The Wicked Witch of the West is a character from the popular fantasy novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" by L. Frank Baum. She is portrayed as a villain and is known for her sinister nature and her desire to obtain the ruby slippers worn by Dorothy, the protagonist of the story. While the character has been portrayed in various adaptations of the book, including films and musicals, one aspect that remains consistent is the use of music to enhance her wickedness. In many adaptations, the Wicked Witch of the West is accompanied by a distinct musical motif that helps establish her presence and evil intentions. This motif is often dark, ominous, and filled with dissonant harmonies, creating a sense of foreboding whenever she appears on screen or stage.
In Wicked, "Popular" is Glinda's first major solo, in which she excitedly sings about transforming Elphaba into a chic girl just like her. "When someone needs a makeover," she gushes, "I simply HAVE to take over." The transformation doesn't last — in the next scene, Fiyero charms Elphaba by saying she's good enough without acting like Glinda — but the "Popular" sequence cements the girls' friendship.
It has a reach far beyond Wicked The song was covered on the TV show Glee , Ariana Grande sampled it in Popular Song, and it s inspired parody songs about politicians. supported by 5 fans who also own The Wicked Witch Of The West Superb badass stoner doom album with really magic riffage, really couldn t believe my ears at how good this band is.
This motif is often dark, ominous, and filled with dissonant harmonies, creating a sense of foreboding whenever she appears on screen or stage. The use of this musical motif helps to emphasize her role as the primary antagonist and adds depth to her character. One of the most iconic uses of music to enhance the wickedness of the Witch is heard in the 1939 film adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz.
All the songs in 'Wicked' on Broadway
Discover fun facts about the hit musical's most popular tunes.
Gillian Russo April 5, 2023, 19:56Countless audiences have called Wicked, and all its songs, wonderful for 20 years and counting. Telling the backstory of Elphaba — the Wicked Witch of the West — and the good witch Glinda before the events of The Wizard of Oz, Wicked has defied gravity on Broadway and become one of its most popular long-running shows.
Wicked is one of those musicals with multiple songs even non-theatre fans likely know, "Defying Gravity" and "Popular" among them. Hearing these songs live is some younger fans' first Broadway memory, and Stephen Schwartz's tunes also captured older, longtime Broadway fans with their musical magic and whimsy.
Learn more about all the songs in Wicked, including their significance to the plot and fun facts about them. Light spoilers for Wicked follow.
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" In this version, the character is portrayed by actress Margaret Hamilton, and whenever she appears on screen, a haunting theme known as the "Witch's Theme" is played. This theme incorporates a combination of orchestral instruments, including brass and strings, to create a spine-chilling atmosphere that perfectly complements the Witch's wicked nature. In addition to the use of a recurring musical motif, the Wicked Witch of the West is often accompanied by songs that further establish her character. These songs often highlight her plans for revenge or her determination to obtain the ruby slippers. One example of a song associated with the Witch is "The Jitterbug," which was cut from the original 1939 film but has since been included in some stage adaptations. This lively and energetic song showcases the Witch's desire to control and manipulate Dorothy and her friends. The Wicked Witch of the West is a character that is instantly recognizable, in part due to the use of music to enhance her wickedness. The recurring musical motif and accompanying songs help to create a sense of fear and anticipation whenever she appears, allowing the audience to fully experience the depth of her villainy. Whether in a film or musical adaptation, the music associated with the Witch helps to elevate her character and make her a memorable and formidable presence in the story of "The Wizard of Oz.".
Reviews for "The Emotional Impact of the Wicked Witch of the West's Music"
- Sarah - 1 star
I was really disappointed with the music in "Wicked Wicth of the West." It felt like a jumbled mess of discordant tones and misplaced melodies. I couldn't enjoy it at all, and it took away from my overall experience of the show. The songs lacked any memorable hooks or catchy tunes, and I found myself struggling to even remember the melodies after the show. It was a letdown, especially considering how much I had heard about the music before attending. I wouldn't recommend this musical to anyone who appreciates well-crafted music.
- Jackson - 2 stars
The music in "Wicked Wicth of the West" was just not for me. While I acknowledge that music is subjective and different people have different tastes, I found the songs to be uninteresting and forgettable. There was no real standout number that stuck with me after the show ended. Additionally, some of the vocal performances were weak, which further diminished my enjoyment of the music. Overall, I was underwhelmed by the musicality of this production and would not go out of my way to see it again.
- Emily - 2.5 stars
I must admit, I'm not a big fan of the music in "Wicked Wicth of the West." While there were a couple of songs that I found enjoyable, much of the music felt generic and uninspired. It lacked the emotional depth and complexity that I look for in musical theater compositions. The lyrics were also quite predictable, making it hard for me to feel fully engaged in the story. I may not be the target audience for this type of music, but I was hoping for more originality and creativity. Unfortunately, "Wicked Wicth of the West" fell short in that regard.