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Jesus Christ Superstar -- a Review
By James Emery Vigh of profbruno.com
I have noticed that the rock opera "Jesus Christ Superstar" is still alive and kicking and touring internationally. First appearing on the stage in 1971, this was the first teaming up of Andrew Lloyd Webber (score) and Tim Rice (Lyrics). I first saw a concert version of this musical in Cleveland many years ago. The guitars, bass, drums, and keyboards, were accompanied by a full orchestra. After this (being an usher at the venue), I worked this show 4 more times as the full blown play -- but without an orchestra. A "hot" band did all of the instrumental work. Now, I have a lot of problems with this work in regards to the lyrics of Tim Rice. Except for a few numbers, the lyrics range from naive to banal to just plain silly ("Always hoped that I'd be an Apostle. Knew that I could make it if I tried. And when we retire we can write the Gospels so they'll still talk about us when we die.") Jesus of Nazareth is portrayed lyrically as neurotic, psychotic, and manic-depressive. His disciples are portrayed as utterly clueless. Quite the opposite is true on both counts. But when I first heard the album version of this rock opera, I was musically enthralled at the combination and the intertwining of classical music with pop, rock, jazz, and music. It was the whole point of the work. It had not been done before. I had issues with the lyrics, but the music was stupendous. Like I said earlier, I first saw this as a concert version with the full orchestra. I was able to get the feel of the original concept. Alas, nowadays if you happen to see this production, chances are you will not get to see it with a full orchestra. There will be a "hot band" instead. There are practical reasons for this of course. Full, or even chamber sized orchestras are expensive and this eats into the profit margin. But it's the whole point of the work -- that blending of classical with rock, pop, jazz, and folk. If you have the album (excuse me, the "CD" -- my age is showing), listen to "Gethsemane" for example. The power of this song is truly awesome (although lyrically...). I don't care how many keyboard players you use in a "hot band", you cannot adequately simulate the sound and the power of an orchestra with keyboards. Plus, it's the very idea of having an orchestra in the first place that makes the original work so special. It's the orchestra that portrays the classical influence. Digitized keyboards cannot do this. Without that orchestra, the very heart is cut out of the work, rendering it almost pointless. Of course, that's just my opinion. |
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It's quite awesome how you manage to separate your personal preferences from your genuine appreciation of artistic achievement.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Thank you. When I first heard the album, I was floored with the concept. Too bad about the lyrics...
Thank you for this. I know very little about music history and it is fascinating stuff. By the way, what is a "hot band"? I'm guessing you don't mean "hot" as in a band that's particularly in vogue at the time... right???
 | | nick Dec 29, 2009 14:29 | |
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Oh no, not at all. "Hot" is a musician's term. By "hot",I simply mean really good musicians. Thanks for your comment.
I didn't realize that this great Musical was still going strong after almost 40 years.
Thank you for another fine intel.
Have a Healthy, Happy New Year and beyond.
Frederick
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Well,I don't know about going strong, but it is currently touring. Thank you for your kind words. Have a great New Year! Jim
I agree orchestra vs band is like comparing the actual smell of flowers with a photo of the same.
CONTRIBUTOR'S REPLY
Oh you said that soooooo well. I wish that I would have come up with that! Thanks, and Happy New Year!
Jim
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