Defying Gravity Flashcards
(5 cards)
Harmony & Tonality
At the start, the tonality is ambiguous
The chromatic movement and use of stab chords underline the fight
They sing in unison to demonstrate that they are in agreement and harmonise in 3rds, 4ths, 5ths - 101
The piece is in D major, modulates to B major - 20, F major - 22
The unlimited section is in G major and returns to D major for the chorus
At the end there is use of polytonal chords which move in parallel, in contrary motion to create an interesting ending
Texture
Overall texture is MDH
In the opening it is monophonic reflecting Elphaba’s inner struggle and determination before the orchestration builds up
The texture shifts to homophonic, when Glinda and the orchestra join in providing a fuller sound, building momentum
In the chorus, polyphonic texture appear, with different melodic lines adding complexity
Texture becomes thicker, with the full orchestra, which heightens the climatic nature to symbolise her newfound defiance
3 part texture at the end
Instrumentation
The two vocal parts use a range just under 2 octaves and they use speech level singing
At the start, the strings use tremolando, creates a sense of anticipation
Tubular bells, synths, and glockenspiel used to produce ethereal sounds - 4
Brass plays homoh[noic chordal music
Drum kit adds rhythmic momentum using a hi-hat to add excitement - chorus 1
Rhythm metre & tempo
Intro starts in 3/2 time to create a spacious/ reflective
Tempo changes to allegro, demonstrates Elphaba’s commitment to revel - verse and chorus 2, 49
Tempo changes to moderato, shifts music to a more reflective mood - 88
Tempo changes to maestoso, translates to majestic and creates an elegant, slow feel - 168
Dotted rhythms, triplets and syncopation
Several uses of rallentandos, tempo slows down at the end of sections
Melody
In the opening, spoken lyrics, syncopated melody and use of sharp, accented chords, which creates a sense of tension
Use of cross rhythms, scalic patterns, and ostinato
Link 2 - leitmotif is based around ‘somewhere over the rainbow’
The melody features rising perfect fifths and wide leaps to create emotional intensity
Melody shifts between legato and staccato to add variety
Melody uses conjunct movement as Elphaba’s sings ‘changes within me’ providing smoothness
High tessitura is incorporated yo heighten tension - 135135
