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Jesus Christ Superstar-- Question about the score
Posted by: GavinLogan1 11:48 pm EDT 06/23/18

Has anyone out there worked on this show? If so, why is the music for the "Crucifixion" nothing more than a few sustained chords and some vocals? Where is the dissonant jazz-inflected music? My accompanist said that there isn't even a hint of a suggested guide. I saw a tour about a decade back that also had nothing but some sustained chords, and I found it odd.

Any insights? Thanks.
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re: Jesus Christ Superstar-- Question about the score
Posted by: Chromolume 11:58 pm EDT 06/23/18
In reply to: Jesus Christ Superstar-- Question about the score - GavinLogan1 11:48 pm EDT 06/23/18

The music you hear on the concept recording was clearly improvised in the studio. In the original score, the jazz piano moments were indeed indicated/suggested but not literally transcribed - so it's up to the pianist to come up with whatever they want to play there. But I also think that the whole Crucifixion sequence has been simplified and shortened in later versions, so perhaps the score you have reflects that instead?

In any case, I've never seen a score that set out to literally transcribe what is on the concept album at that point.
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re: Jesus Christ Superstar-- Question about the score
Posted by: GavinLogan1 12:05 am EDT 06/24/18
In reply to: re: Jesus Christ Superstar-- Question about the score - Chromolume 11:58 pm EDT 06/23/18

Thanks-- I had assumed that the music is improvised, based on suggested cues. What I found odd was that there seemed to be nothing but the sustained dissonant chord and some vocals. Also, you're correct-- much shortened.

But the original concept album, film version, 1996 version were all longer.

Anyway, mystery solved. Accompanist is an accomplished improviser, so I'll ask him to figure something out.

Thanks for the quick response.

Gavin :)
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