Chess in Concert (2 CD)
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Music CD Cover
Brand: UnknownEdition: Music CD
Audio: English (Unknown)
CD Release Date: 2009-06-16
Music Label: Reprise Records
Free Music Notes for Chess in Concert (2 CD)
Free Music Review: Don't review it until you've listened to it at least half a dozen times.
Hit: 5 Stars
I wasn't sure I loved this. I wasn't sure I WANTED to love it. And because some of my initial reactions were so negative, I decided to give it a few days, really mull it over, concentrate on it and make up my mind. And I'm glad I did, because I avoided posting many of the kneejerk reactions I'm seeing in the reviews.
The orchestration is absolutely phenomenal in this version. It is likely the absolute best thing about the CD. The production value is fantastic as well. Rarely do I note production value enough to comment on it, but it's incredible here.
As for the cast, that is where you should give this recording the most patience. Each of the performers takes these characters we Chess devotees have come to know and love and adore and manages to make the character his or her own--without betraying the basis we've always known. It's a different read and, in the end, creates far more complext, realistic, and human characterizations than any previous recording I've heard of this material.
That is not to say there are not flaws. Of course there are. But just because this isn't a clone of the Concept Album doesn't mean it isn't just as good, on its own merits. When listening, bear in mind a few things: 1) this is a concert performance, not a studio recording. This leads to a "less perfect" but more authentic experience; there's no fixing mistakes as there was when recording the Concept Album. 2) Menzel takes awhile to find her footing, and she has problems blending during group numbers. However, she does some interesting things with Florence and they're well worth considering. Hang in there with her, give her the benefit of the doubt on a few listen-throughs, and you'll be rewarded. 3) There is no way you can truly love "Chess" and truly despise this recording. Give it a chance before you write it off. Love it for its own merits and flaws, not for those you bring to it.
Chess in Concert (2 CD) Poster
Starring multiplatinum artist Josh Groban, Tony-winning Idina Menzel (Wicked) and Tony nominated Adam Pascal (RENT), Chess In Concertrevives the eclectic yet wonderfully pop 1984 concept album featuring the music of ABBA's Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson and lyrics of Tim Rice (Jesus Christ Superstar, The Lion King, Evita). Recorded at London's Royal Albert Hall in May 2008, this spectacular Chess In Concert - introduced by Rice and with the 50- piece City of London Philharmonic and 100-voice West End Chorus - finally fulfills the promise of the popular cult musical.
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