schwartz - defying gravity

Question 1

where in the musical does defying gravity take place?

Answer 1

finale song for act 1

Question 2

what style is this song?

Answer 2

musical theatre

Question 3

what’s the relation between the vocal singers?

Answer 3

duet between elphaba & glinda
therefore there is spoken dialogue

Question 4

what instrument are there?

Answer 4

vocal -
glinda - soprano
elphaba - mezzo

woodwind - bass clarinet
piccolo
saxophone

brass - trumpets
trombones
hornes (fanfare-like)
homophonic chords

strings - tremolo
harp

synth keyboards

percussion - tubular bells
drum kit (closed hi-hat to provide momentum)
timpani
chimes
shaker
cymbal
glockenspiel

electric guitar - overdrive

Question 5

how can you describe the melody?

Answer 5

syllabic with conjunct sequences

Question 6

what’s the structure?

Answer 6

verse-chorus

Question 7

what are the tempo markings in the piece?

Answer 7

legato
andante (moderately slow)
allegro (fast, bright)
moderato
free tempo - follow voice

Question 8

what’s the texture?

Answer 8

melody-dominated homophony
ends contrapuntal (counterpoint)

Question 9

what’s some features of the harmony?

Answer 9

root position chords
dissonance
pedals

Question 10

what’s the leitmotif of the piece?

Answer 10

‘unlimited’

Question 11

what’s key?

Answer 11

d major
(modulates to b major, f major, g major)

Question 12

some features of the rhythm:

Answer 12

syncopation
offbeat entries to phrases
dotted rhythms
triplets

Question 13

whats the metre?

Answer 13

3/2
3/3
4/4
3/4
2/2

Question 14

what is the word setting?

Answer 14

syllabic

Question 15

what is the interval of most of the leaps in ‘Defying Gravity’?

Answer 15

perfect 5ths with occassional compound 4th and 5ths