Defying Gravity (from Wicked) (arr. Roger Emerson): SSA Choral Octavo

Emerson captures the defiant energy of this iconic song without requiring a powerhouse soprano section. The arrangement sits comfortably for developing singers while preserving the emotional arc that makes this number so compelling on stage. You get a piece that lands powerfully in concert and feels genuinely rewarding to perform.

Triumphant and soaring, with an undercurrent of vulnerability beneath the defiance. The arrangement lets you feel the character's transformation from uncertainty into power, turning a moment of rebellion into something achingly human.

Choirs looking to program contemporary Broadway with heart and accessibility. This works for high school ensembles, community choirs, and collegiate groups seeking material that connects with audiences without sacrificing musical substance.

• Anchor the piece on the rhythmic drive in the accompaniment. This isn't a ballad waiting to happen; the forward momentum matters as much as the soaring melody.
• Balance the soprano line against the harmonic support from altos and second sopranos. The melody should breathe without getting buried.
• Find the emotional shift between the verse's hesitation and the chorus's resolve. The same notes can feel tentative or determined depending on how you shape the phrasing.
• Lean into the text as your guide for dynamics and articulation. 'Defying gravity' lives in the conviction behind the words, not just the volume.

Pair this with other contemporary music to show how Broadway has evolved, or program it as the emotional center of a concert featuring themes of courage and identity. Its 11 pages make it substantial enough to anchor a set without overwhelming rehearsal time.

• Sustaining through extended phrases without breath
• Balancing melody with harmonic support across three parts
• Interpreting emotional subtext beneath the printed note
• Accessing belt and legit singing techniques within an ensemble context