Defying Gravity Flashcards
(83 cards)
What is ‘Defying Gravity’ in the context of Wicked?
‘Defying Gravity’ is a duet for the characters Elphaba and Glinda with some spoken dialogue in addition to the singing.
What vocal range do the singers of ‘Defying Gravity’ require?
The singers require a large range of just under two octaves, from G below middle C to F.
What instruments are included in the woodwind section of Wicked’s orchestra?
The woodwind section includes:
* Piccolo
* Bass clarinet
* Cor anglais
What types of percussion instruments are used in Wicked?
The percussion instruments include:
* Drum kit
* Tubular bells
* Timpani
How are electric guitars used in ‘Defying Gravity’?
Electric guitars are required with over-drive, a distortion effect, to create a modern sound.
What is the orchestral score in the anthology described as?
The score is described as a short score or orchestral reduction with labelled main instruments and solos.
How does the brass section contribute to the music in ‘Defying Gravity’?
The brass section plays homophonic chordal music in an almost fanfare-like manner.
What effect do the strings use in bar 34?
The strings use a tremolo effect to add tension.
What rhythmic role does the closed hi-hat of the drum kit play in bar 51?
The closed hi-hat plays constant crotchet rhythms to add rhythmic momentum.
What musical event occurs in bar 122?
There is a cymbal roll to add excitement as the piece moves into a key change.
What happens at bar 135 in ‘Defying Gravity’?
The full band plays at the climax of the song.
What instruments are used to create a magical-sounding effect in the chorus?
Synthesisers and glockenspiel are used for a high magical-sounding repeated quaver accompaniment.
What unique sound do tubular bells provide in bar 147?
Tubular bells give an ethereal sonority.
What is the text setting throughout the melody?
Syllabic
The rhythm moves in a speech-like manner.
What vocalisation occurs at the end of bar 175?
‘aah’
This indicates a specific vocal element in the performance.
How does the melody start?
In a conjunct/stepwise manner
What do bars 6 and 7 demonstrate in the melody?
An ascending sequence
How do the verse and chorus combine in the melodic line?
Conjunct and wide angular leaps
What type of leap is often featured in the melody?
Rising perfect fifth
Example: bar 34
What is an example of exceptionally large leaps in the melody?
Compound perfect fourth and compound perfect fifth
Examples: bars 39-40 and bars 140-141 respectively.
What is the distinct form of the piece?
Verse-chorus form
The piece is structured with verses and choruses.
Where do the verses occur in the piece?
Bar 34, bar 63, bar 135
These bars mark the locations of the verses.
Where do the choruses occur in the piece?
Bar 50, bar 79, bar 103, bar 151
These bars mark the locations of the choruses.
What defines the multiple sections within the structure?
Tempo, contrasting moods, and melodic material
These elements differentiate the sections in the piece.