Chess
Chess
#0Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 9:32pmI've tried searching but I cannot find very much information on the Chess Concert. I know there is no audio recording of this but I've seen clips from it and I was wondering if this was only shown one time, or if there was a version availible for sale?
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#4re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:06pm
It wasn't even shown one time. It was videotaped by the Actors' Fund for archival purposes. I heard that a copy was given to every performer; the footage eventually leaked into the trading world.
I believe that a cast album was actually recorded, but wasn't released due to issues with Groban's record label.
WHAT a pity.
#6re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:08pmThere are a lot of clips though, and that makes me happy.
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#7re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:09pm
Which recording do you prefer? London, Swedish or OBC?
None of them, really. There is actually no London album, although the concept album has much of the same cast and same songs. While I like the London version of the show and most of the cast, the concept album itself seems very cold and too 80s. Yes, Chess is a total 80s musical, but the concept album is a bit too much for me.
I don't like the OBC's stripped down instrumentations, although Judy Kuhn is probably my favorite Florence. The rest of the OBC performers are generally mediocre, though.
I haven't heard the Swedish recording because, frankly, I'm not interested in listening to Chess in another language. I've heard various great things about it, though, if that's your thing.
Your best bet - as far as legally recorded albums go - is the Danish recording.
#8re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:11pm
I haven't even run across a Danish recording...time to search.
Actress-The clips make me happy too 
Edit
I agree about the London Cast. From the previews I've heard it does seem pretty cold.
#9re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:12pmI'm actually happy listening to the OBC, but I've never seen the show, dont have many opinions on different versions, and think that the music comes across well on the OBC.
#10re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:18pmplease elaine page is amazing on the london one.
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#11re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:18pm
Just to clarify, it's not the London cast that I feel is cold, it's the production on the concept album. Elaine Paige and Tommy Korberg are amazing.
I'm actually happy listening to the OBC, but I've never seen the show, dont have many opinions on different versions, and think that the music comes across well on the OBC.
In comparison to the other versions, the music is quite stripped down, and the performances seem bland to me. Check some of the other versions out when you have a chance.
#13re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:20pmI definitely plan on it. I just recently got into Chess and I love it right now. The London one will probably be my next purchase.
ashley0139
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/3/05
#14re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:25pmI'm in a Chess phase right now. I have the OBC, but I'm obsessed with listening to clips of the Concert. Talk about an all-star cast. I really love the music in this show.
Unknown User
Joined: 12/31/69
#17re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:34pm
I haven't heard the Swedish or Concert casts. (Isn't there a commercially available concert as well - not the Josh Groban one? I thought I saw it on Amazon.)
From what I've heard, the Danish is my favorite - but it's a pain to find.
jo
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#18re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:36pm
Michael Ball has the most incredible rendition of ANTHEM, from his mid 90's tv series, sung against the background of a Welsh male choir. Fantastic last notes!
On the same TV series, he sang a duet of YOU AND I ( also from CHESS) with Elaine Paige ( which they reprised this year in their concert in Bath, England)
Michael did record ANTHEM as part of his album " The Musicals".
I do prefer the fuller concept album with Elaine and Tommy Korberg. Sometimes I forget that the musical score was composed by the ABBA team, with Tim Rice's lyrics.
#19re: Chess
Posted: 9/1/06 at 10:40pmElaine Paige and Tommy Körberg are my favorite Florence and Anatoly, but the orchestrations on the concept album are so '80s that it's sort of difficult to listen to. I second the Danish tour album as the best legal recording of the show... I like the orchestrations, and it's the closest version to the original London production.
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