Wicked Lyrics (2003)

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This collection is a selection of music from the Broadway musical 2003, which officially includes 19 songs, despite the fact that on this site there are 20.
Under most of the music you can dance on the stage – this is the essence of the “musical” as a stage genre. Therefore, a little bit strange that so few of compositions in the collection, as in most of the dance music films (not musical) contain between 35 and 80 songs!
Most of the music and words have been accomplished by Stephen Schwartz composer, who often works for Broadway. 71 minutes with a small of duration due to the presence of long songs, for example, 6 or 7 minutes. But there are also shorter ones, even up to one minute.
Enough light, such as What Is This Feeling? , in some parts similar to the church singing at the expense of elongated chant endings of words, and then becoming like a musical theme from the Disney children's series movie Hanna Montana.
Unlike the previous, sad at the beginning, and then the energetic The Wizard and I, which contains the beautiful female vocals, slowly and then rapidly sung words is quite good, and is suitable for the most of musicals.
There are male vocals in the collection, for example, Dancing Through Life, with length of 7:37 – the longest here.
Most of the songs sung by Kristin Chenoweth, acting the main role in a musical. She has a beautiful clear voice that can perform long and to pull the long notes. Personal opinion – she was very well chosen for this role and for its performance.
Fans of Tony-winner musical will be interested to know that these same songs were recorded in the German language too, so to fully appreciate the beauty of their multilingual performance, we also recommend to listen to them as well.

Wicked 2003 Musical Soundtrack Description.

Album Overview.

The 2003 musical *Wicked* reimagines the classic *Wizard of Oz* tale, focusing on the complex relationship between Elphaba and Glinda. The soundtrack, composed by *Stephen Schwartz*, intricately weaves the narrative, offering listeners a deeper connection to the characters' journeys and the overarching themes of friendship, ambition, and identity.

Production and Reception.

Released on December 16, 2003, by Decca Broadway, the original cast recording features performances by *Idina Menzel* as Elphaba and *Kristin Chenoweth* as Glinda. The album was recorded on November 10, 2003, capturing the dynamic energy of the Broadway production. Critics praised the soundtrack for its compelling compositions and vocal performances. It received the 2005 Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album and achieved double platinum status by November 2010, reflecting its enduring popularity among audiences.

Track Highlights.

The soundtrack boasts several standout tracks that have become iconic in musical theater. *"Defying Gravity"* showcases Elphaba's declaration of independence and has been lauded for its powerful vocals and emotional depth. *"Popular"*, performed by Glinda, offers a lighter, comedic perspective on societal expectations. Other notable songs include *"The Wizard and I"*, where Elphaba expresses her aspirations, and *"For Good"*, a poignant duet between the two protagonists reflecting on their transformative friendship.

Musical Styles and Themes.

*Stephen Schwartz* masterfully blends traditional Broadway elements with contemporary pop influences, creating a diverse musical landscape. The soundtrack employs recurring motifs and leitmotifs, such as the "Unlimited" theme, which subtly references *"Over the Rainbow"* from the original *Wizard of Oz*. This thematic continuity enriches the narrative, exploring concepts of destiny, self-discovery, and the dichotomy between good and evil.

Musical Background.

*Wicked* premiered on Broadway in October 2003, offering a fresh perspective on the *Wizard of Oz* universe by delving into the backstories of the witches. The musical explores the unlikely friendship between Elphaba, the misunderstood green-skinned girl who becomes the Wicked Witch of the West, and Glinda, the popular and ambitious girl who becomes Glinda the Good. Their relationship is tested by differing viewpoints, love interests, and political corruption in the land of Oz.

Main Cast of the Musical.

Idina Menzel as Elphaba.

Idina Menzel portrays Elphaba, a passionate and intelligent young woman with emerald-green skin. Her character's journey from an outcast to the so-called Wicked Witch of the West is central to the musical's narrative.

Kristin Chenoweth as Glinda.

Kristin Chenoweth plays Glinda, initially known as Galinda, a bubbly and popular student who becomes Elphaba's unlikely friend. Her transformation into Glinda the Good highlights themes of personal growth and societal perception.

Norbert Leo Butz as Fiyero.

Norbert Leo Butz takes on the role of Fiyero, a carefree prince who becomes entangled in the lives of both Elphaba and Glinda, adding complexity to the story's romantic dynamics.

Joel Grey as The Wizard.

Joel Grey embodies The Wizard, a charismatic yet morally ambiguous leader whose actions significantly impact Elphaba's fate and the political landscape of Oz.

Carole Shelley as Madame Morrible.

Carole Shelley portrays Madame Morrible, the headmistress of Shiz University, whose manipulative schemes play a pivotal role in the unfolding events.

Michelle Federer as Nessarose.

Michelle Federer plays Nessarose, Elphaba's younger sister, whose personal struggles and political influence add depth to the storyline.

Christopher Fitzgerald as Boq.

Christopher Fitzgerald takes on the role of Boq, a Munchkin student whose unrequited love for Glinda leads to unforeseen consequences.

William Youmans as Doctor Dillamond.

William Youmans portrays Doctor Dillamond, a Goat professor at Shiz University who faces discrimination, highlighting the musical's themes of prejudice and acceptance.

John Horton as Frex.

John Horton plays Frex, Elphaba and Nessarose's father, whose favoritism and actions influence Elphaba's path.

Kristy Cates as Midwife.

Kristy Cates portrays the Midwife, present during Elphaba's birth, marking the beginning of her extraordinary journey.

Jan Neuberger as ShenShen.

Jan Neuberger takes on the role of ShenShen, a student at Shiz University, contributing to the social dynamics explored in the musical.

Manoel Felciano as Pfannee.

Manoel Felciano plays Pfannee, another student at Shiz, adding to the ensemble that shapes the academic environment.

Melissa Fahn as Ensemble.

Melissa Fahn is part of the ensemble, bringing the world of Oz to life through various roles and performances.

Kristoffer Cusick as Ensemble.

Kristoffer Cusick contributes to the ensemble, enhancing the musical's rich tapestry of characters and scenes.

Sean McCourt as Ensemble.

Sean McCourt is also part of the ensemble, adding depth and vibrancy to the production's storytelling.

Daniel Marcus as Ensemble.

Daniel Marcus plays multiple roles within the ensemble, showcasing versatility and supporting the main narrative.

Ioana Alfonso as Ensemble.

Ioana Alfonso contributes to the ensemble, enriching the musical's dynamic performances and scenes.

Ben Cameron as Ensemble.

Ben Cameron is part of the ensemble, helping to create the immersive world of *Wicked* through various roles.

Kristy Cates as Ensemble.

Kristy Cates also appears in the ensemble, adding to the production's depth and character interactions.

Melissa Bell Chait as Ensemble.

Melissa Bell Chait contributes to the ensemble, enhancing the musical's storytelling through diverse performances.

Marcus Choi as Ensemble.

Marcus Choi is part of the ensemble, supporting the main cast and enriching the overall production.

Kristy Cates as Ensemble.

Kristy Cates also appears in the ensemble, adding to the musical's dynamic energy and narrative depth.

Other Ensemble Members.

The ensemble features a talented cast of performers who breathe life into the world of *Wicked*, portraying citizens of Oz, students at Shiz University, and other supporting characters. Their collective work creates the vibrant, immersive atmosphere that has captivated audiences since the musical’s debut.

Additional Details.

The Wicked original cast recording has been celebrated as one of the best-selling musical albums of all time. Beyond its success on Broadway, the music has transcended theater, with songs like "Defying Gravity" becoming an anthem of empowerment. The album continues to resonate with fans worldwide, and its popularity has helped Wicked maintain its status as a cultural phenomenon.

Quotes.

"An iconic album that captures the essence of Oz and beyond."

Broadway Critics Circle

"Schwartz’s music takes listeners on a soaring journey."

Theater Review Weekly

November, 17th 2024

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