Does anyone know how to obtain an orchestration of Stephen Schwarz's "Defying Gravity" from the Musical Wicked

Question

I am looking for an orchestration of 'Defying Gravity' from the musical WICKED. Basically it would be the album recording without the vocals. There must be one in existence for television performances and similar. I've tried vocal removing software and Audacity but usually the vocalist's (in this case Idina Menzel) in faintly heard, some instruments become inaudible and what I can only describe as digital distortion to the remaining audio.

I've been keeping an eye on the internet and YouTube for one but its never arisen. Its simply that I love that song, and think it is a beautiful piece of music on its own. Thank You Stephen Schwarz for penning such a gem! I'm aware that there is a karaoke/backing track but the synthesised instruments don't quite do it justice as an instrumental track :)

Hope you can help!!!

PS: Would love to get a cleaner version of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91kpmYQrJ...

Thanks

Answer 1

From what I've found, this is a really good cd of backing tracks for the songs of Wicked:

http://www.amazon.com/Sing-Songs-Wicked-...

It's only accompaniement tracks and it's apparently the best version.

Answer 2

This isn't quite what you're looking for, because it's not Defying Gravity, but there are two orchestrations on youtube for 'No One Mourns the Wicked' and 'No Good Deed' which are fantastic to listen to...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=zIQ-rb8rOi...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=0SWAdYezF2...

I've had a look around for a Defying Gravity one for you, but there doesn't appear to be one anywhere apart from the karaoke/backing type ones which are ok, but as you said, not quite as good!