Jazz Pianist Hears Defying Gravity For The First Time

[@CharlesCornellStudios]

Ok so can SOMEBODY tell me I'm right that they did this incredibly naturally? Like, not only does it not sound digitally touched up to me (though, I'm not an expert in that so maybe I'm wrong), I don't even think it sounds pre-recorded in a studio and lip synced on camera. Like, this feels SUPER real time to me. Also, don't forget to check out the Black Friday sale here shop.betterpiano.com/ and definitely don't open the comment replies.

[@CharlesCornellStudios]

It has come to my attention that there is stuff out there for like...$3,000 lol. Look, I'm not saying there's NO way music courses can ever be worth that much.🤐I'm just saying...I really pride myself on the fact that I've tried to build what I hope you'll find to be a pretty incredible value and that I've consistently tried to keep the price as reasonable as possible, especially this time of year. Anyways yeah, thanks for checking it out. I appreciate you all.

[@effortlesslytalented]

It’s like if the Les Mis movie actually got it right (would not recommend reacting to)

[@armageddon7432]

they recorded live on-set. they're singing as they dance and are filmed

[@thechonus3858]

They're singing live.

[@Cloudjumper]

Pretty sure theres some tuning Done to the vocals, maybe not on Defying Gravity, but there are parts of the song Popular where its pretty obvious to my ears at least. If you have good vocal takes you wont really hear tuning unless you tune it really hard. That being said, the vocal performances are absolutely incredible from both of them!

[@kcaparotta]

Great ear, Charles! I've played both national tours of Wicked as local keyboardist, so I can share some information. The four chords near the end are Gbmaj7 (2nd inversion, with Db in the bass), then a series of three polychords: G# minor over Bsus4 (both in root position), A major (root position) over D major (2nd inversion), and B major (root position) over C major (2nd inversion). The top notes follow the melody (Db, D#, E, F#) while the bass moves in contrary motion (Db, B, A, G). It's a brilliant moment!

[@AZmom60]

Beastly!

[@DawnDavidson]

I’m not primarily a pianist (mostly a vocalist, and to lesser degree violin/vielle), so I don’t really “get” all this chord stuff, but I wanted to comment a) so maybe Charles will see your comment (I think he’d love it!), and b) that it’s so cool you got a chance to do that! What a marvelous experience it must have been to be part of such an iconic musical tour, not once but twice. As someone who has only “toured” a few times in my life - e.g., I went to Japan once with my (amateur/semi-pro) Early Music quartet to join a Japanese quartet there - I know how hard it can be, but also simultaneously fulfilling. There is something very special about getting to have music be the very center of your life like that, and to contribute to the joy that so many others feel in attending such performances live. It’s a very special magic. Thank you for your part!

[@kcaparotta]

⁠​⁠@@DawnDavidson I’ve been fortunate enough to play Wicked on five separate occasions as a local musician, totaling around 140 performances. It’s one of my favorites!

[@bugsusan]

Thank you for the insight! #boost

[@bennieboi20]

Boosting this!!

[@effortlesslytalented]

For one my music exams, we had to dissect (and then write multiple essays) on this song. It’s absurd how MUCH they managed to fit into this 6 minute piece.

[@joshuathompson5082]

GCSE music gang? Literally 5 years ago for me but amazing

[@effortlesslytalented]

@ Yup!! It was 4 years ago for me 😭😭

[@randomguy477]

this year 4 me 😬

[@_CertifiedHoodClassic]

GCSE Music, 3 years ago for me lol. Studied this piece along with killer queen, bach, and even the star wars theme.

[@effortlesslytalented]

@@_CertifiedHoodClassic Brandenburg Concerto?

[@screggybojanklin3567]

Mind blown at 10:44 when Charles says "We go to interesting places...I thought we were somewhere new...but it's just where we started." In other words: "There's no place like home."

[@nexxai]

This is so perfect

[@chayes866]

It's literally so beautiful it makes me weep 😭

[@lazytimewaster]

​@@chayes866same. I ALWAYS cry when I hear this song.

[@nicholasapicella5764]

Underrated comment

[@CellarDoor1970]

Holding space

[@cameronhodgetts920]

This song is a masterclass in effective use of motifs. There are about six different leitmotifs, each with their own meaning. And two of them are inspired by the music of Wizard of Oz.

[@northfoxone]

Yes, what I heard is the writer for the score said he used the first 7 notes from Over The Rainbow in the theme but with a different rhythm to not get copyrighted. It's crazy how I didn't notice it at first.

[@cameronhodgetts920]

@northfoxone not just that, but there's another bit of the song that uses Follow The Yellow Brick Road. Now that alone is clever, but the fact that Glinda is the one singing it indicates that she is aligned with the Wizard, since the Yellow Brick Road is his invention.

[@emilyrln]

@@cameronhodgetts920ooh, which bit uses that? I'm not as familiar with the song and can't pick out where it might be! Going to go listen and see if I can catch it myself! Ok, I kind of hear it in the "I hope you're happy" part, but it's it stated more clearly elsewhere?

[@nickhutson]

@@emilyrln”can’t I make you understand” is the same as “follow the yellow brick road”

[@DerekHartley]

It's called the 'Unlimited theme' that uses the Somewhere notes.

[@ShrubScotland]

The “unlimited” is the melody from somewhere over the rainbow (but fairly well hidden with the different rhythm and context)

[@mattmckeon1688]

I thought Charles was going to spot it when he hit that chord at 12:51.

[@mikosoft]

Not in this version. They added a couple of "unlimiteds" that break the note sequence from Rainbow.

[@burburchacha]

u didn't know this until you watched the recent clip where Stephen Schwartz explained it

[@ShrubScotland]

@@burburchacha called me out 😆 I think it was a different video I saw but yes I learned it recently and my mind was blown

[@ShrubScotland]

@@burburchacha also “can’t I make you understand” is “follow the yellow brick road”

[@sethjm]

16:58 "I don't know what the actual recording process was" - bro wait until you watch her belt out those notes while FLIPPING UPSIDE DOWN on a wire harness 20 feet in the air.

[@HiSummerWasHere]

I wish more people appreciated that musical theater performers are the top tier of world class vocalists. And I am so glad the production team cast musical theater performers who could sing it live.

[@nova4005]

Right?!! 💯

[@marshallc6215]

​@@HiSummerWasHere i felt quite the opposite. I have not seen the movie, only heard the songs, and it is appallingly clear that neither of these two actresses are Broadway material. Grande is a great pop singer, but she pales compared to Chenoweth, and Erivo is a good singer, but she doesn't have the emotional range that Menzel does. I never hear undertones of emotional turmoil when I listen to this soundtrack. Everything is flat and one-note. Some of the performances are really good (the Wizard and I, I was very surprised by, after hearing and being repulsed by What is this Feeling) but it is a long way from Broadway caliber performance. Maybe I would feel different if I were subconsciously excusing the vocal quality in favor of the on-set physicality.

[@jamesflesher]

I’m sorry, Cynthia Erivo isn’t Broadway material?! Then how do you suppose she got a Tony, Grammy, and Emmy for her performances in/album of The Color Purple? She doesn’t have to be your cup of tea but calling her not Broadway material when she has been recognized by critics, audiences, and academies is just wild.

[@kishagirl92]

@@marshallc6215lol. This take is hella funny. Maybe you should google before you speak. Cynthia is broadway royalty is some circles. It’s why she’s only one award away from an EGOT. And flat where? She held back for the majority of the songs to build up for the end of Defying Gravity, which was a strategic choice (because she can blow big, check her Broadway performance of “I’m Here” from “The Color Purple”). But to say flat? Check your ears.

[@kylucent1248]

Bro no lie. I'm a grown ass man who was asked to go by my mother and sister, semi-low expectations as a former theater kid and slight musical enjoyer, was unfamiliar with Wicked but intrigued when I heard it was a sort of prequel to The Wizard of Oz. When I tell you that Defying Gravity FUCKING BROKE ME. I saw it on the 27th? I've easily listened to it over 50 times by now and GOD Cynthia and Ariana nailed every single aspect of these characters with their performances. That escalation at the end with the ensemble shouting “no one mourns the wicked” and the slow build up of “so we've got to bring her down” under Cynthia's own “down,” before that absolute masterpiece of money notes, was the rawest, most cathartic moment I've EVER witnessed in theaters. Amazing video and breakdown.

[@DariusRex]

Hah! I came here to make a comment almost exactly like this one, but you nailed all the points I was going for so I'll just add this to say that I hope other folks than the 'target audience' for a movie like Wicked will reconsider. See it while the movie is still in theatres. Can not recommend highly enough.

[@JazzDogTraveler]

Dude, "Defying Gravity" broke me, too. I was in a metropolitan men's chorus and we did this song and I loved our TTBB version. I have also heard multiple renditions and variations of this song, by multiple artists and singers, but THIS version that Cynthia and Ariana masterfully delivered broke me. I ain't over it, yet.

[@rhoadshendrixpage]

I am also a grown ass man, who is also very susceptible to tearing up at movies and musicals in general, knew this was going to break me, and STILL got absolutely snotty in the flying scene. Such an unbelievable film. Best picture. Best actress. Costume design. Set design. Sound design. It's incredible. An achievement. A triumph.

[@iztrippn]

Took my wife to see this live while a cast toured it nearby. I had heard it a little while she listened to it, but I thought it would mostly be a "her" thing. Lemme tell you - I kept babbling about this show for literally weeks, and now that there's a movie I have to somehow survive being able to see emotions on people's faces (being in the nosebleeds was the only way I kept the tears in)

[@gswcooper7162]

I (42m) happily went to the cinema with my mum (73) to see Wicked, and I enjoyed it every bit as much as I'd hoped to! ^^ I'm currently reading my way through the entire run of Baum's Oz novels, which are very little to do with Wicked (book OR play/film - yes, I looked them up and the Wicked books have a really different storyline from the play and movie). And when it got to Defying Gravity in the finale? Yeah, I was belting it out in my deep bass right there in the front row. ^^

[@vanessawhitneypro]

My Dad was a music major... I took theory for ONE semester, but LOVED listening to music and discussing chords with him. He's been gone since 2006, but I've felt like I've just spent time with him again. What a treat. Thank you for sharing your gifts & thank you for this.

[@AlexTheMagix]

who is cutting onions??

[@JuanDiegoOficial]

UGH I hope Charles read this

[@justinjonesmuso]

"When we're in a space like this" - so THIS is the space we're holding!!!!

[@JustinEverson]

PLEASE

[@jiffyviv5341]

I thought the exact same thing 😂😂

[@tenorfab]

ah are you also in queer media?

[@ademers03]

OMG YOU DIDNT hahaha this killed me

[@Karen_Tries]

💀

[@AZTenor94]

You can tell he’s never heard the soundtrack or seen the show. Bruh, you have GOT to change that. Defying Gravity is a masterpiece, but there are so many other great pieces too!

[@tjohns25]

Right?! I'm kinda surprised, being that he is a professional pianist.. not a diss at all, though. Love his videos!

[@winslowwong9719]

Needs to go see the stage show, not the movie.

[@tjohns25]

@@winslowwong9719 stage show and then movie

[@abydosianchulac2]

​@@winslowwong9719 He shouldn't avoid the movie, it's an incredibly successful adaptation (successful in terms of achievement, not just monetary sales).

[@jackdonohue7893]

@@winslowwong9719the movie is amazing

[@SamuelDJCox]

I’ve realised while listening to this why Elphaba’s final battle cry is so powerful. The “So we’ve got to bring her…” when we musically hit the note of “her” it’s waiting for the chord to resolve… we are made to feel the tension of waiting for it to resolve… in the same way the Ozians are giving one final warning to Elphie and saying… “Elphie, are you sure you want to do this? We’re giving you one last chance to change your mind and fit into the system and be silent, don’t tell us we didn’t warn you…”… we are left to feel that sense that Elphie is being given a second to reconsider. And so when Elphie’s war cry comes in as her response… she’s saying yes I hear you… yes… and I’m going to do it… I’m going to take the personal cost and risk… I’m going to do it even if it gets me killed. It’s the fact she’s being given one chance to go a different way and she stays true to her goal. It’s that conviction and courage in her final battle cry, in the face of people who you could possibly work with, who aren’t necessarily evil but who could still end up not making positive change… it’s the courage to say no, we need to do so much better than what the world is currently doing. My final note: The Ozians “down!” final note is also higher than Elphie’s final “aaaah!” note. In a sense, the Ozian’s vocal pitch reaching higher than Elphie’s sort of reflects the fact that overall as a society they have more combined power than Elphie has all on her own - in the upcoming conflict - their goal to bring her down is more likely to have more power behind it than anything she can do. She is going into a battle which we know from the plot she cannot win in the end, but also the music is telling us this. They have the upper hand, they are going to win, but boy if she’ll be damned she isn’t going to not try to do the right thing - she’s going to go into the battle giving everything she has. That’s what makes it so moving!

[@jullyjv]

This is such a great analysis, thank you for taking the time to share it!

[@SamuelDJCox]

@ Thank you! His analysis got me thinking and so had to share with everyone!

[@jullyjv]

@@SamuelDJCox I really liked it, it's analysis like yours that highlight how magical music (and by extension musical theater) can be, by pointing out just how much meaning a few bars of a song can condense. It's also fun to approach musicals as puzzles/easter egg hunts, there's always so much to find every time you listen to a piece even if it's definitely not unfamiliar to you (Hamilton, here's looking at you!). Again, thank you for taking the time to writing it all out, it made my Defying Gravity puzzle a lot better :)

[@davidnaffie]

Great insights, my friend! I have yet to see the movie yet, but have devoured the soundtrack this past week haha

[@SamuelDJCox]

@ Thanks and great to see you here friend!

[@jayde4712]

you're absolutely correct about 16:17. in the broadway show, the song ends there. the movie added the extra part at the end and it feels soooo cinematic and full, i'm obsessed!

[@micahangelala]

it was honestly so fucking overwhelming and i couldn’t help but CRYYYYYYY !!!!

[@GuillaumeB7]

It actually feels a bit like the end of Mahler 2nd Symphony.

[@eruilluvitar]

I can't find it right now, but Stephen Schwartz had an interview at one point where he talked about the discordant notes you're talking about around 15:50. The town (the background singers) and Elphaba are singing in different keys to represent how they don't understand each other.

[@mdkc]

I think this is one worth a revisit after watching the whole show - as other commenters have said, there are so many leitmotifs and little musical devices which are tied into the story and pieces that have come before. Defying Gravity doesnt really make sense unless you've heard the rest of the big first act songs.

[@gogurt7091]

!!!!!!!

[@hziebart]

Exactly.

[@sbingledingle]

10:23 him not even being able to pause cause cynthia's delivering straight vocals lmfao

[@sheego_official]

you should react to no one mourns the wicked!!! my absolute favorite it has so many interesting parts , it’s been my favorite from the musical since forever and i think you’d have fun breaking it down as it introduces us to a lot of interesting musical things that will come up later as the show goes on!!

[@Cjinla777]

Yesss. No one mourns the wicked is so underrated

[@trapjohnson]

Unironically, I wept - HARD - when it happened on screen. Caught me rather off guard.

[@circabooks4549]

Plus, i dont know for sure but I would SWEAR that augmented chord he plays at about 8:43 when glinda and elphaba say "regret it" is the opening arpeggio of no one mourns the wicked, just when they announce she's dead like a foreshadow. Would love if he confirmed.

[@smelly1060]

​@@trapjohnsonwhich is ironically ironic because you're not supposed to mourn the wicked😂

[@carlycontri1778]

Yes!

[@JB_Emerson]

I'm a grown man in my 40s and this scene was one of the best things I have EVER seen on film. The "so if you care to find me" part . . . I was SOBBING in the theater (and then later at home when I was listening to the soundtrack). I cannot wait for part 2.

[@kennyp4842]

At 6:52, I found it interesting from a story point of view that Glinda and Elphaba both sing the first “defying gravity” with the same notes but then on the second one both of them diverge. Foreshadowing them eventually having to part ways even before Elphaba asks if Glinda is coming with her.

[@mrtoast244]

This movie's ending (where this song is used) was one of the first times I've ever even slightly teared up in a movie theater. It's so sad but also so liberating. It's the kind of song where if you pay attention the entire movie it's got like 3 different ways of giving you chills lol.

[@iLLWiLL5]

I have never teared up or straight up cried in a movie theater like that before either, my girlfriend loved the play and I'd never seen it so I went in with zero expectations and boy would I give anything to experience that again. The tonal shift in Elphaba from "the wizard and I" to this song was simply cathartic. The raw emotion and rebellious spirit that Cynthia brought to this song and role as a whole definitely made me a fan.

[@shopper6282]

You guys have to see the musical. I didn’t tear up at the movie but hearing it live is something else. The movie is very faithful to the musical. Also the curtain drops after the last belt and after 15 mins you get to finish the story haha

[@tobiasbenedictdrager965]

I kept on thinking during the film "How are they going to end it that we would be fine with waiting for a year?". I saw the stage play the evening before for the first time and therefore knew it would end on "Defying Gravity". It is a fantastic act 1 closer, but not in a "We can wait for another year." way (which is fine, intermission is only 15 minutes). So seeing how they really went all out on this song, left me speechless.

[@HamBone4]

That was the 2nd time I had ever cried in a movie theater and i had 5 layers of chill bumps!!! I couldn’t believe the music was so good.

[@24n8]

I don't care how many time times I hear it, the grand finale to this song fucking WRECKS me. It's simply a brilliant piece of emotional storytelling that weaves so many themes and motifs throughout while somehow still appealing to our deepest and most core emotions. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jmcosmos]

What you get at 16:19 is the "Idina flourish:" the vocal turn created by Idina Menzel at the end of at the end of "Defying Gravity," and now iconic.

[@calibadgerdude6082]

First time I’ve heard this version, I’ve listened to Idena Menzel’s hundreds of times, and I’m very pleasantly surprised by how good this version is. This song though, is just so good. One of a few songs that can reliably bring me to tears, and I can’t really put my finger on why exactly it does it. How can a song be so triumphant, tragic, joyful and melancholy all at the same time? Even outside of the context of the rest of the show, you clearly caught this as well, but knowing the story, where it’s come from and where it’s headed, just makes it so much more emotional.

[@glumreaper8885]

It's so rare for an artist to take on a hall of fame track like Menzel's Defying Gravity and nail it in an equally impressive way. Very very good casting and execution of this performance.

[@derfranz5770]

…did you mean „Adele Nazeem“? 😉🤭

[@KressF]

+1, well-said. I've also listened to the master, Idina Menzel, many, many times... and I went into this thinking "oh boy, going to ruin a classic..." but absolutely love the new version (while still loving the original). Amazing writing, amazing orchestration, amazing performance. Just nailed it. And major credit to Stephen Schwartz (and team?) because this song is as you said - all those emotions wrapped into a sonic experience. A. Maze. Ing.

[@BarbaraHeins]

Idina's version is my New Year's resolution this year. Determination. That is my mantra.

[@shannonl9312]

Seeing this breakdown really helps me understand how crazy this was. Like they literally ATE this

[@TheBigburcie]

The soundtrack is loaded with fabulously crunchy harmonies and chord shifts that keep you on your toes. For theater and band kids, it's just just a buffet of good things.

[@ChristianGarcia-us6ti]

13:24 I love listening to the epic moments, seeing Charles go to pause the track, and watching his face go "nah, this right here is special - let it play".

[@slchld.]

Cynthia is so intimate and raw here. This is her battle cry it’s so powerful I was sobbing uncontrollably then you have the choir in the back singing kill her plus the orchestra. You will get destroyed watching this in theatres.

[@QueendomCome621]

Yep. I left the theater in tears.

[@slchld.]

@ me tooo as soon as credits rolled I ran out before everyone else to collect myself 🤣🤣🤣

[@garytorresani8846]

An amazing powerful moment for me, as well.

[@mati.romero81]

Hi, music nerd here. This show deserves a full analysis of this songs: No one mourns the wicked The Wizard and I Dancing through life (The weakest in this list. Optional) Defying gravity Thank goodness (especially the intro) No good deed For good

[@moon.lite.v]

Yes please!!!

[@TomDufall]

And then make him watch Popular just for the lols. I love singing it at people.

[@Gart_The_Fart]

i think “as long as you’re mine” lowkey deserves one because of how many 7th resolutions you have

[@tvaddict6623]

I love Dancing Through Life!

[@MiMi_MoMo]

For Good is my personal favorite of the entire musical. Yes, Defying Gravity is more complex and has a huge climax, but the message in For Good is deeply touching to me. I also really like “As Long As You’re Mine.” It’s very underrated. Sure, it’s not very leitmotif heavy, but it has a very strong-if straightforward-composition that is held up well by the harmonies in the duet. As a side note: I wish he would react to the original cast recording of “Defying Gravity” because there are certain things I think it does a little better. Specifically, that moment when Glinda sings: “you’re having delusions of grandeur” and the word “grandeur” overlaps with Elphie singing: “I’m through excepting limits.” That part is just spectacularly done in the original recording and sends chills down my spine every single time I listen to it.

[@douglasromayne328]

Like you, I had zero exposure to the Wicked songs before I started working on the film a year ago. And like you, I’ve been gobsmacked by the amazing writing. It makes me happy to see so many people moved by the beauty and power of the music that I experienced alone in my studio all these months. Credit must also deservedly go to Jeff Atmajian’s stellar arrangements/orchestration.

[@vonnivibes]

What was your role?

[@douglasromayne328]

@ I created mock-ups (audio demos) of the orchestral arrangements written by Jeff Atmajian prior to the live orchestra recording sessions.

[@vrs8606]

The arrangements are amazing! I especially appreciate the writing in the low brass - always impactful, never overused. Inspired.

[@rellenoz]

The orchestration is mind-blowing

[@rellenoz]

​@@douglasromayne328 The tremolo when Elphie begins...OMG ❤

[@kjmav10135]

Classic FM channel put out a video called “Stephen Schwartz breaks down his iconic ‘Defying Gravity” just a few days ago. It makes this song even more amazing when you hear his logic of why he wrote this in this way.

[@kevinpolitzx]

no one mourns the wicked nexttttt

[@Yagirlnyesha]

Plz IM BEGGING

[@bibliophilelady6106]

​@@YagirlnyeshaWhy do theater folks love that song so much? It is not pretty or fun like the other songs. It is just noise

[@farrymcdell678]

@@bibliophilelady6106 It's not noise, it's a twisted victory song of the citizens of munchkin land that signifies their freedom from the wicked witch which contradicts Glinda's inner turmoil, sorrow, and regret as she blamed herself for not doing anything more to help Elphaba that caused her death.

[@shineinstars]

​@@bibliophilelady6106 ALL music is noise bro

[@shineinstars]

​@@bibliophilelady6106 ALL music is noise bro 😭

[@siegfredquain184]

You almost played Somewhere over the rainbow at 12:52 which is amazing because the "unlimited" theme is inspired by that tune

[@peterjensen6844]

Yeah it was right there!

[@silvercipher6797]

Absolutely roasted Beauty and the Beast (2017). Can't say I disagree.

[@moon.lite.v]

For real… I LOL ed.. poor Emma.. maybe she signed up for something she shouldn’t have.. I love her as Hermione but singing is clearly not her thing

[@oh.sorry.dont.mind.meeeee]

the dress was also absolutely atrocious and they changed the plot to add ridiculous elements that made no sense. it was a horrible movie

[@BlakeAustin2011]

Honestly don’t feel the movie version of Wicked is any better. There is too much vocal liberty taken to hide tuning issues. I’d rather hear this on stage.

[@rosewraith_]

I almost missed the first one and then the second one completely took me out 😂😂

[@DerekHartley]

@@BlakeAustin2011 TUNING issues? In what world?

[@TheMilkyWay_Gamer]

Currently studying the original version of this song and the entire piece is beautiful. So many beautiful things Schwartz added to a masterpiece

[@EzJaye]

'Wizard and I' would make a good similar video. The epic key change before the final chorus (when the tempo slows before resuming normal pulse) is a semitone lift for the singer, and yet there's been so many modulations before that moment it's actually pitched a semitone *lower* than the opening of the piece. Woah.

[@AZmom60]

Crazy!

[@dougcargill6730]

The Four to One at the end is just for the film. It went straight to One on Broadway. I really like the changes made for the film.

[@mandyblanchard9834]

Stephen Schwartz said that the changes he made for the film were all the things he wished he had thought of the first time around. What a gift that he got the chance to do that 💚

[@RicardoGomez-mq5fb]

That final chord in the progression where the chorus sings "so we have to bring HER..." @14:14 sounds like the very ending of "No one mourns the wicked" where they sing the E major chord at the top and our of nowhere the bass hits a B flat. That's the kind of crunch that chord gives me.

[@valarya]

I'm so excited that people who never made it to see the Broadway show are now having the opportunity to be introduced to this music via the movie. 🤗🤗

[@MiMi_MoMo]

I’ve never been able to see the broadway show, but I’ve loved the soundtrack for 2 decades at this point. I was able to piece together the story back in the day from listening to the soundtrack. My friend had a bootleg/burned CD of the soundtrack back in about 2003 or 2004 and we listened to Defying Gravity on her CD player…I was instantly hooked. I haven’t seen the film yet, but I’m excited to finally get all of the pieces of the story that I don’t know about because I only know the songs. I didn’t buy a ticket before it opened because I was worried the approach would be like the 2012 Les Mis movie, which is horrible. But after listening to the soundtrack, I am actually excited because I know the music will be honored instead of tarnished by trying to be artsy Oscar bait.

[@hello-and-goodbye]

I haven’t seen anyone say it yet, but the comment at 16:02 is dead on for the version from the stage production! The extra orchestra bit after Cynthia’s incredible riff is only in the movie version (as well as the second “unlimited” section before “and nobody in all of Oz…”)! It’s cool that the movie made an effort to make it its own thing for the film, even though I’ll forever love the original version

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Stephen Schwartz is a brilliant composer. He really should be better known. He has such a huge volume of great songs. Clever, catchy, and relatable, he's produced some memorable music.

[@brianlaakso1117]

Honestly I think he’s one of the top three living songwriters today. It’s not only good for the casual listener, but if you’re a hardcore musician there is so much to unravel and unpack in his music.

[@aisadal2521]

I've been having a blast seeing newcomers' reactions to Wicked, and its songs, especially Defying Gravity; so excited to sit and see how you reacted, Charles! 😊

[@M_SC]

I’d heard that song for years and years, no idea it was from the musical. I remember when the book came out. Always meant to read it and then didn’t

[@anidiot4702]

0:49 this got me

[@pinkstrad]

💀💀😂

[@anxee]

Dead

[@juliarunn5009]

Shots fired

[@phoebeahn8941]

😂😂😂

[@ajwillustratorauthor]

Oof!! The shade

[@rogerstb]

Thanks

[@amandaduggan3372]

I havent a Scooby do what you’re talking about but it’s fascinating to listen to. Your enthusiasm is infectious. I’m nerding out coz I love the song.

[@imstillhere2587]

Are you perhaps English? 😆

[@amandaduggan3372]

@ nope. Not English.

[@johncarmack6516]

Schwartz and his use of keys and ideas to represent characters and illustrate the plot are a key element of this piece. Especially when the chords are ascending and inherently clashing with the grounding of C major... it parallels the way the 2 main characters no longer work together in harmony, (one clinging to the hoi ploy of sense and sensibility; the other breaking barriers and embracing her nonconformity) as well as painting the literal ascension of elphaba. These chords also reference the opening scenes of the musical... richly layered composition. Love your videos!!

[@peerah]

There are cool leitmotifs all over the entire show, with all the main Elphaba stuff present in this song. Can’t wait to hear you listen to the score! You’re definitely going to find some new things I’ve never noticed before.

[@carr0760]

What you expected to hear at the end IS How the original Broadway song ends. They changed it for the movie because they wanted to give it a big cinematic ending. They probably wouldn't have done it that way if the movie was one part and this was in the middle instead of it being the end of part one.

[@Spandy428]

10:36 "wow, that was stunning" = my thought through the whole thing

[@algernonftw42]

This is simply one of the most powerful and beautiful songs of the century... and it's in no small part to the incredible composition of it. Brings me to tears every time I hear it, and I'm not even a die-hard musical buff or anything.

[@RobinsMusic]

I love how Charles is getting more and more into the song as it continues

[@fayestardust]

Charles, I come to watch your videos whenever I need to experience unbridled joy and passion. It's such a serotonin kick. Thank you for sharing.

[@juliebean1910]

The blend between Arianna and Cynthia is gorgeous!

[@benjaminfraser2535]

You should listen to the original Wicked album from the original cast on Broadway with Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth!!! It’s even amazing how Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo did it justice! Make a comparison video between this soundtrack and the original Broadway cast album…

[@hoisin75]

There’s a great video doing the rounds where Schwartz explains his love of a third in the bass. It does lift any song. Db is his favourite key as it sounds great in the lower register

[@davidkreacts]

Charles, please do cover more musical theatre. It’s such an incredibly versatile and varied medium, and there are some truly extraordinary moments in many shows. This is a great example, and anything by Stephen Sondheim is usually a gold mine of unusual musical choices.

[@ForminaSage402]

I love the callback to Prince of Egypt (16:28 in this video), that horn line is totally Red Sea

[@bradleyriches3470]

Is it not just the unlimited theme? I haven't seen the Prince of Egypt, so I could be wrong haha

[@maicon.93]

well, Stephen Schwartz (the composer of Defying Gravity), also composed for The Prince Of Egypt... that's why you may find it familiar... but in this case, that part is a direct refference to the "unlimited theme" (aka Somewhere Over The Rainbow)...

[@jenniferhiemstra5228]

Sorry to be that person, but Schwartz wrote the SONGS for PofE. Hans Zimmer wrote the score itself.

[@belle-ashton2167]

Exactly

[@cecilyerker]

I saw Prince of Egypt in theaters as a kid it’s one of my favorite animated movies

[@brianhawkins8397]

My wife, 30 at the time, somehow never saw The Matrix or had the mid-movie twist spoiled for her, so I had the vicarious joy of seeing her mind blown as we watched the film together. Same vibes watching this video 🤩 loved seeing Charles’s reaction to and breakdown of the frankly wild compositional things they do in this number

[@sw5114]

Totally relate to reliving Matrix again vicariously. Blown away first time. Love the film. New to Wicked. Saw in and Gravity is playing over and over in my mind. Can’t wait to see again. Grande is fabulous and Erivo is brillant . Saw her in Color Purple and enthralled by every performance.

[@BradleyReacts]

Yes!!! Since they couldn’t use somewhere over the rainbow because of copyrights at the time of the Broadway play when writing the music. The “unlimited … “ sequence is the same exact first 7 notes as somewhere over the rainbow just with a different melody/tempo

[@mikosoft]

Not in this version though, they added some "unlimiteds" that break the note sequence

[@romerbass2813]

The composition is so good it always makes me cry listening to these wonderfully arranged chord progressions and of course all the gifted vocalists.

[@mta04cji]

Feels like this is one of the few deconstruction misses because there's so much within the composition that you can't pick up on (and haven't picked up on) because you're not familiar with the whole score. So many times some of the unusually interesting elements, end chords, or 'Whoa that's nice' parts are from elsewhere in the musical or in 'Wizard of Oz'. And here they're played, and either go unnoticed and uncommented on, or you're a little unsure about what and why something is lurking in there. Stephen Schwartz is an absolute genius and how Defying Gravity is so meticulously constructed is astonishing.

[@cloudglider]

Yes but also I think it's interesting to see a context-ignorant analysis/reaction when context-sensitive takes on the piece will inevitably be done to death

[@oscarriley9265]

Yes I strongly agree with this ​@@cloudglider

[@overthemoo]

Yet because of what Schwartz did with the composition of this piece (and the entire score), a pro with all this background knowledge of music theory/etc. is able to pick up on what is being executed. What was done in the music to connect to the lyrics is very visible to those with an education in musical composition.

[@BebeZaharasBeignets]

I personally find it refreshing. Not every deconstruction has to be from a Wicked fan.

[@RomanAngel]

I loved watching the way you enjoyed this. Thanks for sharing.

[@Bag0fChips]

it was so cool to see you not being into it in the beggining, but loving it in the end

[@BillySons]

I'm honestly just enjoying your brilliance in this video. I love to watch people who are vastly more educated on a subject just sit in their comfort zone. It is inspiring how you break down each note of a musical piece like this. Truly. Great work!

[@rayoderwaals]

Welcome to the Wicked Family, Charles. We're green with excitement to get you here :D

[@princessbanannahammock3925]

This needs to be a fandom shirt immediately.

[@forcedfeedbackclassicgamer5499]

HIGHLY recommend catching the live production of Wicked if you get the chance. It's mind-blowing on stage.

[@tom.parryjones]

3:00 - I think Stephen Schwartz said in a video for Classic FM in the UK that he prefers to write in Db major

[@christopheryates5567]

Yes, he did say that.

[@mooney341]

Thanks!

[@nicnacks_7]

i could listen to this guy be excited about cool music for hours

[@susanpattison5043]

Yep. They did it live and Cynthia was also doing her own stunts while singing Defying Gravity anddd wearing a corset. She said she had to learn to use her breath while doing the stunts and singing. Phenomenal 💚

[@Qermaq]

Dude, what was fun for me here is this. I've music-directed a lot of theater, I've never played Wicked but I know the score pretty well. Watching you discover the harmonies in real time and cheering you on -- "Yeah, it's a B+ and it pulls you up to the C! Yeah! -- great fun pal :D

[@smoke_stacks]

It's cool getting an outside perspective on this song. I see some people saying that you are missing a lot of the leitmotifs and stuff but it's cool to watch a professional like you hear something like this from the first time. I feel like this lets you be a little more real and raw with the music that going on instead of focusing on all the bigger picture stuff.

[@ActionReactionEntertainment]

How on earth did you hear the C chord in the left, that's absolutely insane. It's taken from the overture, and I know it's correct, but even when reading the score it's sort of like "oh really, are you sure?" and the fact you picked up on it was very cool.

[@morguac]

I love how crunchy some parts of this are. It scratches my brain in all the right places.

[@TheTadghB]

As a huge Wicked fan, seeing Charles analysing Defying Gravity makes me very happy.

[@mxucjf]

What a joy to stumble across this video and seeing you discover this piece of music for the first time!

[@cefcephatus]

This makes me want to watch it more than the posters.

[@kurtsiecolferites2160]

As a pianist myself, it was really fun to hear the musical analysis of what has always been one of my favorite Broadway songs. Thanks for sharing!

[@sarlesnate]

The absolute SHADE!!! 😂😂😂 0:50

[@mrtoast244]

This is probably the most delicately composed piece I've heard in a Musical. I like how it breaks away from the key a lot (Db Major home base) to use all these transitional parts (like the B natural chords, I think it does this with the augmented chords/sharp 5's and some flat 11's too) and it has some chromatic parts but it never loses that catchiness. Somehow there are also like 6 motifs crammed in it too. It just lets you sit outside the comfort zone before slamming us back into the key/Broadway sound with the chorus. Some very satisfying resolutions/cadences as well. This piece is very artistic and fitting for Elphaba's character.

[@conorleddy8085]

Charles’ reaction to the “Unlimited” motif at 13:35 is too good

[@davidtagarda]

11:21 “It’s just where we started” aligns perfectly with the story of Elphaba. She was hated from the very beginning. The “stuff in the middle” was basically the movie, but goes right back to the beginning.

[@Sougabrielfelix]

No one mourns the wicked NEXTTTTT

[@sage_justice1383]

Legit, watching you get so excited over all of this is such a joy. I could never explain it in the way that you do, but I completely understand all of your explanations and musings on it. Awesome.

[@ervicito77]

Stephen Schwartz is confirmed a musical genius!💚🩷

[@cocoshimmy6785]

Yeah precisely, a dream of mine to work with him someday and getting mentored oh my gosh lol

[@kimgranvikfolkhogskolelara461]

I haven't seen any of your videos before, but I'll be coming back! It was so satisfying, with my limited knowledge of piano and music theory, to watch a professional analyse and explain the technicalities of this wonderful song - and be so excited about it.

[@mccsnackin]

My emotions let go during this in the movie theater. I couldn’t help it. It’s really the Unlimited theme that gets me musically.

[@Crosswyred8000]

I don’t understand a whole lot of what you’re explaining- I love how jazzed you are. It leads me to listen to the music is a whole new way. Thanks!🇨🇦❤️

[@justwhytho_omg]

This piece is so chock-full of stuff and so masterfully put together that in the UK, anyone who takes GCSE music (grades 9-10) has to study this

[@Katrina_Helena]

is this a new change? When I did mine (nearly 13 years ago now!) we didn't do it - but that might just be a quirk of my exam board (Edexcel, I thinK)

[@justwhytho_omg]

@@Katrina_Helena it must be a new change because it is Edexcel

[@SforSusan]

I remember how lifted and soaring I felt when I first heard defying gravity many years ago, and getting to see you hear it for the first time was such a treat - your joy, your appreciation - was so special to me.

[@BellePal]

Same

[@theNefariousNoogie]

Came for the reaction to the progression at 13:18 stayed for the editing at 14:25. Wicked was PHENOMENAL. 😭

[@jean-mi1825]

This song is the end of Act1 in live and of the film... because it's only Part1. The funny thing is that the whole live is around 2h30 long, while the film, the FIRST part, is 2h40 !

[@_sayen]

You HAVE to listen to no one mourns the wicked, it’s key changes are also amazing

[@In_a_mode]

I love your take on these! You hear the notes very well. Wow.

[@zenithetalizee]

5:18 Funny you talk about an exit from the scale as she is exiting a worldwiew she held all her life and exiting a role she was expected to play. Very cool for you to point that the music really reflects the world and the action!

[@mackenziewilber]

My goodness I’m glad I found you! You’re so brilliant! And respectful of the artist AND the artistry. Beautiful ❤

[@frederalbacon]

Stephen Schwartz is a maestro, there's no doubt, a quick listen through any stage production or movie he's worked on shows his mastery of music as an artform and as a storytelling device.

[@alyssatheexcellent]

I absolutely love to see someone nerding out and getting so excited about the same things as me- but bringing a whole new light and add to _how_ I should now be excited by it!! I can tell this guy loves what he does- and is flipping good at it to boot.

[@theaterkween5791]

Fun fact: the “unlimited” theme in this song and the rest of the musical is just Somewhere Over the Rainbow, but changed rhythmically as a fun nod to the source material.

[@Zacharysharkhazard]

I love quotation in music sm it’s so cute it’s like finding easter eggs

[@brittanywitmartin4024]

i just found you and i am SO THRILLED, you are such a joy to watch - as a musical theater performer, i really love when musicians who don't frequently listen to musicals respond with such excitement and curiosity at the writing :)

[@epthopper]

I’m holding so much space for this brand new Charles Cornell video