Music
"Amidst its compelling themes of prejudice and propaganda,
Head of Music, Great Ballard School
'Wicked' provides an enriching live experience for all music learners,
and is a must-see for anyone studying 'Defying Gravity' at GCSE."
The song 'Defying Gravity' is currently a set work for the Pearson Edexcel GCSE
Music Grade 9-1 Qualification (Area of Study: 'Music for Stage and Screen').
'Defying Gravity', 'The Wizard & I' and 'No Good Deed' are all included in the repertoire
of the ABRSM's performance-focused diploma Singing for Musical Theatre ARSM
(Associate of the Royal Schools of Music), for learners beyond Grade 8 level.
'Popular' (Grade 8) is included in the ABRSM Singing syllabus and 'I'm Not That Girl'
(Grade 5) and 'Dancing Through Life' (Grade 8) also appear on the ABRSM Singing for
Musical Theatre (both Practical and Performance) syllabuses.
"In a story about how the 'Wicked Witch of the West' earned her name, the
BBC Music Magazine
standout moment is sure to be exactly that - the moment she realises she simply has
to go her own way, embracing her wickedness. 'Defying Gravity' from Stephen Schwartz's
colourful fantasy musical starts as a fight between two friends and ends in a declaration
of sheer defiance against 'all of Oz'. It's the show's most memorable and epic number,
and singing it is an Olympic feat in itself."
Composer and Lyricist Stephen Schwartz on ‘Defying Gravity’
Watch composer and lyricist Stephen Schwartz discuss his musical themes and
inspiration behind many of his score's iconic motifs and melodies, including 'Defying Gravity'.
Please note when selecting this video, you will be re-directed to the YouTube channel that WLPL
does not control and therefore, our terms, policies and procedures will not apply.
Additional 'Defying Gravity' resources
Music Provision
Experience + evaluate live and recorded music
In support of GCSE, AS and A level, technical awards, and ABRSM qualifications,
as well as delivery of your school's music provision, Wicked provides learners with
the opportunity to experience and evaluate a live performance, with 17 musicians playing
live in the Orchestra Pit, as well as the recorded music of the show's Grammy® Award-winning
Original Broadway Cast Recording, featuring Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth. It further
provides the opportunity to appreciate and understand the musical theatre genre
and its history, bringing meaning and enrichment to music learning.
Did you know?
Stephen Schwartz is the winner of three Oscars® - 'Best Original Song' for 'The Prince
of Egypt' ('When You Believe') and, in collaboration with Alan Menken, 'Best Score'
and 'Best Original Song' ('Colors of the Wind') for 'Pocahontas'.
Mr Schwartz was only 23 when his musical 'Godspell' premiered in 1971.
More than 50 years later, productions are still being performed all over the world.
When Wicked won the Grammy®, it was Mr Schwartz's fourth win, having
previously won two for 'Godspell' and one for 'Pocahontas'.
Music is published in the UK by Hal Leonard Europe.
Original Broadway Cast Recording on Decca Broadway.