Defying Gravity

Question 1

Instrumentation

Answer 1

• large orchestra (tutti) –> dramatic
• rock guitar uses overdrive and e-bow –> dramatic
• synthesiser, glockenspiel & tubular bells –> ethereal feeling
• strings use tremolo –> tension
• closed hi-hat w( crotchets –> rhythmic momentum
• cymbal roll –> excitement

Question 2

Dynamics (5)

Answer 2

All used for dramatic effect
- sforzando
- dimuendo
- crescendo
- piano
- forte

Question 3

Rhythm & Metre (8)

Answer 3

• syncopation –> uneasy emotions
• crotchet
• quavers
• dotted rhythms –> rhythmic interest, syncopation
• triplets –> driving force
• rests –> break phrases up
• tramline –> dramatic
• rhythmical augmentation –> change in mood

Question 4

Metre (1)

Answer 4

• metric shifts from 3/2, 2/2, 4/4, 2/2 –> argumentative

Question 5

Tempo (6)

Answer 5

• rallentando –> reflect moon change
• free tempo –> emotion
• andante
• allegro
• moderato
• maestoso

Question 6

Structure (1)

Answer 6

• developed verse-chorus form

Question 7

Melody (12)

Answer 7

• syllabic –> speech-like, musical
• spoken notes –> musical, natural
• conjunct –> initial lack of confidence in Elphaba
• leitmotifs –> musical
• leaps –> ambition
• high tessitura –> confidence
• word-painting –> reflect action in musical
• arpeggio –> word-paint
• cross-rhythm ostinatos –> possible conflict in emotions
• vocalisation –> raw emotion
• belting –> max confidence
• legato –> lyrical, natural

Question 8

Tonality (12)

Answer 8

1. Ambiguous
2. D maj
3. B maj
4. F maj
5. D maj
6. Bitonal –> C and G maj
7. Bb maj
8. Ambiguous
9. Ab maj
10. C maj
11. D maj
12. B min

Question 9

Harmony (9)

Answer 9

• chromaticism –> clash in emotions
• suspension –> initial clash then resolution
• dissonance –> clash
• stacatto chords –> dramatic
• marcato chords –> dramatic
• sustained chords –> rhythmically augment
• perfect cadence –> reached resolution
• extended chords –> harmonic interest
• tonic pedal –> reinforce key, dramatic

Question 10

Texture (5)

Answer 10

• MDH –> focus on Elphaba’s character development
• Chordal homophony –> dramatic
• Sparse texture –> defining argument
• Thicker texture (tutti) –> growing confidence
• 3 part polyphony –> show separating characters in musical