Defying Gravity - Schwartz (Wicked) Flashcards
Apart from a full orchestra, what instruments are used?
guitar, piano, drumkit
How is the music marked at the beginning?
colla voce (with voice)
What is the key at the beginning?
ambiguous
How are the chords played at the beginning?
stab
What is the basic structure of the song?
song : verse, chorus
Describe the melody in verse 1
legato, conjunct
Describe two features of the accompaniment in verse 1
tremolo strings
dissonant harmonies
List 4 ways the different sections are created
frequent changes of: key, tempo, dynamics, texture
Where does the unlimited theme come from?
uses the first 7 notes of ‘somewhere over the rainbow’
When is the chordal motif used?
start of each verse
Where can the three note ostinato be heard?
backing of the chorus
What is the key of the piece (mainly)?
(D) major
What is the general word-setting of the piece?
syllabic
What is the main texture of the piece?
melody-dominated homophony
What is the texture of the final section?
polyphonic
List 5 ways that the music in the song reflects the changing moods of the two characters
Changes in :
key , dynamics, tempo , texture, motifs
The interval of a rising 5th is often used in the vocal melody - what does this signify?
assertive, strong character
List 3 musical devices used to create a sense of climax
dynamics, tempo changes, texture builds
Describe the tempo in the intro
rubato
What is a leitmotif?
phrase or piece of music that represents a particular character (place, or emotion)
What does Schwartz use leitmotifs to do?
link the songs together
Give one example of word-painting in the piece
‘close my eyes and leap’ : melody leaps
The harmony uses suspended chords - what is this?
chords with a second or fourth instead of third
Give one rhythmic feature that highlights the conflicting emotions
syncopation
