Presently, 10/2023,and I find this to be the very best of the best arrangement, orchestra, and vocalist to perform Anthem. Be it then or now he has a deliverance and control that is simply natural for every song.
I love Michael Ball! His style -'emotive' and distinctly innovative. Josh's great too but I love Michael's. He has a knack for making every song he sings 'his'!
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH finchytkd! The song is, while patriotic, is sublime, yet forceful. Michael Ball, delivers bothe the passion and the intensity in a manner that few can match--and those few are numbered amaong the greatest singers of our time.
I could listen to this incredible voice for hours on end. Power, control, quality. Another one I hope to have the privilege of seeing one day. Thanks for this video!
I'm sick of everybody saying that "Tommy" does the best rendition of this song... just because he originated it doesn't mean he's the best one. Michael Ball is a very talented artist and does a fabulous job
@@jespermeisel9799excuse me, your comment just raised my eyebrows. He sang this song a lot of times not only in this event. He also sang this in his own show in the 90s even having his own recording of this song, in BBC Proms. He even played the lead role in the limited run of Chess in London Palladium in 2018.
Why do people have to come onto a steller performance and just say "I prefer this person" and "he's ok but THIS PERSON is way better"? It's great to have your opinions but when MOST of the comments are like that, it gets annoying. Michael Ball's voice is friggin amazing. The emotion in it seriously gets me every time. I've loved his voice from a young age and I still love it.
Michael does have a great voice. It is what I consider a full voice. Yes he does have good range and when his voice goes high like all singers it thins out but I like it when he sings lower it is full. Soothing.
I agree with you. I have listened to both versions and personally I like Michael Ball's well known vocal vibrato better. His pitch is higher as well which allows him to soar to greater heights on the big notes.
I got to see him sing this incredible song in London in 2018! Chess was on for a short 5 week season and I am so so so lucky and grateful cause I was only there for 3 weeks and I live on the other side of the world. Outstanding singer and actor, Michael Ball take a bow!
I too was in London for 3 weeks in 2018 and saw Michael Ball in Chess. I also live on the other side of the world in NZ and was so grateful to see this fabulous singer/actor live.
Every singer, sings this with absolute passion, and its the passion that draws out the voice and power. Michael Ball, Tommy Korberg, James Fox and all the others they all produce such powerful emotional evoking renderings.
Wow That was great. And I think Korberg owns this song. Everyones voice is unique to themselves nop better just different. Michael has always had an upbeat aproach to all his songs he sings including here. Where as Korberg's version of this song is more sincere and hits you right in the heart. But both are great.
I just love Michael's version of this. I was also at Josh Groban's performance of it in 'Chess'. Different, but just as good. The standing O he received was just incredible.
Ball does a great job no doubt, but most people do love tommys version because he has one of the most powerful voices and most beautiful vibratos in the history of singing.
This is one of my favorite songs, and I will go to my grave insisting it was best performed by the late, sorely mourned, and incomparable David Carroll.
After reading these comments I had to check out Tommy Korberg's version. It was Beautiful but so is Michaels. Why can't we enjoy both? I'm totally loyal to Michael Ball but face it, the world has many lovely voices to share. I for one am always glad to hear a beautiful new(to me) voice. One doesn't have to take away from another. I sincerely thank God f/ all of the talented voices out there. (especially Michaels:) )
Agreed. It makes a much more fitting ending than a "subtle" vibrato, which has it's place as you say in certain songs - but others, such as this, call for something a bit more.
I came here from Tommy Körbergs version, and Michael does it well also. You can hear he is a native English speaker, but that is hardly any advanrage, after all it is a Russian we are supposed to be listening to. We are lucky to have many good singers do this majestic song.
Listened to this Again and checked the comments again, same ol argument "Who sings it better" so made me check out AW and DC's rendition. Its a good thing we live in a wide world full of different talent. Its good to be exposed to so many. I've still not heard Anything that touches My heart like Michaels, although I have to admit Tommys is fabulous. So bring on More Great singers to sing these Wonderful songs so we can enjoy them as each individual performs them. xxo to Michael.
He is very good, but I still prefer Tommy Körberg. Well, I guess it´s just a matter of taste, Michael Ball does it brillanty, of course. Tahnks for posting
@dlsw23 - I agree with you 100%. I was in a local production of Chess many years ago & practiced along with the US version. Then I discovered the British version. Now we have Idina, Josh Groban, Adam Pascal. I find that some people compare with so much viciousness, wickedness. I've read comments such as: this sucks...I hate this...I sing better than that... - It's mean, unkind, unfair. Everyone's talent has something different to offer. You can so enjoy one without putting down the other.
@tenoralkid Absolutely not true... Michael Ball isn't even a trained singer - he is an actor. And he sings all songs from that POW. He doesn't sing a song to hear how wonderful his voice is - he sings a song to tell a story. His voice is amazing though.
@@rgill2910 Sorry. The really great vocalists ARE actors. They must feel the lyrics and convey the story to the listener. Some great voices never achieve the heights, the ones who can't "act".
I have to say, although i love them both the same, I favor Josh Groban's version of Anthem a little more. But those dimples on Michael are to die for. ^_~
Let me put it this way, if the song i silent and pure like ave maria, it has to very gentle or not even there, just like the "Hitman Blood Money" theme, but if its a big song with lots of power, just like the end of this song, it has to be a big vibrato. The last note of this song, is just perfekt with him because hes vibrato is that big.
I love Michael Ball -- he's "the" Marius in LES MIS for me, and he sounds wonderful here -- but I'm just now realizing that some of his facial expressions look a little like Jackie Gleason's.
Please also check out the late great Norwegian, Jan Werner's version. Also check him out singing 'Air' at the Nobel Peace Prize concert 2003 - BREATHTAKING!! R.I.P. Jan
Es un placer escucharte cantar tan bello this Moment , tus ojos dulces , tu voz una campana tu rostro de angel tu simpatia irradia alegria. Heres un ser especil. Silvy.🌹.
A great voice and, as someone writes below, well suited to this song. However, is anyone counting on the last note? Part of the wondrous strength and drama of "Anthem" is the sustained ending, and I cannot understand why when even amateurs do a fair job of keeping their "heart" in it to the end, Mr. Ball leaves early.
Yup. Pretty good here. I'm not huge fan of Mr. Ball's, but when he's not "chewing the scenery" or loving the sound of his own voice, he's quite good. I prefer Anthony Warlow's Anthem, though. BTW, the top note at the end would be an A-natural and no-one wants to hear him sing that.
It's simultaneously subtle and patently obvious... But for the layman/women... It might be challenging to hear. But for someone with a good ear...This guy is excellent but nowhere close to Tommy Körberg . Watch his 1992 performance in Stockholm. He connects with it on an emotional level that you can't fake.
I won't disagree that too much vibrato is a bad thing - but I genuinely can't see the problem in this recording. It's how he sings most things, and to be fair, he's had a hell of a career out of it. And as I said before - if you really want to tell everyone how bad vibrato is, do it on Andrea Bocelli's videos - still an excellent singer but uses vibrato much more obviously than Michael Ball.
you should check out Anthony Warlow's version. Its quite different from Korberg's version and you might not it more, but I do. If it's any consolation, Warlow is 10x better than Ball and Groban.
No vibrato is too big. It's certainly not as exaggerated as Andrea Bocelli's. From your name, I'm guessing you're into music or study music or whatever, so you should know a vibrato warms the note and helps to hold pitch :)
no way on hell...Ball is a true actor and can sing and fill the content- McDowall is passable at best- has no vocal power to his voice at all.......no comparison
We went to see him live just to hear his wonderful voice. Happy memories. Linda
Presently, 10/2023,and I find this to be the very best of the best arrangement, orchestra, and vocalist to perform Anthem. Be it then or now he has a deliverance and control that is simply natural for every song.
Dear Michael. Your smile is electric! Love you to bits!!!
Can't stop listening to Micheael Ball singing amazing voice ❤
I love Michael Ball! His style -'emotive' and distinctly innovative. Josh's great too but I love Michael's. He has a knack for making every song he sings 'his'!
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH finchytkd! The song is, while patriotic, is sublime, yet forceful. Michael Ball, delivers bothe the passion and the intensity in a manner that few can match--and those few are numbered amaong the greatest singers of our time.
I could listen to this incredible voice for hours on end. Power, control, quality. Another one I hope to have the privilege of seeing one day. Thanks for this video!
I'm sick of everybody saying that "Tommy" does the best rendition of this song... just because he originated it doesn't mean he's the best one. Michael Ball is a very talented artist and does a fabulous job
Well he does. and the reason is Michael dont seem to know what he is singing. and im a brit..
@@jespermeisel9799excuse me, your comment just raised my eyebrows. He sang this song a lot of times not only in this event. He also sang this in his own show in the 90s even having his own recording of this song, in BBC Proms. He even played the lead role in the limited run of Chess in London Palladium in 2018.
@@jespermeisel9799I think you're just tone deaf or you just don't appreciate how talented Michael Ball is. That's it. Bye.
I agree with you. Michael Ball does a fabulous job.😊
Why do people have to come onto a steller performance and just say "I prefer this person" and "he's ok but THIS PERSON is way better"? It's great to have your opinions but when MOST of the comments are like that, it gets annoying. Michael Ball's voice is friggin amazing. The emotion in it seriously gets me every time. I've loved his voice from a young age and I still love it.
Sooo talented adore his voice
Man. His voice gets me every time. So does this song. I love that it can be applied to any country.
Michael does have a great voice. It is what I consider a full voice. Yes he does have good range and when his voice goes high like all singers it thins out but I like it when he sings lower it is full. Soothing.
Superb singing and superb voice!
He just makes it seems so easy, esp witht the high notes.
Michael is my favourite..plenty of emotion, cant be beaten!
Incredible voice
A fabulous rendition. Michael Ball has a tremendous voice and so well suited to this song.
Just wonderful....It is time for another trip down under Mr Ball
Fabulous voice. Still as perfect today.
I want him to sing everything. Ever.
I love listening to Michael, and I love this song.
I agree with you. I have listened to both versions and personally I like Michael Ball's well known vocal vibrato better. His pitch is higher as well which allows him to soar to greater heights on the big notes.
DAMN! He can sing!!!
so true right?
Josh Groban has an AMAZING voice and i adore him... but NO ONE can match Michael Ball's tenor. Brilliant.
magnificent! One of his very best!
I was at the Albert Hall last May for Chess. Josh Groban got a very well deserved standing ovations both nights when he sang this. It was wonderful.
I have never liked Michael Ball's singing before, but this completely changed it for me.
I got to see him sing this incredible song in London in 2018! Chess was on for a short 5 week season and I am so so so lucky and grateful cause I was only there for 3 weeks and I live on the other side of the world. Outstanding singer and actor, Michael Ball take a bow!
I too was in London for 3 weeks in 2018 and saw Michael Ball in Chess. I also live on the other side of the world in NZ and was so grateful to see this fabulous singer/actor live.
Every singer, sings this with absolute passion, and its the passion that draws out the voice and power. Michael Ball, Tommy Korberg, James Fox and all the others they all produce such powerful emotional evoking renderings.
Wow That was great. And I think Korberg owns this song. Everyones voice is unique to themselves nop better just different. Michael has always had an upbeat aproach to all his songs he sings including here. Where as Korberg's version of this song is more sincere and hits you right in the heart. But both are great.
~Fabulous, raises the hair on my neck!~
Magnificent voice
and we get to listen to MICHAEL nearly every sunday on radio2 show hes just brillant with his quiz on the ball very funny
I just love Michael's version of this. I was also at Josh Groban's performance of it in 'Chess'. Different, but just as good. The standing O he received was just incredible.
Fantastic voice.
Amazing voice, moving words
Ball does a great job no doubt, but most people do love tommys version because he has one of the most powerful voices and most beautiful vibratos in the history of singing.
Really gooo but.... As almost every swede would say.. Noone does it like Mr T :)
Awesome..great voices
You should hear him sing it now. He gave up smoking two years ago...phenomenal....
This is one of my favorite songs, and I will go to my grave insisting it was best performed by the late, sorely mourned, and incomparable David Carroll.
After reading these comments I had to check out Tommy Korberg's version. It was Beautiful but so is Michaels. Why can't we enjoy both? I'm totally loyal to Michael Ball but face it, the world has many lovely voices to share. I for one am always glad to hear a beautiful new(to me) voice. One doesn't have to take away from another. I sincerely thank God f/ all of the talented voices out there. (especially Michaels:) )
He's great but Tommy Körberg is the man of this song. Love Michael Ball but grew up with hearing Körberg so this is always gonna be his song for me.
Agreed. It makes a much more fitting ending than a "subtle" vibrato, which has it's place as you say in certain songs - but others, such as this, call for something a bit more.
This song is incredible live. :) I've seen Josh Groban do it in 'Chess' and just... WOW.
I'm in love
I came here from Tommy Körbergs version, and Michael does it well also. You can hear he is a native English speaker, but that is hardly any advanrage, after all it is a Russian we are supposed to be listening to. We are lucky to have many good singers do this majestic song.
Listened to this Again and checked the comments again, same ol argument "Who sings it better" so made me check out AW and DC's rendition. Its a good thing we live in a wide world full of different talent. Its good to be exposed to so many. I've still not heard Anything that touches My heart like Michaels, although I have to admit Tommys is fabulous. So bring on More Great singers to sing these Wonderful songs so we can enjoy them as each individual performs them. xxo to Michael.
I just love him
Stunning
He is very good, but I still prefer Tommy Körberg. Well, I guess it´s just a matter of taste, Michael Ball does it brillanty, of course. Tahnks for posting
bravo!!!
ooooh if only this could be our country's anthem!! so patriotic :)
@dlsw23 - I agree with you 100%. I was in a local production of Chess many years ago & practiced along with the US version. Then I discovered the British version. Now we have Idina, Josh Groban, Adam Pascal. I find that some people compare with so much viciousness, wickedness. I've read comments such as: this sucks...I hate this...I sing better than that... - It's mean, unkind, unfair. Everyone's talent has something different to offer. You can so enjoy one without putting down the other.
@tenoralkid Absolutely not true...
Michael Ball isn't even a trained singer - he is an actor.
And he sings all songs from that POW.
He doesn't sing a song to hear how wonderful his voice is - he sings a song to tell a story.
His voice is amazing though.
I agree with you. His intonation is very natural, like he's talking to you, but in song. He draws you in. What an amazing talent.
@@rgill2910 Sorry. The really great vocalists ARE actors. They must feel the lyrics and convey the story to the listener. Some great voices never achieve the heights, the ones who can't "act".
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
@Ghelfaba Thank you! finally someone who agrees with me!!! There's excellence in all these guys' performances.
I have to say, although i love them both the same, I favor Josh Groban's version of Anthem a little more. But those dimples on Michael are to die for. ^_~
Let me put it this way, if the song i silent and pure like ave maria, it has to very gentle or not even there, just like the "Hitman Blood Money" theme, but if its a big song with lots of power, just like the end of this song, it has to be a big vibrato. The last note of this song, is just perfekt with him because hes vibrato is that big.
I love Michael Ball -- he's "the" Marius in LES MIS for me, and he sounds wonderful here -- but I'm just now realizing that some of his facial expressions look a little like Jackie Gleason's.
Detectivefiction i
I agree, with the vibrato he used here, the note went from warm to bumpy.
He is so much- I wish him to sing to mu country Finland- for ever
From Chess. An excellent musical but not understood by many.
❤❤❤
Please also check out the late great Norwegian, Jan Werner's version. Also check him out singing 'Air' at the Nobel Peace Prize concert 2003 - BREATHTAKING!! R.I.P. Jan
Es un placer escucharte cantar tan bello this Moment , tus ojos dulces , tu voz una campana tu rostro de angel tu simpatia irradia alegria. Heres un ser especil. Silvy.🌹.
A great voice and, as someone writes below, well suited to this song. However, is anyone counting on the last note? Part of the wondrous strength and drama of "Anthem" is the sustained ending, and I cannot understand why when even amateurs do a fair job of keeping their "heart" in it to the end, Mr. Ball leaves early.
@scottishlad1987 Yeah he Nailed it !
DOES ANYONE HAVE MICHAEL BALL'S BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATER , PLEASE POST IT FOR ME, THANK YOU
how come he didn't go for the high note at the end like he has done before? just curious.
Agreed
This anthem must be to Whales.......but, for me.....he could sing the telephone book! He is wonderful!!!
Yup. Pretty good here. I'm not huge fan of Mr. Ball's, but when he's not "chewing the scenery" or loving the sound of his own voice, he's quite good. I prefer Anthony Warlow's Anthem, though. BTW, the top note at the end would be an A-natural and no-one wants to hear him sing that.
Is this song inspired by Pomps and Circumstances?
great song ive performed it myself
at 2:10 it suddenly sounds like the sixthgrade band started blasting. wtf? He's so good! couldn't they have given him a better back up band?
Marius!!!!!
It's simultaneously subtle and patently obvious... But for the layman/women... It might be challenging to hear. But for someone with a good ear...This guy is excellent but nowhere close to Tommy Körberg . Watch his 1992 performance in Stockholm. He connects with it on an emotional level that you can't fake.
any one hear LINDA Eder's version its fantastic!
That's right. If you love this song you have to accept that Tommy Körberg's version is the best!
I won't disagree that too much vibrato is a bad thing - but I genuinely can't see the problem in this recording. It's how he sings most things, and to be fair, he's had a hell of a career out of it.
And as I said before - if you really want to tell everyone how bad vibrato is, do it on Andrea Bocelli's videos - still an excellent singer but uses vibrato much more obviously than Michael Ball.
you should check out Anthony Warlow's version. Its quite different from Korberg's version and you might not it more, but I do. If it's any consolation, Warlow is 10x better than Ball and Groban.
Well, the highest note is a G. It's not THAT high. Most baritones can reach that. But he sings it well.
No one can touch Korberg's version
No vibrato is too big. It's certainly not as exaggerated as Andrea Bocelli's. From your name, I'm guessing you're into music or study music or whatever, so you should know a vibrato warms the note and helps to hold pitch :)
Do you know the meaning of the word ironic??
it does feel like a higher .... not sure... than original, or its just a slighter weaker voice. interesting take.
I personally enjoy Josh Grobans the most, but I agree with dlsw23, who says there has to be a "best"?
good but watch the tommy körberg :)
he's inspired me to sing.check out gypwin
Michael sounds fantastic...it's a shame the brass in the orchestra is terribly overbalanced
have look at mine 1Arwel
I prefeer Jay McDowall voice!
no way on hell...Ball is a true actor and can sing and fill the content- McDowall is passable at best- has no vocal power to his voice at all.......no comparison
Duration isn't everything. Korberg has no soul.
His vibrato is just weird. Quivering...
Michael Travis Risner-sad person.Just try to enjoy the music and don't say 'no-one wants to hear him sing that'.Pompous oaf.
lovely......liz he can sing. I'm in love with him
I prefer Jai McDowall !! More emotion
He's just singing what's written.
haha that trumpet player is awful!!! so flat!