Stephen Schwartz: Defying Gravity, From Wicked

Question 1

What is Elphas theme?

Answer 1

Motif B, B major bass rises through intervals of fourths and fifths

Question 2

What is motif C?

Answer 2

Ascending perfect faith followed by perfect fourth. Usually after B

Question 3

What texture?

Answer 3

Homophonic

Question 4

Instrumentation

Answer 4

Large orchestra, bass, winds, keyboard and drum kit

Question 5

Motif D

Answer 5

Leads into chorus, hook

Question 6

Colla voce

Answer 6

Follow the voice

Question 7

Tempo

Answer 7

Free

Question 8

Unlimited Theme

Answer 8

From somewhere over the rainbow

Question 9

Structure

Answer 9

Dialogue section 1-Verse 1- chorus-link-verse 2-chorus-dialogue section 2–first bridge- chorus 3- link 2- revised introduction-vamp section- bridge 2-chorus 4- coda

Question 10

Articulation

Answer 10

Marcato stabbed chords in intro to long legato phrases. 3 note ostinato played in staccatos

Question 11

Dynamics

Answer 11

Fortissimo to pianissimo. Fp and sforzando

Question 12

What is the intervals?

Answer 12

Mainly fourths and fifths

Question 13

Texture

Answer 13

Starts homophonic marchato chords and monophonic line from the witches. Bridge is polyphonic

Question 14

Harmony

Answer 14

Major and minor Melodie’s. Augmented chords and diminished chords. Begins with an alienating sense of tonality continually shifting harmonies

Question 15

Rhythm and meter

Answer 15

Slow choral accompaniment and driving quaver rhythm. Syncopated rhythm . Starts 2/2 and is mainly in 4/4

Question 16

Intro

Answer 16

Dramatic marcato stabbed chords. Tonality uncertain .Starts D major with a Glinda and Elphba is Db major

Question 17

Verse 1

Answer 17

Opens with motif B in brass and motif C with synthesizer. Strings play accompaniment tremolo. We are in D major and the chords feature bare 5ths and only 5 pitches are used

Question 18

Chorus 1

Answer 18

Starts with an interrupted cadence and motif D. 3 note ostinanto creating metrical shifting and motif B at the end

Question 19

Link 1

Answer 19

Cross rhythms against quavers

Question 20

Verse 2

Answer 20

Variation of verse 1 with same notes and pitches. Starts with a perfect cadence. Left hand from motif B. Circle of 5ths. Melody is hexatonic

Question 21

Chorus 2

Answer 21

Interrupted cadance and 3 note ostinato with descending fifths and fourths on left hand of keyboard

Question 22

Second dialogue

Answer 22

Bitonal composition. Left hand play’s semi quavers in G major and left hand c major

Question 23

First bridge

Answer 23

Unlimited theme

Question 24

Chorus 3

Answer 24

They sing together harmonizing 5ths and 4ths

Question 25

Coda

Answer 25

Interrupted cadence . Octantonic scaleqnd polytonal chords a thicker texture. Final vocalisation