Defying Gravity (from Wicked) (arr. Emily Crocker): 3-Part Mixed Choral Octavo

Emily Crocker's arrangement captures the defiant energy of this iconic moment while making it accessible to mixed choirs without a soprano section. The three-part writing preserves the emotional arc that makes this song resonate with audiences, giving every singer something substantive to sing rather than padding voices around a melody.

Soaring and unshakeable. The arrangement captures that moment of self-acceptance and defiant choice, building from vulnerable confession to unbounded freedom. You'll feel the character lifting off the ground, and your singers will experience that same lift in their own performance.

Choirs with adequate soprano strength but limited deeper voices will find this voicing ideal. Whether you're programming Broadway repertoire for a spring concert, looking for a modern song that appeals to both singers and audiences, or want something that speaks to themes of identity and courage, this arrangement delivers across multiple performance contexts.

• Anchor the alto line in the verse sections; Crocker writes real countermelody here rather than harmonic filler, and singers need to understand they're carrying melodic weight, not just supporting.
• Build intensity gradually through the chorus, resisting the urge to go full volume on the first statement. The power comes from the accumulation across repetitions and from clarity of text, not from singing louder earlier.
• Give sopranos freedom on sustained notes, particularly in the final chorus. The arrangement sits high for that section, and allowing natural vibrato and slight dynamic shaping prevents fatigue and keeps the line alive.
• Shape the text with precision, especially on the pivotal phrase that gives the song its title. Every consonant and vowel choice affects whether listeners feel the character's transformation.

This works powerfully as a standalone feature or paired with other Broadway selections for a contemporary musical theatre concert. It also bridges neatly into programming that explores themes of empowerment, identity, or social courage across genres. The 15-page length and moderate difficulty make it a strong choice for spring concerts when singers have had time to develop secure blend and musicianship.

• Singing sustained, high passages with tonal control and breath management
• Balancing melody and countermelody within mixed voicing
• Interpreting contemporary theatrical text with emotional specificity
• Navigating moderate ranges across all three parts
• Ensemble blend when upper voices sit in extended range