Podcast Episode #47 Deconstructing a Classic: When You Wish Upon a Star
Feb 10, 2026In this episode:
Magnus Zetterlund takes a deep dive into his unique mandolin arrangement of the 1940 Disney classic. Using an AI-generated technical overview as a jumping-off point, he explores the intersection of music theory, instrument physics, and emotional delivery.
Technical Key Points Covered:
- The "Spice" of the A7#5: Why Magnus used an augmented dominant chord to create tension and Sophistication in the A-section.
- Harmonic Sophistication: A breakdown of the Dm7(b5) to G7 (ii-V-I) progression and how it adds a jazz flavor to the traditional melody.
- Position & Timbre: Why fretboard geography matters. Comparing the "warm, rounded" tones of the lower frets to the "bright, bell-like" quality of the higher fret voicings.
Resources Mentioned:
- Magnus Zetterlund’s Lead Sheet: The original PDF arrangement of When You Wish Upon a Star.
- AI Technical Overview: A digital analysis of the harmonic complexity within the manuscript.
Download free mandolin chord charts at my website:
https://mandolinsecrets.com/wish-upon-a-star

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