93-102 (unlimited sequence) is a leitmotif for when Elphaba has a motivation for something (e.g. she wants to meet the wizard, she wants to ‘defy gravity’) with octave leap similar to somewhere over the rainbow symbolising this.
Instrumentation
Use of big pit band Orchestral instruments: flute oboe bass clarinet bassoon baritone saxophone two horns two trumpets two trombones percussion harp two violins viola cello double bass Band instruments: drum kit two guitars three synthesisers.
