Composer

:

Benny Andersson

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1986

Average_duration

:

109:44

Movement_count

:

20

Movement ....

'Chess' is a musical with music composed by Benny Andersson, one of the members of the Swedish pop group ABBA, and lyrics written by Tim Rice. The plot revolves around a chess tournament between two grandmasters, one representing the United States and the other representing the Soviet Union, during the Cold War era. The musical explores themes of politics, love, and betrayal. The musical was composed in 1984 and premiered in London's West End in 1986. It was later adapted for Broadway in 1988, but the production was short-lived due to poor reviews. Despite this, 'Chess' has become a cult classic and has been revived numerous times in various countries. The musical is divided into two acts and features several movements, including "The Story of Chess," "Merano," "One Night in Bangkok," and "Anthem." The music is a blend of pop, rock, and classical styles, with notable songs such as "I Know Him So Well" and "Nobody's Side." The characters in 'Chess' are complex and multi-dimensional. The two grandmasters, Anatoly and Freddie, are both flawed individuals with their own personal struggles. Florence, the woman caught between them, is torn between her love for Anatoly and her loyalty to Freddie. The political figures, including the Soviet agent Molokov and the American agent Walter, add an element of intrigue and danger to the story. Overall, 'Chess' is a powerful and emotional musical that explores the human condition in the midst of political turmoil. The music is memorable and the characters are compelling, making it a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences around the world.

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