The musical elements to consider
Melody
The essential features in the melody include:
- leitmotifA recurring musical theme representing a person, place, mood or emotion. in both the melody and accompanimentA type of texture where there is only one clear melody and an accompaniment that plays different notes and rhythms but is supporting the melody. and are heard continuously in Wicked
- leapMelodies that move by an interval of more than a second. in the melody make the music sound angular, especially leaps of a fourth or a fifth that litter the score
Tonality
Like in many musical theatre pieces, Defying Gravity has an ample of key signature changes. The significant moments to be aware of are:
- the ambiguous tonal centre at the start
- the verses and choruses are in the key of D major
- modulations in the bridge to G major and introduction reprise to F major
- bitonality sections from bar 88
Structure
The song is written with extended sections that include links and spoken passages. This is due to the nature of it being a dramatic song. The structure is:
- introduction
- verse 1
- chorus
- verse 2
- chorus
- bridge
- chorus
- introduction reprise
- verse 3
- chorus
- coda
Texture
There is an array of different types of textures throughout, but the key points to take from this musical theatre song are:
- the mainly melody lead homophony
- monophonicA texture consisting of a solo musical line. spoken-word sections heard in the introduction
Metre and rhythm
Features to take note from the song are:
- it is generally in 4/4 except in the three spoken bars, which have three crotchet beats in the bar
- both syncopated melody and accompaniment
- layering of strong and consistent driving rhythmic patterns that create cross-rhythm An effect created when two or more conflicting rhythms are heard at the same time. Eg one may be in simple time and another in triple time.
Timbre and dynamics
Songs in musical theatre have to emphasise the drama and emotion of the story conveyed on stage, therefore it is crucial to implement dynamicsThe volume of the music. and timbreThe tonal quality or sound of an instrument that distinguishes it from others. correctly. As Schwartz is well-experienced writing for stage, he has included:
- a powerful chest voiceThe lower range of a singer's voice. in Elphaba's part to create an impact at bar 157
- some special instrumental techniques, such as guitar overdriveA type of sound effect that distorts the original sound signal. and tremoloRapid repetition of the same note.
- accentNote played with a stronger attack. and staccato Notes played detached. articulations reflecting courage and defiance
- a slow-progressing dynamic crescendoA gradual increase in volume. which represents the confidence that Elphaba gains while singing Defying Gravity
| Verse 1 | Verse 2 | Final chorus | |
| Lyrics | Something has changed within me | I’m through accepting limits | Tell them how I am defying gravity |
| Dynamic | mp | f | ff |
| Lyrics | |
| Verse 1 | Something has changed within me |
| Verse 2 | I’m through accepting limits |
| Final chorus | Tell them how I am defying gravity |
| Dynamic | |
| Verse 1 | mp |
| Verse 2 | f |
| Final chorus | ff |
Tempo
There are many tempo changes to aid the storyline and lyrics. Sometimes the vocalist will lead the pit bandThe collection of instrumentalists that sit below the stage to provide the live music in a musical or play. , a performance technique called colla voceFollow the solo voice., but generally the conductor will lead the band and performers on stage. The tempi in Defying Gravity are:
- andanteAt a walking pace. - verse 1
- allegroLively and fast. - chorus 1 onwards
- moderatoAt a moderate pace. - introduction reprise
- maestosoMusic performed in a majestic manner. - coda