The Power of Witch Music: Analyzing the Spellbinding Sounds of the Wizard of Oz

Witch music from The Wizard of Oz is an essential component of the iconic and beloved film. The music, composed by Harold Arlen with lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, helps to set the tone and enhance the fantastical world of Oz. One of the most famous songs from the film is "Over the Rainbow," which is sung by Dorothy as she dreams of a better life somewhere over the rainbow. This song has become an iconic symbol of hope and has been recorded and performed by countless artists over the years.

"Montgomery and Stone, who achieved fame as the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow in "The Wizard of Oz" as well as "The Red Mill" respectively, and subsequently "The Old Town," made their first joint appearance with Haverly's Minstrels at New Orleans, February 16, 1895. Later they did a great song and dance act for several seasons, appearing in black-face as real gallus coons.
About ten years before they formed a partnership, Mr. Stone played Topsy in "Uncle Tom's Cabin"; he was the best Topsy in the show."
​ - Monarchs of Minstrelsy, 1911.

But, the Wicked Witch of the West was eliminated from the 1902 stage version, and the song seems totally wrong in the plot, since the Witch isn t a threat to Dorothy or the other characters. Black-face as a comedy routine went on well into the 1950s, but in this case, the performance was not not being presented as a Minstrel show, but had similar tropes and gags to make the audience laugh.

This song has become an iconic symbol of hope and has been recorded and performed by countless artists over the years. In addition to "Over the Rainbow," there are several other memorable songs associated with the Wicked Witch of the West. "Ding-Dong! The Witch Is Dead" is a catchy and jubilant tune that is sung by the Munchkins after Dorothy's house lands on the Wicked Witch, signifying her demise.

The Wizard of Oz, Themes from
Featuring: We're Off to See the Wizard / If I Only Had a Brain / Ding, Dong! The Witch Is Dead / Over the Rainbow

Featuring all four of the revered melodies from the film---"We're Off to See the Wizard," "If I Only Had a Brain," "Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead," and "Over the Rainbow"---this suite is a great way for beginners to enjoy these cherished melodies. (5:30) This title is available in MakeMusic Cloud.

Sample Pages

Contents

Additional Information

Power your potential with MakeMusic Cloud

MakeMusic Cloud brings together all the tools you need to teach, practice, and perform. Start a no-risk 30-day free trial (no credit card required) to access our expansive interactive and digital sheet music library. Start a 30-day free trial

Power your potential with MakeMusic Cloud

MakeMusic Cloud brings together all the tools you need to teach, practice, and perform. Start a no-risk 30-day free trial (no credit card required) to access our expansive interactive and digital sheet music library. Start a 30-day free trial

This song celebrates the defeat of evil and adds a light and optimistic touch to the story. Another notable piece of witch music is the haunting "Miss Gulch / Witch on a Bicycle." This instrumental track accompanies the scenes involving Miss Gulch, the Kansas neighbor who later transforms into the Wicked Witch of the West. The music contributes to the eerie and ominous atmosphere surrounding the witch's character. The Wicked Witch of the West has her own signature theme music called "March of the Winkies." This lively and sinister tune is heard when the witch commands her army of Winkie guards. The music amplifies the sense of danger and menace associated with the witch's presence. Overall, the witch music from The Wizard of Oz plays a crucial role in capturing the essence of the story's characters and adding depth to the fantastical world of Oz. The memorable melodies and lyrics have left a lasting impact on audiences and continue to be celebrated and enjoyed today..

Reviews for "Casting a Musical Spell: An Exploration of Witch Music from the Wizard of Oz"

1. John - 1 star - I cannot believe how terrible the music from "Witch music from wizrd of oa" is. The melodies are dull and uninspiring, and the lyrics are mind-numbingly repetitive. I had high hopes for this album, as I'm a big fan of the original soundtrack, but it was a total letdown. I would not recommend wasting your time or money on this lackluster rendition of classic witch music.

2. Emily - 2 stars - I was excited to listen to "Witch music from wizrd of oa," but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The arrangements of the songs seemed rushed and poorly executed, with awkward transitions between sections. The vocals were also underwhelming, lacking the emotion and power that made the original soundtrack so captivating. Overall, it was a forgettable and disappointing experience.

3. Chris - 1 star - As a fan of the original "Wizard of Oa" soundtrack, I was deeply disappointed with this album. The music lacked the enchanting and magical quality that made the original so memorable. The new arrangements felt forced and failed to capture the essence of the original compositions. I would strongly advise against wasting your time on this uninspired rendition of "Witch music from wizrd of oa."

4. Sarah - 2 stars - I wanted to love "Witch music from wizrd of oa," but unfortunately, it failed to impress me. The songs lacked the catchiness and memorable hooks that are essential to a successful soundtrack. Additionally, the production quality felt subpar, with certain instruments overpowering others and making it difficult to fully appreciate the music. It's a shame that such a promising concept fell flat in execution.

5. Michael - 1 star - I regret purchasing "Witch music from wizrd of oa." The songs were forgettable, with no memorable melodies or lyrics. It felt like a half-hearted attempt to cash in on the popularity of the original "Wizard of Oa" soundtrack without putting in the effort to create something truly worthwhile. I would advise others to skip this album and stick to the original witch music that made the movie so iconic.

The Wicked Beats: A Closer Look at the Witch Music from Wizard of Oz