STEPHEN SCHWARTZ – ‘Defying Gravity’ - Wicked

STRUCTURE:

Introduction

Dialogue

Verse 1

Chorus 1

Link 1

Verse 2

Chorus 2

Dialogue

Bridge

Chorus 3

Link 2

Intro (revised)

Vamp

Bridge 2

Chorus 4

Link 3

Coda

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•

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•

•

INSTRUMENTAL TECHNIQUES:

Tremolando in strings

Timpani Pedal Gliss

Pizzzicato strings

Guitar Distortion, E-Bow,

Flange, Wah-Wah

Brass muted

Rhythm:

• 3 note ostinato in accompaniment (metrical displacement)

• Triplets used to create cross-rhythms CADENCES:

PERFECT cadence at end of introduction

Choruses start with an INTERRUPTED cadence

PERFECT Cadence used to represent Elphaba’s increased confidence in VERSE

Dramatic finale section starts with a PLAGAL Cadence

TONALITY:

Tonally ambiguous in the opening with each character given a different note centre (D / Db)

Key Change at Bar 20 from F major to D Major

Hexatonic Melody in Bars 71 – 79 Tonality shifts up perfect 4th from D major

to G major in Bar 80 Bitonal from Bar 88 (C & G Major) Final shift from C Major to D major for

final Chorus

HARMONY:

Harmony uses ‘Circle of 5ths’

Vocal harmony added for

warmth

Polytonal chords in final coda

Final sfz chord, unison D

signals blackout end of Act 1

‘I hope

you’re

happy’

PERFECT INTERVALS –

representing freedom

Uses material from ‘The Wizard & I’

Colla

Voce