Part 1: Differences of Musicals and Opera

Musical vs. Opera

Musicals and Operas are both renowned genres that blend musical theater with other artistic elements. While they have many similarities, they also have notable distinctions. Below, we'll explore the variances between operas and musicals to provide a clearer understanding of each genre both independently and in contrast to one another.

Musicals 

• Strong acting and comedic value are prioritized over singing prowess.

• The singing is accompanied by movement, such as dancing.

• Most musical performers will need to learn how to sing and dance at the same time.

• People rely on words, not entirely on music.

• Since the first musical theater productions originated in the United States, a significant amount of these shows are performed in English. 

• Scale and Production:

  • Musicals like Wicked have elaborate sets, costumes, pit bands, and dance routines.

  • Other large-scale musicals include Les Misérables, Miss Saigon, Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, and Matilda.

• Pit Band in Musicals:

  • Live band accompanies singing in musicals, known as the pit band.

  • Instrumentation varies based on the musical's requirements.

  • Pit band or pit orchestra does not only exist in musicals but also in operas, ballets, and other shows that involve music. 

    • Example: The Phantom of the Opera uses more orchestral instruments.

    • Example: We Will Rock You uses rock instruments.

    • Example: Wicked's pit band includes orchestral and contemporary band instruments.

Operas 

• Prioritize the music more, so singing has to be over acting. 

• The singing does not tend to be mixed with dancing.

• Dance scenes tend to incorporate more of ballet dancers, not the cast members themselves.

• People mostly remember the music and not the words.

• Foreign languages like French, Italian, German, and more are just as prominent as English. 

Part 2: Wicked (A Broadway Musical)

• Background:

  • Based on the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz.

  • Premiered in 2003 with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz.

  • Features the iconic song Defying Gravity.

• Plot:

  • Story told from the perspective of two witches, Elphaba (green) and Glinda (pink).

  • Sent to assist the Wizard of Oz at Shiz University.

  • Wizard's true intentions revealed as oppressive towards animals.

  • Elphaba defies the Wizard, leading to her being labeled the Wicked Witch of the West.

  • Glinda initially complies but later changes for the better.

• Wicked's Pit Band:

  • Orchestral instruments: flute, oboe, bass clarinet, bassoon, etc.

  • Band instruments: drum kit, guitars, synthesizers.

  • Synthesizers are crucial for storing patches and creating various sounds like strings, tremolo strings, etc.

• Key Elements:

  • Defying Gravity: A pivotal song where Elphaba stands up against the Wizard.

  • Melodic references to Somewhere Over the Rainbow from the original film.

  • Themes of defiance, friendship, and the consequences of challenging authority.

  • Wicked has been well-received all around the world. Stephen Schwartz has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame because of his successful career.

• Conclusion:

  • Elphaba and Fiyero escape Oz together.

  • Glinda undergoes character development.

  • Defying Gravity symbolizes Elphaba's resolve and defiance.

• Significance:

  • Explores complex themes of power, friendship, and morality.

  • Highlights the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

Part 3: Success and Recognition of "Wicked"

• Awards and Nominations

  • Nominated for multiple awards in 2004:

    • 10 Tony Awards

    • 11 Drama Desk Awards

    • 10 Outer Critics Circle Awards

  • Won the 2005 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album

• Global Recognition

  • Accolades repeated in other countries

  • Show's success internationally

• Stephen Schwartz's Recognition

  • Inducted into the American Theatre Hall of Fame in 2010

• "Defying Gravity" Impact

  • Featured in various TV shows like Glee

  • Covered by numerous singers

  • Similarities with "Let It Go" from Frozen:

    • Both sung by Idina Menzel

    • Themes of female empowerment and strength

    • Heroic chorus and key changes

• Idina Menzel's Transition

  • Originated the role of Elphaba

  • Later voiced Elsa in Disney's Frozen

• Comparison with "Let It Go"

  • Similarities in themes and musical elements

  • Both songs showcase Idina Menzel's vocal prowess

Part 4: Important Musical Elements

• Tempo

  • Many tempo changes to aid storyline and lyrics

  • Vocalist may lead the pit band using colla voce

  • Tempo in Defying Gravity:

    • andante - verse 1

    • allegro - chorus 1 onwards

    • moderato - introduction reprise

    • maestoso - coda

• Melody

  • Features:

    • Leitmotifs in melody and accompaniment

    • Angular sound with leaps of a fourth or fifth

• Tonality

  • Key signature changes:

    • Ambiguous tonal center at start

    • Verses and choruses in D major

    • Modulations to G major and F major

• Structure

  • Extended sections with links and spoken passages

  • Structure:

    • Introduction

    • Verses and choruses

    • Bridge

    • Introduction reprise

    • Coda

• Texture

  • Mainly melody-led homophony

  • Monophonic and spoken-word sections in introduction

• Metre and Rhythm

  • Generally in 4/4, except for three spoken bars

  • Syncopated melody and accompaniment

  • Layering of rhythmic patterns creating cross-rhythms

• Timbre and Dynamics

  • Emphasize drama and emotion

  • Features:

    • Powerful chest range for Elphaba

    • Special instrumental techniques like guitar overdrive

    • Accents and staccato articulations

    • Slow-progressing dynamic crescendo

Part 5: Vocabulary Words

• Set - The furniture, props and background images or paintings used in the staging of a show.

• Pit band - The collection of instrumentalists that sit below the stage to provide the live music in a musical or play.

• Dance routine - A pre-prepared dance set to music.

• Synthesizer - A device for generating a unique sound or imitating an acoustic instrument.

• Patch - A sound that can be downloaded to a synthesizer. This can be a new instrument sound or sound effects.

• Tremolo - A trembling sound created by fast repetition of the same note.

• Contrabass - An instrument of very low pitch.

• Broadway -  A prominent area for plays and musicals in Manhattan, New York, with many theaters in a small area.

• Melody -  The arrangement of notes into a musical sequence - the main tune.

• Chest voice -  The lower range of a singer's voice.

• Leitmotif -  A recurring musical theme representing a person, place, mood or emotion.

• Melody and Accompaniment -  A type of texture where there is only one clear melody and an accompaniment that plays different notes and rhythms but is supporting the melody.

• Leaps -  Melodies that move by an interval of more than a second.

• Monophonic -  A texture consisting of a solo musical line.

• Cross-rhythm -  An effect created when two or more conflicting rhythms are heard at the same time. E.g. one may be in simple time and another in triple time.

• Dynamics -  The volume of the music.

• Timbre -  The tonal quality or sound of an instrument that distinguishes it from others.

• Overdrive -  A type of sound effect that distorts the original sound signal.

• Accent -  Note played with a stronger attack.

• Staccato -  Notes played detached.

• Crescendo -  A gradual increase in volume.

• Colla voce -  Follow the solo voice.

• Andante -  At a walking pace.

• Allegro -  Lively and fast.

• Moderato -  moderate pace.

• Maestoso -  Music performed in a majestic manner.