Defying Gravity GCSE Music

Leitmotifs play a major role within Defying Gravity 

Main motif is the unlimited theme which derives from the first 7 notes from 'somewhere over the rainbow' 

D E F# G - Within the four notes, an interval of a 4th can be seen 

Perfect ascending 5ths and perfect ascending 4ths derive the main melodic material 

The provide a strong and assertive melody 

Perfect 5th are used at the beginning of the chorus 

The bass line rises at an interval if a 4th 

The structure of Defying Gravity is quite extended 

Has a Verse and Chorus structure 

Full range of articulation is used within the piece 

Short mercato stabbed chords in intro 

Legato used 

The three note ostinato is played staccato 

Again, full range is used 

Pianissimo, fortissimo, sforzando 

Depicts and reflects the mood and tension between the characters 

Major and Minor harmonies are used throughout the piece 

augumented chords are used 

half- diminished chords 

tonal ambiguity 

mainly D Major 

Root Position Pedal and Inverted Pedal at the end 

The text setting is syllabic 

vocalistaion 

conjuct melody - chromatic or almost step like which creates and adds tension and uncertainity 

Sparse texture due to monophonic accompaniement 

melody dominated homophony 

homophonic chordal movements 

ostinato accompaniment 

ending section has a bit of contrapuntal 

Elements of homphonic and polyphonic texture throughout the piece 

homophonic chords create fabfare like manner 

tremolo effect to create tension 

the hi hat if the cymbal speeds up the momentum - crotchet rhythm 

triplets play a cross rhythm 

cymbal roll increases the excitement 

synthesiser and the glockenspiel create a high magical sounding effect