@@mimosa27 To me, the music, the lyrics, and the story itself are very emotionally moving, probably more so than with any other musical I have ever seen. Of course, it helps that I saw it in person with this outstanding cast.
So was I, the original set in London with Tommy Körberg and Elaine Paige... A masterpiece, it was then I discovered his amazing and so strong voice... So much more than the schlagers I have hesrd before...
0:31 Merano, 10:11 The amarican and florence/Nobody's side 15:34 Mountain duet 21:00 Embassy Lament 22:02 Anthem 25:33 Heaven help my heart 29:34 Argument 31:31 I know him so well 35:48 Pity the child 41:52 Endgame 53:44 Epilogue: You and I/ The story of chess
Any concert performances of Chess proves to me that the genius of the score was always too big for the musical. Absolutely stunning. The score stands alone as one of the greatest in musical theatre history ❤
Really drives me nuts that Chess isn't recognised as the greatest musical of all time. I'm sure it's because people instantly dismiss the subject matter, but the story is brilliant.
This, as a musical, doesn’t work. This, as a full-blown concert with full orchestra and chorus, absolutely works, and is brilliant. It’s an experience, and leaves out a lot of the bland storyline. These concerts, especially the 1989 and 1994 shows, were top notch. I’m partial to the 94 concerts. I think they started getting away from the reliance upon the 80s sounding synthesizers by the end of the decade, which made the music sound even better. I’m so glad this is up on YT.
I still don't know the crude storyline of Chess, but so many pieces still absolutely take my breath away with their haunting, soul-gripping depth, dripping with feeling, like beginning of Nobody's Side and so many others. From being raised on a cassette tape of ABBA's The Visitors and a cassette of Chess, in the Soviet Union, this musical is firmly lodged in my soul and I can't let it go. There is haunting depth, richness, delicious dark tones, passion, love...and every color under the sun.
The show opens with a presentation of the small Italian town Merano, just on the border with Germany, which is being host to the World Chess Championship. The inhabitants do their best to present their town as paradise, and a lovely place to spend a holiday. As this goes on, the reigning champion, the American, enters and insults everyone in typical American fashion. Watching this, the Russian challenger and his second/minder Molokov discuss the American's state of mind, with Molokov being certain of Soviet supremacy while the Russian doesn't think the American should be underestimated - while he's erratic, that means his game is harder to predict, which makes him a stronger opponent. As Molokov leaves, the Russian reflects on his life, and how even though he's living his dream he doesn't feel satisfied. We then move to the actual opening of the event, where the Arbiter presents himself and how he'll make sure everything proceeds in proper order. At the same time, the diplomats from both sides of the Iron Curtain who are united in wanting to use the championship in fostering better relationships between the East and the West, while also hoping that their own candidate wins and thereby proves their side's superiority. Of course, there are commercial interests there who are more interested in selling chess merch than the integrity of the game. In between songs, the first game takes place, and as the Russian takes a lead the American causes an incident, calling the game rigged and such. In the wake of this mess, the Arbiter laments the disregard for the rules shown, Molokov tries to spin things for his own purposes, and the American's second, Florence, gets to talking with the Russian, and they realize they have a lot in common as tools for interests that are not their own. The American and Florence then have a discussion where she tells him to stop being such an effing primadonna, while he reminds her that she's a refugee from the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956 and as such she should be more hostile to the Soviets. As he leaves, she reflects on her life and how it seems no-one's ever on *her* side of anything. The games resume in the instrumental Chess, and eventually the Russian wins. More shenanigans happen with the American, and eventually a meeting is set up where Florence and the American are supposed to meet with the Russian to discuss things. However, the American doesn't show up, instead providing the opportunity for the Russian and Florence to get to know one another better and fall in love. Florence leaves the American's employ, and the Russian visits one of the western embassies seeking to defect. The embassy bureaucrats lament that people seem to think they can defect right and left, but eventually issue the right documents. The Russian is considering this step, and how he could leave Russia and still consider himself a patriot, but eventually reaches the conclusion that he will always bring the important parts of Russia with him regardless of where he is and who is in charge of the country. Act 1 ends. Act 2 begins a year later, again with a presentation of the venue of the next championship: Bangkok. This time the presentation is done through the eyes of the American, who is not participating in the games this time but only observing. He is rather derogatory of Bangkok, despite being told by locals what an a-hole he is. We then check in again on Florence who is reflecting on her choices, leaving the American for the Russian and her love, and how she fears the day when the Russian will know all there is to know about her and she will no longer hold his interest. Our next stop is what apparently is the first serious argument between the Russian and Florence, precipitated by the Soviets bringing his *wife* to the games. During the argument, both say some things that aren't so well considered. As he leaves, we move to a duet between Florence and the Russian's wife, Svetlana, where they both think about the Russian and what he means to them. The American then approaches the Russian, proposing a deal where the Russian will throw the game in exchange for the American not telling Florence that her father were co-operating with the Soviets as they were invading Hungary in 1956. Of course, the Russian refuses, as he senses Molokov's hand behind the American's actions. The American then seeks out Florence and suggests she'll come back to him and in exchange he'll be able to find out information about her parents - and of course she also refuses. After this rejection, the American then reflects on his childhood, and how his isolation then lead to a singular focus on the game of chess and how it might have sucked then but lead him to becoming the person he is. Again outside of song, the Russian is pressured by Molokov to throw the game, or things will not go so well for his family back home. On the other hand, if he does, they won't try to pursue him anymore and he can be a free man in the West. Again, the Russian is incapable of betraying himself and his game to that degree and instead soundly defeats his opponent, but goes back to Russia anyway to spare his family. He and Florence laments their lack of a future and celebrates the time they had while the choir sings about the history of the game. Some of these things are expanded more upon in later versions of the musical. For example, on the original concept album the chess players are just the Russian and the American, while later versions name them Anatoly and Freddie. There are also some songs added and removed
This is probably my favorite musical no matter what incarnation. I saw the Broadway version and, while I thought the resolution was depressing, it fit the role of the main character being sacrificed as a pawn. She was "played" and used to achieve an end. I still remember Florence singing her declaration at the end of the musical. It tore my heart out for her character (promised are union and left with nothing) but thematically, it was the perfect ending. I watched other productions (perhaps six in all) with the rest opting for a happy ending and while nice, didn't have the depth of that Broadway show.
This brings back such fond memories, thank you! I remember buying the single "One Night in Bangkok", after hearing it on the radio and falling in love with it. But when I flipped it over and heard "Merano", that changed EVERYTHING. I simply HAD to have this album and find out what this was all about (a tricky prospect in those pre-Internet days). Over the years, I collected various versions, West End, Broadway, and more… but the original concept album and cast remains my absolute, all-time favourite, hands down.
I saw The Phantom of the Opera with the original cast but always regretted not seeing this! Thoroughly enjoyed this upload, thank you. I regret missing it even more now...
Every time I return to this masterpiece, I remember why this is probably my favorite musical. Calling it a musical doesn't serve it justice. Just brilliant.
Been listening to and loving this musical for 40 years but then you watch Elaine Page sing Nobody's Side on video and your world just expanded that much more.
Thank you for sharing this is my favourite musical and I don’t understand how so many people say things about Murray’s singing range. Pity the child already brings a lump to my throat when I hear it but none more so than when you see Murray singing it because you can feel his pain with the voice and expressions. He will always be the American in my mind same as Tommy K the Russian and Elaine Page as Florence. Yes other versions have been done very well but this cast blew it out of the water. Shame that Barbara had stage fright attack towards the end, having said that the backing sing Karin took over without a beat.
omg im in love with chess atm, i really love where i want to be and deal/no deal, amazing musical i wish i could watch the whole thing with the original cast :0
This is amazing 😍 I wish this was available to buy, thankyou for uploading this ! Elaine is fantastic. Her vocals are just like the soundtrack …. She is so talented.. as are all the other performers obviously..I’m just an huge EP fan .
Omg this is the original cast and even Benny is conducting!! Aww thanks so much for sharing this!! Will see it next days the whole thing! I have the Josh Groban/Idina Menzel cast version on dvd but the original cast is so much better...
Just wonderful, I love it❤❤. When I was a child I listened to the music and lyrics of CHESS so many times I really knew the lyrics without reading them😂😂 so fabulous music!!!
4:08+ - I almost cry of joy over how great it is. Astonishing musical work. Am no musical genius myself, but have loved that intro, that break and the musical since I was 6. Born 1978. I think Bjørn and Benny is on par with Bach, Mozart and Prince.
Performed I know him so well at a big concert and Anthem at my exams. Love both songs - but the prize is the musical in its entirety. An extraordinary mix of classical (inspired by Prokofiev?), opera and modern rock/pop genres. With a clear sound of the geniusses behind it. And yes, I LOVE ABBA.
Wouah ! C’est époustouflant, je ne connaissais pas du tout et c’est dommage ! Quel belle musique, et les interprètes sont vraiment très bons . L’orchestration est riche, rien à voir avec les pseudo comédies musicale que l'on entend depuis 20 ans ! Quelqu'un saurait-il s’il existe une partition piano-chant de cette composition ? Bravo, et merci de ce partage.
Interesting that Barbara was singing from the script on I Know Him So Well but Elaine appears to be singing without script. Clearly something was wrong with Barbara on the night; she sang the number beautifully but missed her later number completely. I wish I'd been at this performance in person. This is, in my opinion, the best musical of all time. Every number a piece of genius. Many other musicals are good but are carried through by a just two or three highlight tunes.
Has Barbara ever spoken about why she missed her cue in Endgame. It was clearly a moment in theatrical lore that allows Karin Glenmark to shine eternally with utter brilliance.
@@DistantCousin Barbara never spoke on it but she got really ill about 15 minutes before endgame and thats when Karin who had sung the part many times took over. Although Rumor has it it was so Karin could shine. EP when i asked her about it said she doesnt even remember lol
Do anyone know where to find the complete version of this concert, and in same quality? Some parts are missing in this version, and other examples I found where of pure quality …
It is Anders Eljas indeed. But he wasn’t responsible for the ABBA sound, that was Michael B. Tretow. He did make a lot of arrangements though, especially for the musicals CHESS and Kristina fran Duvemala.
I saw Chess in London in 1986 with this cast, and was totally blown away. I believe that Chess is the most powerful musical ever written.
What a privilege!!!! Great memories!!!
@@JonathanByTheSea2023 Watching this takes me back in time to that night. Thank you for posting it!
What makes it the most powerful ever written?
(It is The musical of my soul, music-wise, but I want to be objective)
@@mimosa27 To me, the music, the lyrics, and the story itself are very emotionally moving, probably more so than with any other musical I have ever seen. Of course, it helps that I saw it in person with this outstanding cast.
So was I, the original set in London with Tommy Körberg and Elaine Paige... A masterpiece, it was then I discovered his amazing and so strong voice... So much more than the schlagers I have hesrd before...
0:31 Merano,
10:11 The amarican and florence/Nobody's side
15:34 Mountain duet
21:00 Embassy Lament
22:02 Anthem
25:33 Heaven help my heart
29:34 Argument
31:31 I know him so well
35:48 Pity the child
41:52 Endgame
53:44 Epilogue: You and I/ The story of chess
Please pin this message to the top.
@Jonathan Cox
That Solo by Lasse Wellander in "Pity The Child"... God Damn!! 40:18 in ..
That solo by Lasse Wellander is right up there with Comfortably Numb as one of the best guitar solos ever played.
Any concert performances of Chess proves to me that the genius of the score was always too big for the musical. Absolutely stunning. The score stands alone as one of the greatest in musical theatre history ❤
Beats Phantom etc, and I never understood why it didn't do better. Tommy Korberg is amazing!
Really drives me nuts that Chess isn't recognised as the greatest musical of all time. I'm sure it's because people instantly dismiss the subject matter, but the story is brilliant.
I think the songs are good but the book is iffy. That's probably part of it.
תודה לגב איילין לאבא ולאמא
ולאח שבת שלום הלוואי
I totally agree. 100%%. I like the 80’s version. I don’t like when they make changes.
I couldn't agree more!
@@tracey9861 What changes do they make?
Some of Elaine Paiges utterly breathtaking work. ❤xx
This, as a musical, doesn’t work. This, as a full-blown concert with full orchestra and chorus, absolutely works, and is brilliant. It’s an experience, and leaves out a lot of the bland storyline.
These concerts, especially the 1989 and 1994 shows, were top notch. I’m partial to the 94 concerts. I think they started getting away from the reliance upon the 80s sounding synthesizers by the end of the decade, which made the music sound even better.
I’m so glad this is up on YT.
Tommy’s rendition of Anthem stills remains my favorite! What a voice!!!!
@@JonathanByTheSea2023 I agree. I’ve yet to hear anybody come close to matching it.
Not me still getting chills at the overtones in Anthem. Phenomenal!
I still don't know the crude storyline of Chess, but so many pieces still absolutely take my breath away with their haunting, soul-gripping depth, dripping with feeling, like beginning of Nobody's Side and so many others. From being raised on a cassette tape of ABBA's The Visitors and a cassette of Chess, in the Soviet Union, this musical is firmly lodged in my soul and I can't let it go. There is haunting depth, richness, delicious dark tones, passion, love...and every color under the sun.
The show opens with a presentation of the small Italian town Merano, just on the border with Germany, which is being host to the World Chess Championship. The inhabitants do their best to present their town as paradise, and a lovely place to spend a holiday. As this goes on, the reigning champion, the American, enters and insults everyone in typical American fashion.
Watching this, the Russian challenger and his second/minder Molokov discuss the American's state of mind, with Molokov being certain of Soviet supremacy while the Russian doesn't think the American should be underestimated - while he's erratic, that means his game is harder to predict, which makes him a stronger opponent. As Molokov leaves, the Russian reflects on his life, and how even though he's living his dream he doesn't feel satisfied.
We then move to the actual opening of the event, where the Arbiter presents himself and how he'll make sure everything proceeds in proper order. At the same time, the diplomats from both sides of the Iron Curtain who are united in wanting to use the championship in fostering better relationships between the East and the West, while also hoping that their own candidate wins and thereby proves their side's superiority. Of course, there are commercial interests there who are more interested in selling chess merch than the integrity of the game.
In between songs, the first game takes place, and as the Russian takes a lead the American causes an incident, calling the game rigged and such. In the wake of this mess, the Arbiter laments the disregard for the rules shown, Molokov tries to spin things for his own purposes, and the American's second, Florence, gets to talking with the Russian, and they realize they have a lot in common as tools for interests that are not their own.
The American and Florence then have a discussion where she tells him to stop being such an effing primadonna, while he reminds her that she's a refugee from the Soviet invasion of Hungary in 1956 and as such she should be more hostile to the Soviets. As he leaves, she reflects on her life and how it seems no-one's ever on *her* side of anything.
The games resume in the instrumental Chess, and eventually the Russian wins. More shenanigans happen with the American, and eventually a meeting is set up where Florence and the American are supposed to meet with the Russian to discuss things. However, the American doesn't show up, instead providing the opportunity for the Russian and Florence to get to know one another better and fall in love.
Florence leaves the American's employ, and the Russian visits one of the western embassies seeking to defect. The embassy bureaucrats lament that people seem to think they can defect right and left, but eventually issue the right documents. The Russian is considering this step, and how he could leave Russia and still consider himself a patriot, but eventually reaches the conclusion that he will always bring the important parts of Russia with him regardless of where he is and who is in charge of the country. Act 1 ends.
Act 2 begins a year later, again with a presentation of the venue of the next championship: Bangkok. This time the presentation is done through the eyes of the American, who is not participating in the games this time but only observing. He is rather derogatory of Bangkok, despite being told by locals what an a-hole he is.
We then check in again on Florence who is reflecting on her choices, leaving the American for the Russian and her love, and how she fears the day when the Russian will know all there is to know about her and she will no longer hold his interest.
Our next stop is what apparently is the first serious argument between the Russian and Florence, precipitated by the Soviets bringing his *wife* to the games. During the argument, both say some things that aren't so well considered. As he leaves, we move to a duet between Florence and the Russian's wife, Svetlana, where they both think about the Russian and what he means to them.
The American then approaches the Russian, proposing a deal where the Russian will throw the game in exchange for the American not telling Florence that her father were co-operating with the Soviets as they were invading Hungary in 1956. Of course, the Russian refuses, as he senses Molokov's hand behind the American's actions. The American then seeks out Florence and suggests she'll come back to him and in exchange he'll be able to find out information about her parents - and of course she also refuses.
After this rejection, the American then reflects on his childhood, and how his isolation then lead to a singular focus on the game of chess and how it might have sucked then but lead him to becoming the person he is.
Again outside of song, the Russian is pressured by Molokov to throw the game, or things will not go so well for his family back home. On the other hand, if he does, they won't try to pursue him anymore and he can be a free man in the West. Again, the Russian is incapable of betraying himself and his game to that degree and instead soundly defeats his opponent, but goes back to Russia anyway to spare his family. He and Florence laments their lack of a future and celebrates the time they had while the choir sings about the history of the game.
Some of these things are expanded more upon in later versions of the musical. For example, on the original concept album the chess players are just the Russian and the American, while later versions name them Anatoly and Freddie. There are also some songs added and removed
Saw the original stage production in 1986 with Tommy Korberg, Elaine Paige, Murray Head. Unquestionably the first and the best!
I throughly agree! Hard to beat this brilliant cast!
I saw it that year as well, and couldn't agree more!
This is probably my favorite musical no matter what incarnation. I saw the Broadway version and, while I thought the resolution was depressing, it fit the role of the main character being sacrificed as a pawn. She was "played" and used to achieve an end. I still remember Florence singing her declaration at the end of the musical. It tore my heart out for her character (promised are union and left with nothing) but thematically, it was the perfect ending. I watched other productions (perhaps six in all) with the rest opting for a happy ending and while nice, didn't have the depth of that Broadway show.
This brings back such fond memories, thank you! I remember buying the single "One Night in Bangkok", after hearing it on the radio and falling in love with it. But when I flipped it over and heard "Merano", that changed EVERYTHING. I simply HAD to have this album and find out what this was all about (a tricky prospect in those pre-Internet days). Over the years, I collected various versions, West End, Broadway, and more… but the original concept album and cast remains my absolute, all-time favourite, hands down.
I saw The Phantom of the Opera with the original cast but always regretted not seeing this! Thoroughly enjoyed this upload, thank you. I regret missing it even more now...
Every time I return to this masterpiece, I remember why this is probably my favorite musical. Calling it a musical doesn't serve it justice. Just brilliant.
Benny sitting there playing the fantasic and incredibly rare Yamaha GX-1 (with a DX-7 on top for good measure, probably substituting for a GS-1).
No one does Freddie better than Murray Head, he's just perfect.
ADAM PASCAL
Godddd I am obsessed with Tommy Korberg!!!
Been listening to and loving this musical for 40 years but then you watch Elaine Page sing Nobody's Side on video and your world just expanded that much more.
Thank you for sharing this is my favourite musical and I don’t understand how so many people say things about Murray’s singing range. Pity the child already brings a lump to my throat when I hear it but none more so than when you see Murray singing it because you can feel his pain with the voice and expressions. He will always be the American in my mind same as Tommy K the Russian and Elaine Page as Florence. Yes other versions have been done very well but this cast blew it out of the water. Shame that Barbara had stage fright attack towards the end, having said that the backing sing Karin took over without a beat.
Murray will always be my Judas as well.
It's so strange that Barbara bolted it like that - she'd already been on and sung the big duet!
This music - stirring and brilliant
What a show!!
Thank you TH-cam!
omg im in love with chess atm, i really love where i want to be and deal/no deal, amazing musical i wish i could watch the whole thing with the original cast :0
This is amazing 😍 I wish this was available to buy, thankyou for uploading this ! Elaine is fantastic. Her vocals are just like the soundtrack …. She is so talented.. as are all the other performers obviously..I’m just an huge EP fan .
Omg this is the original cast and even Benny is conducting!! Aww thanks so much for sharing this!! Will see it next days the whole thing! I have the Josh Groban/Idina Menzel cast version on dvd but the original cast is so much better...
Just wonderful, I love it❤❤. When I was a child I listened to the music and lyrics of CHESS so many times I really knew the lyrics without reading them😂😂 so fabulous music!!!
The climax of Anthem is beyond words... the choir is killing it.
4:08+ - I almost cry of joy over how great it is. Astonishing musical work. Am no musical genius myself, but have loved that intro, that break and the musical since I was 6. Born 1978. I think Bjørn and Benny is on par with Bach, Mozart and Prince.
Performed I know him so well at a big concert and Anthem at my exams. Love both songs - but the prize is the musical in its entirety. An extraordinary mix of classical (inspired by Prokofiev?), opera and modern rock/pop genres. With a clear sound of the geniusses behind it. And yes, I LOVE ABBA.
Genius. Beautiful piece. X ❤
I knew I recognized a few in front - Karin and Anders Glenmark, “Gemini”. No surprise, as they sing a few Benny & Björn pieces themselves!
I was fortunate to see the London production in its first week. I love this theatre piece.
Wouah ! C’est époustouflant, je ne connaissais pas du tout et c’est dommage ! Quel belle musique, et les interprètes sont vraiment très bons .
L’orchestration est riche, rien à voir avec les pseudo comédies musicale que l'on entend depuis 20 ans !
Quelqu'un saurait-il s’il existe une partition piano-chant de cette composition ?
Bravo, et merci de ce partage.
I love this musical
me too :-)
Amazing
I know
Theatrical bliss!
Interesting that Barbara was singing from the script on I Know Him So Well but Elaine appears to be singing without script. Clearly something was wrong with Barbara on the night; she sang the number beautifully but missed her later number completely. I wish I'd been at this performance in person. This is, in my opinion, the best musical of all time. Every number a piece of genius. Many other musicals are good but are carried through by a just two or three highlight tunes.
Has Barbara ever spoken about why she missed her cue in Endgame. It was clearly a moment in theatrical lore that allows Karin Glenmark to shine eternally with utter brilliance.
@@StuartWoodMusic barbara ended up throwing up with the flu before endgame
Has Barbara ever commented publicly on what went so horribly wrong that night?!
@@jameswyatt6648she seemed OK earlier on
@@DistantCousin Barbara never spoke on it but she got really ill about 15 minutes before endgame and thats when Karin who had sung the part many times took over. Although Rumor has it it was so Karin could shine. EP when i asked her about it said she doesnt even remember lol
The Original and best Florence. Saw the original Londkn Production many times.
Lovely!
This was by FAR the best version of the show.
It's very good but so many good songs are skipped. :/
~:~
49:47 ❤️❤️❤️ Karin Glenmark, you superstar ❤️❤️❤️ Kudos, what an amazing performance
They should make a feature film of chess. Or an " adult" cartoon. Xx
Do anyone know where to find the complete version of this concert, and in same quality?
Some parts are missing in this version, and other examples I found where of pure quality …
Супер!!! Блеск !!!
Where is "Bangkok / One Night In Bangkok?"
Nobody does it better! (for me)
Not even 007?
Why was 'The Arbiter' cut out of the performance?
Not sure! Such a shame because it’s one of my favourite parts too.
The Arbiter seems to be cut out from most performances, which I’ve never understood since it’s such a bop
🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
400
Who is the hot Conductor?
It's Anders Eljas. He did a lot of Abba's arrangements in their heyday and is arguably responsible for pioneering the 'Abba sound'
It is Anders Eljas indeed. But he wasn’t responsible for the ABBA sound, that was Michael B. Tretow. He did make a lot of arrangements though, especially for the musicals CHESS and Kristina fran Duvemala.
Did this broadcast cut a lot? I would have assumed the whole double album was actually performed?
What does S.R.O. mean??
Standing Room Only...a theater where all the tickets for seats are already
sold may then sell tickets for standees. The show is then SRO.
@@JonathanByTheSea2023 Oh hey , thanks. That was a fast response ! What does the term mean in the context of Merrano?
10:13
Where was Barbara in Endgame???
She fell sick backstage. Rumours has it, she suffered from severe stage fright and had an attack that night.
Karin was way better than Barbra in Endgame
God bless you for posting this gift.