Vocal techniques
What vocal technique is used in the first bar of the piece?
Spoken
Which character sings “Defying Gravity” as a duet with Elphaba?
Glinda.
What type of structure does “Defying Gravity” follow?
Verse-chorus form with bridge sections.
What is the key of “Defying Gravity”?
D major (with modulations).
What instrument begins the opening section?
Synthesizer.
What vocal technique is used to add emphasis to the lyrics in the piece?
Syllabic singing.
From which musical is “Defying Gravity”?
Wicked.
How does the song transition from spoken dialogue to singing?
Through recitative-like sections.
What type of harmony is used to emphasize tension?
Dissonance.
What type of percussion is used to add impact?
Timpani.
What is the vocal range of Elphaba?
Mezzo Soprano
In what year was Wicked first performed on Broadway?
2003.
What happens to the tempo during the climax?
It accelerates to build excitement.
Which rhythm is commonly used in the piece to add drama?
Syncopation.
Which section of the orchestra plays the soaring melody during the climax?
Strings.
What is the vocal range of Glinda?
Sopra
What is the main theme of “Defying Gravity”?
Empowerment and breaking free from limitations.
What musical term describes the overlapping singing of Elphaba and Glinda?
Counterpoint.
What dynamic marking is used in the final chorus?
Fortissimo (ff).
What is the role of the brass section in the piece?
To provide fanfare-like moments of grandeur.
What vocal technique is used to sustain longer notes during the climax?
Vibrato.
Who composed “Defying Gravity”?
Stephen Schwartz.
How does the song end musically?
With a powerful, sustained final note.
What is the time signature of “Defying Gravity”?
3/2, shifting to 4/4 in parts.
What special effect is used on the guitar to prolong the notes.
E-bow