Customer Reviews

Chess in Concert (2 CD)

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

So I downloaded this more or less the second it was available. I've had the original concept album Chess for years now, and I was very excited to get the Menzel/Pascal/Groban(????) version. It is nice to get a more complete version than the original discs. The added songs have some of the connective tissue that hold the plot together make a substantial difference in listening to a cohesive show. But I'm afraid that musically, at least at first listen, it's only good, not great. And I'm not sure that it's as fun as the earlier recording either.

While I know the creators are touting this as the definitive version of Chess, the older recording has strengths this version lacks. Sure, Josh Groban as the Russian has a beautifully pure voice, but he brings little of the angst that Tommy Körberg brought to the original version, just as Adam Pascal brings little of the fun and snark that Murray Head has as the American. Again, on the concept discs Denis Quilley was a brilliant Malakov, and David Bedella can't match the profound bass or the evil glee of the previous recording. Idina Menzel is a capable Florence, though Elaine Page was wonderful too. The original was lush -- if anything, it's overproduced, but the grandeur of some of the numbers ("Merrano," "Mountain Duet" for example) was part of its charm. Some of these tracks seem a little less grand, and the lyrics have been altered in several places, rarely for the better.

Chess in Concert takes a while to get going. Act II of Chess in Concert is much stronger than Act I, whereas the opposite is true on the original concept discs. Lots of my issues with Chess in Concert redeem themselves in Act II. Pascal and Menzel are quite good, and even Groban sort of acts a role, and doesn't just sing. Chess in Concert really does get better as it goes on.

I'm not sorry I own it, and I will give it several listens before deciding what tracks get heavier rotation. But so far, it's just three and one-half stars to the original's four and one-half.

"Chess" is one of the most revised and re-revised shows in history. Beginning with the original concept album in 1984, the show went through a slightly altered London production, then a drastically altered Broadway version (which tanked), and numerous international productions since then, most of which combined songs and plot elements from both the London and New York productions. Still, Tim Rice seems to have wanted to present a "definitive" version, and so we have 'Chess in Concert', presented in London's Royal Albert Hall in 2008.

This version features some of today's brightest young stars from Broadway and the West End: Idina Menzel, Adam Pascal, Kerry Ellis, and Marti Pellow, as well as baritone crooner Josh Groban as Anatoly. Overall the cast is excellent, although Menzel's vocal stylings will perhaps not be to everyone's taste. She does, however, capture Florence's vulnerabilities quite well, and is an excellent vocal belter.

Kerry Ellis has the pleasure of singing "Someone Else's Story", now a song for Svetlana, whose character has been greatly expanded. She approaches the role with grace and a firm vocal confidence. "Rent" veteran Adam Pascal makes an excellent Freddie, capturing both his sleaziness and rather pathetic narcissism. Marti Pellow, the former UK pop star, takes on the role of the Arbiter, although he plays it coolly and with almost too much subtlety. Finally, Josh Groban is superb as Anatoly, his "Anthem" bringing down the Act I curtain with an inspirational and moving performance.

The orchestra under David Firman and the very entertaining chorus add polish and verve to the sometimes difficult and wordy score. Indeed, a lyric booklet would have been helpful (be sure to use the captioning when watching the DVD).

The CD includes most of the show as presented on the DVD, with some minor deletions of dialogue (the part of Walter has been drastically reduced), and most of the explicit language is retained, except for Freddie's use of the "f" word in Act II. I mention this only because there is no Parental Advisory sticker on the CD, so listeners who might be offended should take note.

Overall this is the most complete version of Chess yet recorded, and though nothing could ever replace the original concept album, it does stand on its own merits and hopefully will introduce this exciting and stirring pop opera to a new generation of listeners.

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.

I rarely purchase whole albums anymore, but I'm quite glad I did for this one. It has replaced Les miz as my current musical obsession. The songs catch in my head; even when I'm just crossing the street to go to the store, I whip put my iPod and start it up. While the musical phrases are well tied together, the songs themselves are unique. Josh Groban's rich voice is mesmerizing. Idina Menzel is fabulous as always, and Adam Pascal's performance crackles with energy. Best music I've bought this year. I also recommend the DVD though I do not yet own it.

a long detailed review of why I felt this recording significantly altered the original "Chess" musical, but I realized I'd be showing what a geek I am. And while I have the original Broadway cast recording, I bought it used, so I have no info on any of the cast members.
In my humble opinion, by putting Josh Groban in the part of the Russian, it makes the musical more about the Russian than I felt the other 2 versions were. The first version especially seemed to be more about Florence's story, which made it more interesting to me. And the Broadway version offers much more hope, with Florence's father making an appearance. This version ends on a very down note.
But why aren't I analyzing every word, every note, every reading? It's simple. Other reviewers have summed up the problem for me in 2 words and those two words are Idina Menzel. M's Menzel does not have the vocal power Elaine Page had in her recording. Elaine Page made Florence sound like a strong competent woman, which considering her history, she should have been. M's Menzel makes Florence sound as if she's a teenager on her first crush. It just didn't impress me.
Josh Groban has a beautiful voice, but he doesn't seem to be that conflicted about what he is doing - leaving his wife, children and country or leaving his lover to go back to Russia. Tommy Korberg seemed to be disturbed by the actions he was taking and the consequences that would be visited upon him.
And Adam Pascal is no match for Murray Head's reading of the part of the American. Murray Head not only brought the snark but also the pathos of the American's experience. Adam Pascal sounds a bit too controlled, not like he's facing a major mental breakdown from the loss of his title and his companion.
But some people love this production of "Chess". Even the creators say this was the version they wanted to create. But for me, it lacks the punch of the other 2 recordings Chess (1988 Original Broadway Cast) and Chess. So if you're a fan of Idina Menzel, you'll probably like this recording. I've listed to this one several times and I'm just not that impressed. Your mileage may vary.

This is a fantastic concert version of the music from the "Chess" concept album, and it may very well be my favorite recording of the musical to date. It also includes some additional tracks not included on the 1984 concept album.

The cast, orchestra, and chorus are all superb. Adam Pascal and Josh Groban steal the show with their performances of The American and The Russian, respectively. If there's one criticism I have of the album, it has to be (gasp!) Idina Menzel as Florence. Do not get me wrong here: I ADORE Idina and think she is a goddess. However, as incredibly talented as she is, she often has a tendency to ignore the original music and go off in her own direction. Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn't. But when she's singing these amazing songs that I love so much, especially "Nobody's Side" and "Heaven Help My Heart," I get irritated when she changes the music and fails to enunciate properly, etc. Sometimes I think she'd be much better as a pop star than a Broadway star. I love when she does that crazy high wailing thing that she does, but it can actually take away from a piece of music instead of enhancing it.

Despite Idina's unique vocal stylings, I very much enjoyed this CD.

I saw Chess at London's Prince Edward Theatre in 1987. I purchased the original cast recording the night of the show. Chess in Concert with Josh Groban brought back memories of my first trip to London. Groban's performance does not dissapoint. Excellent.

I have been a fan of Chess since the concept album first came out. I still feel this is one of the most underrated musicals of the past thirty years. Chess had the misfortune of being buried under the steamrollers of Les Mis and Phantom. Listening to it freshly, I am reminded what a witty and fun lyricist Tim Rice is and the ABBA guys have really hidden their roots in this sweeping and sometimes comic score.
That said,I hope this CD will lead to a new Broadway production. Having read the script (the production closed before I could see it), I think the Broadway production was a HUGE letdown from the London production and from the concept CD.
While I am not usually a concert CD fan, this seemed the only way to listen to what Rice is calling the "definitive" recording. While some of the aspects of the production are lost in concert setting and their is not as much room for characterization, the arrangements and orchestrations are phenomenal. It's like going back to somewhere you really enjoyed and seeing things you never saw before.
As to the casting...I'm not a Grobin fan although I can appreciate his vocals, he's not an actor (nor is he a Russian), but I really enjoyed the pureness of his vocals. Adam Pascal is a way better singer than Murray Head but there are times he over sings in my opinion...however his One Night in Bangkok is comparable to the original and heads and shoulders above the Broadway production. I was most excited about Idina Menzel as Florence as her personality is much more like what you would expect. However there are times that her voice is shrill and sounds almost like a child and she loses some of her umph. That said, I'm still a fan.
Overall I felt this recording filled in some of the blanks. Anyone who grew up on the concept CD is going to be partial to it as it was the FIRST exposure but I put this one up there with it. Now PLEASE PLEASE stage a revival. It's been long enough...it's practically a period piece.

This is the best Chess yet, even though it takes a couple of listenings to get adjusted to the new cast as I have been listening to the previous incarnations for 25 years and have grown accustomed to the performances on them. Pascal, Groban and Menzel all give a fresh new approach to their roles and their voices go great with the orchestrations and chorus. And it is great to have it on DVD, too, in an excellent presentation for a "concert version." One can only hope that the United States will finally get to see a Broadway version of Tim Rice's "final version."

IDINA MENZEL-ADAM PASCAL-JOSH GROBAN AND TIM RICE....NEED I SAY MORE???? What a great performance of Tim Rices' Chess!!!I would have to say that I LOVE this version more than all the others I've ever experienced in the past. As someone who has enjoyed many of the songs from Chess for years I have always been somewhat disappointed in the "disjointedness" and the seemingly "non-flow" of the story of Chess. However this "staged" production helps to make the story easier to follow. The superb voices in this cast make the songs I know and love even better! My only objections with this 2 CD set would be the fact that there are no lyrics included on the note liners and the way the performance was "cut" together {I would have preferred to hear ALL the lines SPOKEN AND SUNG}but overall I would recommend that if you like opera {or Tim Rice}this CD is a must have for you. I would also recommend buying the DVD version as well. {I have already told numerous friends and family...BUY THIS CD!!!}