Schwartz Flashcards
Leifmotifs
Defying Gravity and For Good - Wicked: ‘Unlimited’ motif is a reimagined version of Somewhere over the Rainbow
Interesting Harmonies
No One Mourns the Wicked - Wicked: Dark tritone chords to open creates a menacing atmosphere
Defying gravity - Wicked: Use of sus. chords without resolution creates tension
Glory - Pippin: Change in harmonies to conclude creates a hymn-like more regal sound
Rhythmic Songs
Defying Gravity - Wicked: Changes in tempo drive the piece forward
Defying gravity - Wicked: Syncopated deFY-ing gravity, emphasis on upbeat into next bar in anticipation
Magic to do - Pippin: Syncopated opening piano riff introduces playful jazzy style
Lyrics and music
No Good Deed - Wicked: Belting and emotional song. High note on ‘Fiyero’ is a compound minor second interval which causes a clash to sound like screaming
No Good Deed - chant-like lyrics with very little change in pitch
Defying Gravity - Wicked: Jumps up an octave on ‘raise the stakes’ mirroring lyrics
Chorus Songs
No one Mourns the Wicked - Wicked: Full chords with complex chords and dissonance, with a range of voice types
Day by day - Godspell: Starts with a solo with increasing texture throughout, and call and response between parts.
Magic to do - Pippin: Mostly a solo but chorus add backing vocals to add atmosphere
Duets
As long as you’re mine - Wicked: Reuses motif from no one mourns the wicked. Sing separately, then together in unison before adding a small amount of harmony. Sweeter style than other songs from the musical
All for the best - Godspell: lighthearted and conversational style. Overlapping parts with different melodies and rhythms. Increasing tempo gets more chaotic.
Showstoppers
Morning glow - Pippin: Closes act 1. Slower, minimal intro before leading into main piece. Male voice belting with use of full vocal range and dynamics adds drama and emotion, and chorus add full harmonies as backing vocals
