Rhythm and Tonality in Music Analysis

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Questions and Answers

What rhythmic techniques are primarily used throughout the contrasting section in G major?

Dotted rhythms and triplets (correct)

Syncopation and swung rhythms

Long notes and rests

Crotchets and quavers

What is the primary texture of the musical piece as described?

Polyphonic with counterpoint

Heterophonic with variations of melody

Monophonic without harmony

Homophonic with melody and accompaniment (correct)

During which section does the piece return to D major for the final verse?

Bars 162-177

Bars 88-102

Bars 111-128

Bars 103-110 (correct)

What is the nature of the orchestration during the climax of the song?

Full orchestra with loud dynamics Signup and view all the answers

In the andante section, how do phrases typically begin?

With a rest Signup and view all the answers

What is the initial time signature used in the intro of the piece?

3/2 Signup and view all the answers

In which section does the tonality modulate to B major?

Bar 20 Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall tempo of the section from bars 49-87?

Allegro Signup and view all the answers

Where does frequent syncopation occur throughout the piece?

Throughout the entire piece Signup and view all the answers

At what point does the piece primarily return to D major after modulating to other keys?

Bar 48 Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a rallentando (rall)?

A slow gradual change in tempo Signup and view all the answers

Which section of the piece is indicated as 'Andante'?

Bars 20-33 Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the tempo changes throughout the song?

They are crucial to the structure of the piece Signup and view all the answers

What type of musical elements does music theatre combine?

Songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance Signup and view all the answers

Which instrument is NOT mentioned as part of the large orchestra?

Electric bass Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote the song 'Defying Gravity'?

Stephen Schwartz Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic feature of the vocal parts in 'Defying Gravity'?

They cover a range of just under 2 octaves Signup and view all the answers

What type of vocal interaction primarily occurs between Elphaba and Glinda?

They sing separately most of the time. Signup and view all the answers

What describes the large leaps in the melody of the song?

Angular Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of the melody is consistent throughout the song ‘Defying Gravity’?

The word setting is primarily syllabic. Signup and view all the answers

What type of musical texture is played by the brass section?

Homophonic chordal music Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of a magical sound in the song?

Synthesizers and glockenspiels Signup and view all the answers

What musical texture is present during the outro of ‘Defying Gravity’?

Polyphonic with multiple ideas sung at the same time. Signup and view all the answers

What is notable about the intro chords of 'Defying Gravity'?

They are unrelated to each other Signup and view all the answers

Which vocal technique is mainly used in 'Defying Gravity' for expressing lines?

Half sung and half spoken lines. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of accompaniment is introduced at bar 88 of the song?

Ostinato accompaniment. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the melody of 'Defying Gravity' is true?

It includes both stepwise movement and big leaps. Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of the singers' vocal range in 'Defying Gravity'?

Their parts feature a wide vocal range. Signup and view all the answers

What type of musical feature is described as occurring frequently and includes a rising perfect fifth?

A leap in melody. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rhythm, Metre, and Tempo

The song has many tempo changes, important to its structure.
The song slows down at the end.
Frequent use of syncopation.
The intro is in 3/2 time, then changes to 2/2, then 4/4.
Tempo slows down (rallentandos) in specific sections, especially at the end.
Dotted rhythms and triplets are employed.
Rhythms mostly crotchets and quavers, but some longer notes.
Rests break up phrases and often start phrases.

Tonality

Primarily in D major.
Initially ambiguous tonality, with unrelated chord sequences and chromatic movement.
Briefly modulates to B major (bar 20), F major (bar 22), before returning to D major.
"Unlimited" section in G major, then returns to D major.
Chromatic melody returns in an andante section ("well, are you coming?").
Final section in B minor before ending on a D major chord.

Structure and Tempo

Verse-chorus form, but divided into multiple sections based on tempo and mood.
Bars 1-19: Free tempo (almost like a recitative).
Bars 20-33: Andante ("you can still be with the wizard").
Bars 34-48: Andante - verse 1 ("something has changed").
Multiple sections: Allegro - Chorus, verse 2, chorus 2, Moderato, Allegro, Andante, Allegro.
Climax in bars 129-161 (allegro), followed by andante to maestoso outro.

Melody

Syllabic word setting.
Wide range melody (high and low).
Mostly stepwise (conjunct) movement, with some leaps.
Verse and chorus combine stepwise and larger leaps (disjunct).
Clear, understandable word setting due to syllabic style and natural rhythms.
A vocalization ("Aah") at the end of the song.
Some significant leaps, including perfect fifths.

Harmony

Introduction uses unrelated chords.
Most chords are in simple root position.
Dissonance is used sometimes.
Pedal note at the end (bar 168).

Texture

Primarily homophonic (melody and accompaniment).
Sparse texture in the intro (chord stabs in orchestra).
Monophonic sections.
Elphaba and Glinda sometimes sing together (unison or in harmony).
Outro is polyphonic (multiple independent musical ideas).
Ostinato accompaniment (bar 88).
Homophonic chordal textures in orchestra (bar 132).

Instruments/Sonority

Duet for Elphaba & Glinda, initially high and low vocal range.
Combination of spoken/sung lines.
Large orchestra, 3 keyboards, drums, electric guitars.
Big range of instruments; woodwinds, strings (including harp), brass, percussion (drums, tubular bells, timpani).
Synthesizers and glockenspiels for "magical" sounds.
Significant rhythmic momentum from drum kit (hi-hat, cymbal roll).
Strings sometimes use tremolo for tension.

Background Information

Song from the musical "Wicked."
Characters & ideas from "The Wizard of Oz".
Written & first performed in 2003.
Musical theatre genre, featuring songs, dialogue, acting, and dance.
Composed by Stephen Schwartz.
Finale song in Act 1, about Elphaba's rejection of the "Wizard".

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Description

Explore the intricate details of rhythm, metre, and tonality through analyzing the song's structural elements. This quiz covers tempo changes, time signature variations, and shifts in musical key, providing an in-depth understanding of its composition. Ideal for music students and enthusiasts interested in music theory and analysis.