Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Let Man's Petty Nations Tear Themselves Apart...

I recently bought the concert version of the musical Chess. Chess was originally recorded as a concept album in 1984 with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by the two guys from ABBA. There have been many versions of it throughout the years telling the story of world chess championships.

All versions have one thing in common: at one point, the Russian (who plays for the Soviet Union in some versions but Russia in others depending on the time they were done) defects to the west. He sings the song Anthem when asked how he can leave his homeland. The song was performed by Josh Groban in the recent concert version.



Now that is a song of pride in your homeland. I love cranking the stereo and belting that out...I am not thinking of the USSR or Russia. That song can show pride in any country.

3 comments:

OrbsCorbs said...

Sorry, I had to look up the lyrics: http://www.stlyrics.com/songs/c/chess5813/anthem232219.html

First, wow, I never knew about "Chess."

Second, wow, what a song, and what a performance!

Why Not? said...

This is actually from Swedish television from something called Faddergalan a ring in charity event. I watched some of it but must have missed this. This is a very beautiful song.. my husband is quite fond of musicals and this is one of this top favorites.. I usually don't care for Josh Grobin at all but his voice is made for this kind of music.. very beautiful.

hale-bopp said...

Yeah, this is not from the Chess in Concert DVD...he must be making this one of his standards now. It's a good one for him.

The DVD has Idina Menzel. She nails a few numbers there too. I watched Act I last night...probably won't get to watch Act II until the weekend.