CHESS
Chess is the musical written by Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus with Tim Rice
Chess is the musical written by Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus with Tim Rice
The musical Chess is more about Chess people and the politics rather than the game of chess it self. The game of chess is used as a backdrop to the East v's West political battle that takes place.
There are five main characters in the musical:-
1. The American World Chess Champian Freddy Trumper.
2. The American's second Florence Vassy
3. The Russian challenger
4. The Russian's KGB employed second Molokov
5. The Russian's wife Svetlana.
The Musical first appeared as a studio album with many fine artist performing along with the London Symphony Orchestra. They included Elaine Paige, Murry Head, Tommy Korberg, Barbara Dickson, Denis Quilley & Bjorn Skifs.
The Studio Album was made up of two CD's with the following track listing:-
1. Merano
2. The Russian and Molokov/Where I Want To Be
3. Opening Ceremony
4. Quartet (A Model Of Decorum And Tranquillity)
5. The American And Florence/Nobody's Side
6. Chess
7. Mountain Duet
8. Florence Quits
9. Embasst Lament
10. Anthem
Disc 2
1. Bangkok/On Night In Bangkok
2. Heaven Help My Heart
3. Argument
4. I Know Him So Well
5. The Deal(No Deal)
6. Pity The Child
7. Endgame
8. Epilogue:You And I/The Story Of Chess
Chess finally made it as a stage production in 1986 in London. It stared many of the singers from the studio album hence this became the soundtrack album.
The next major production of Chess was the broadway production in 1987. This time the musical was changed to suit the American's.
In 1988 Chess made it's Australian debute in Sydney. This production underwent changes, going from a two city story to a one city story and all the songs were changed around. The musical was also effected by the bringing down of the Berlin wall. Some of the words were altered to keep the musical in the present day.
As Chess progressed more songs were added, the most notable song was "Someone Else's Story"
Besides the stage productions that have been staged in various cities and countries, theere has also been concert versions performed. The concert version in Gothenburg Sweden was record and a double CD released.
Karin Glenmark, Tommy Korberg, Anders Glenmark, Lena Ericsson and Johan Schinkler were the stars of this recording. Tommy Korberg once again singing the role of the Russian.
