What Is This Feeling? (from Wicked): E-Z Play Today

This duet captures something rare in musical theatre: genuine awkwardness between two characters discovering an unexpected connection. The E-Z Play arrangement preserves the tenderness of the original while making it accessible to pianists working through contemporary musical styles. Students will recognize immediately why this song matters, which makes teaching the technical and expressive demands feel purposeful rather than abstract.

Tender and searching. The piece unfolds like two people gathering courage to speak honestly, with gentle harmonic movement that mirrors the emotional stakes of the moment. The simplicity of the writing lets the sincerity of the lyrics and melody shine.

Piano students ready to explore musical theatre through accessible yet emotionally sophisticated arrangements. Teachers seeking repertoire that builds confidence with contemporary popular music without requiring advanced technique.

• Establish the breath and phrasing of the first character clearly before the second voice enters. The magic happens in the space between their lines.
• Resist speeding through the quiet moments. These pianissimo sections reveal vulnerability, and rushing them flattens the emotional arc.
• Balance the accompaniment texture so both melody lines remain audible. The harmonic support should feel like air, not weight.

Pair this with other character duets from musical theatre to build a recital or concert segment exploring how composers develop relationship dynamics. It also works as a bridge repertoire piece, inviting pop and musical theatre fans into classical music study.

• Playing independent melodic lines in each hand
• Sustaining phrasing across sparse harmonic accompaniment
• Managing dynamic control in quiet, exposed passages
• Interpreting contemporary musical theatre style and diction