Ian Gillan did two takes of this song, I think this was the second, and defined how it should be performed for almost everyone who followed. He never sang it again. Some may prefer other versions. I think this is the best. He recorded all his vocals for the album in an afternoon as the band had a gig that evening. You're right about the warmth in his tone. I don't think anyone else quite has, that along with the range and dynamics. Check out his performance on Deep Purple's Concerto for Group and Orchestra. You can find edits on UA-cam.
Well, he never sang it in a studio again. He occasionally sings parts of it as part of live jams, though of course he goes to Superstar more often due to audience recognition.
A bit of background info: Ian sings the part of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. He only sang in the concept album, which was recorded in 1970. It would have been an Off-Broadway or even a Broadway musical but no one wanted to make it into a show. They thought it would be a terrible idea. They were wrong. A year after the concept album was released, it became a Broadway musical. Two years after that, it became a movie-musical. It was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice when they were in their TWENTIES. I have read the sheet music for this song and Ian improvised a LOT. Especially with the high notes. The only high note was supposed to be the final “cup” of the song. The specific note for the “WHYYYYYY” is a G5. That was 100% improvised. The little orchestra solo that you said was 5/4 time is 5/8. I can recognize it because I’ve been reading and listening to music for the intent of understanding it since I was in fourth grade. Gethsemane is supposed to be based off of Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (geth-SEH-muhn-ee), which means “Mount of the Olives”. It is the first Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary. You can read it in the Bible (Mt 26:36-46; Mk 14:32-42; Lk 22:39-46). I’ve known this for forever because I’m a practicing Catholic and have been all my life and I read the Bible sometimes. So… yeah… background info.
Simply the best version, I think. Gillan reaches into the soul with this. This entire album is beyond exceptional. You mention the base line and you hit it right. This record is a lesson in funk for the ages.
The change at the end is the theme of Judas coming in. At this place in the opera, he comes with the guards that arrest Jesus. I heard somewhere that Ian nailed the entire recording in one day, just a couple of takes per track. An interesting point regarding the lyrics: his first high screams are to the text "Why should I die?", the second time it's "Alright! I'll die". As for Purple, you have definitely heard Smoke on the water before, but the song to react to is Child in time.
As a four year old my parentes brought me to West End in -73, and to this day I remember every set, every move, every chord and every note.... I was transfixed. And this recording and album is what I heard that evening, they kept the recorded arangement and carried it over on stage. This music and this album is very special to me.
I would STRONGLY recommend watching the video from the first JCS movie featuring Ted Neeley in the starring role...it was life-changing for me. Also, check out the song "Child in Time" for more of Deep Purple...they are a must-binge band.
Not sure I would've gone with "enthusiasm" as a descriptor of the first part, I've always read it as equal parts anger and anguish, leading to angry resignation. The second part shows the depths of that resignation, ending with defiance. An excellent performance by Ian Gillian.
Thanks Bryan! I even got to hear the song playing twice in the video 😊. Jesus Christ Superstar was the very first album to be called a Rock Opera, I'm pretty sure. Oh, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's first big hit. Ian Gillian sang the part of Jesus on the album but never played it live because of his commitment to Deep Purple. As for Deep Purple, I think everyone has heard Smoke On The Water.
There is no way that this singer sings Smoke on the Water! Wow, dude's got range (or my memory is faulty 😅). Wow I don't know how I made the mistake of starting the song again. I hope it didn't ruin the reaction too badly. On my tiny phone speakers I'm getting a bit drowned out near the end.
I love the entire album. But I do want to say Heaven on their Minds from the 1973 movie is an amazing song from JCS. The amount of passion in that performance is off the charts
This is the first ever original recording from the 1970 concept LP - Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice, using Joe Cocker's Grease Band with orchestra and chorus singers.
Do you have an idea what instruments play in Gethsemane? I could hear cello, guitar, trumpet, trombone?, bassoon?, horn, trombone?, clarinet?, piano, organ, bass guitar, flute?, Moog synthesizer?, drums...? I am not sure about any of these but I need to find out for a school assignment. Maybe you or someone else can help out :) Thanks in advance!
@@tarakerschies I think you've nailed it pretty much. But following is the instrument list from the liner notes of the original 1970 LP (used across the whole album): DRUMS PERCUSSION BASS GUITAR ELECTRIC & ACOUSTIC GUITARS PIANO ELECTRIC PIANO ORGAN POSITIVE ORGAN TENOR SAXOPHONE MOOG SYNTHESIZER BASSOON(S) CLARINET FLUTE(S) HORN(S) TRUMPET(S) TROMBONE(S) plus.. ORCHESTRA (City of London Ensemble)
I love this version. Ian provides a wonderful performance (my personal favorite). For context, this song gethsemane (pronounced gheth-SEM-uh-nee) is named after the garden in which jesus talks to God before accepting the fact that he is going to die. Edit: Deep Purple is a rock band from the late 60's and 70's. They, along with Black Sabbath and a couple other bands from that time, are known for sowing the seeds of what would be come metal. If you get a chance to do them, I personally love the song burn, though it's not the best representation of the band, it's a good song.
Interesting, did not know Ian Gillan did a rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar. I'm not super familiar with this musical, but regardless, great that we got a reaction of something like this. Love the variety we get on this channel! Lol at the second playthrough of the song. Totally didn't mind it.
Absolute best version of this song!❤ This was the version I did a solo to in one of my Broadway themed Dance Recitals. So emotional and heartbreaking to try to dance to.❤
Ian Gillan is the goat. Whoever thought to include the lead singer of a hard rock group like deep purple in this rock opera about jesus deserved more money than they got
Ted Neely is the only performer whose Jesus matched Gillan for power and screaming. So check out the 1973 film version. Plus, Neely is a drummer from Texas, and his feel for timing and phrasing is superior, I find. I also find it cool that in his 70s, the only thing that stopped (paused) Neely as Jesus was Covid-19.
You were asking for a different updated take on this song. Try listening and watching the video of this sone from Steve Balsamo performing this live Musicals in Ahoy concert 2004. It is slowed down in tempo and very emotional. You may be able to hear the instrument layers more clearly
Ian Gillan - the original JCSS album artist. From the many times I've listened to this album, I feel I know all the lyrics, the music and the instrumentation so intimately. There have been many brilliant singers who have since played the part, but none, IMHO, have ever sung the part with the passion and presence as Gillan. Check out the original album rather than the salvaged video to get the full deal. His singing with Deep Purple has some similarities, the same gutsy, heartfelt way he sings. Known as 'the singing hair', but meant in a very much respectful way.
It was Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice Lyrics. It became popular in recent decades for bands to rerecord their music with an Orchestra. Far as I recall, this was the first ambitious live merging of Rock Band and Orchestra EVER! It was a true Rock Opera. It's own genre. There were concept albums, like Thick as a Brick and THE WALL, and Quadrophenia and Tommy were similar, but this told the story with no dialog, just song. When you asked which character was singing it was Jesus Christ. Maybe the imminent crucification in the song might have given it away? Plus the title of the album was a big clue. Lol( just kidding) I say that because the lyrical interpretation is brilliant. Webber or Rice( cannot remember) was an atheist I believe. That said, to appreciate the work, you need to follow the story. The song Gethsemane takes place in a Garden near where Jesus had just finished his Last Supper/ Passover Dinner in Jerusalem. Jesus and his apostles adjourn to sleep. Judas had just betrayed Jesus. Jesus would be arrested within minutes of finishing this song. Tried and crucified by the next day. These are Jesus last moments spent in terror. Beaten beyond recognition and crucifiction was imminent. The religious version of this point in the story is generally the "agony" in the garden. And so the vocalist must be capable of hitting G above C( G5). If you listen again, the first part of the song is anguish, anger, fear, " agony". Even though this moment was eventual for Jesus, he is afraid enough to ask God to " take this cup away from me, for I don't want to taste it's poison." The song then changes, and there is a glimmer of resolve to finish. At that point he begs for it to come before he changes his mind. Webber and Rice focus on the Human who was Jesus and you are left to contemplate the supernatural. Even the title created a controversy. Superstar was in a sense padjorative. In 1970, SUPERSTAR was commonly used to describe pop stars etc. If you DON'T STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND WATCH THE ORIGINAL AND LISTEN, you miss a one of a kind work. This was a Rock Opera in the full majesty of that genre. The best and one of a kind. To begin with, the lead, from a musical standpoint is Judas. Ben Vareen originally played the part on Broadway but it was Carl Williams part. Ted Neeley is generally credited as the original Jesus. Why? Neeley played the part in the original album, the movie, and reprised in on Broadway and all over the world for 45 years+( Into the 2000s). John Legend spent his own money to " bring it to this generation " in 2018. A NYC made for TV production that became a video and CD. 50 YEARS! It has always toured somewhere with Gilliam along the way. Worth a listen. Frankly for what you are doing, HEAVEN ON THEIR MINDS is the first song. " Down and Dirty"? The song is composed through a guitar riff that defines what Rock considers down and dirty. Don't miss it! It is great from beginning to end.
That middle when he was "wailing and he didn't know what to do" ... that was his come to Jesus moment. I hope everyone reading this has one. Good review overall.
Lmao, I love Jesus Christ Superstar, I sang along to this song in my bedroom all the time. IMO the '73 version with Ted Neely is the best by far, but I have nostalgia, Judas in that version is ICONIC as well. Check out Blood Money from that version, or the Last Supper. They have video with them as well. As an unrelated suggestion listen to Car Bomb - Hela. They're a great modern mathcore band.
I was groomed on the London version of JCS so I think Ian is better in the recording. Though i got to see Neely do it live in the 90's and he was fantastic live.
Loved your reaction! Do you have an idea what other instruments play in Gethsemane? I could hear cello, guitar, trumpet, trombone?, bassoon?, horn, trombone?, clarinet?, piano, organ, bass guitar, flute?, Moog synthesizer?, drums...? I am not sure about any of these but I need to find out for a school assignment. Maybe you or someone else can help out :) Thanks in advance!
You've heard Deep Purple. I guarantee you've heard "Smoke on the Water". Also the requester got the vocalist's last name wrong: Gillan, not Gillian. Deep Purple has some really strong musicians in it, notably John Lord and Ritchie Blackmore. I'm guessing you weren't brought up Christian based on your pronunciation of Gethsemane and your difficulty figuring out what that character is (Jesus).
Umm, did you know you started playing the track again at 12:18? Not a big problem, though it drowned out some of your commentary at the end. I know this musical thanks to my parents who played it for me as a kid (the film version though). Haven't heard it in ages and had no idea Ian Gillian ever sang it, but turns out he was on the original concept album! Quick note: title is pronounced "geth-SEM-uh-nee," and another poster pointed out the Biblical significance. Gillian definitely has range: check out Child in Time for proof of that. Deep Purple themselves were a crucial band in the development of hard rock and metal along with Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, but they seem to be the least appreciated of the three. Highway Star is a great track to check out from them. More than any classic rock band they were probably responsible for cranking up the speed and focusing on writing lead melodic lines for the guitar and organ.
Yeah, that was a mistake. Usually I keep one eye on my EQ but for some reason I never gave it a look or I would have seen that my music track was getting input. So other's have pointed out that Deep Purple did Smoke on the Water but I'm not hearing Ian's voice when I think about that song (it's been forever since I heard it so that could be the problem) but I can totally hear Ian singing Highway Star. So I do know a couple of (I'm guessing) their more popular works. I wonder if there are any other songs I might have heard but never knew the band that played it.
@@CriticalReactions Smoke on the Water and Highway Star were definitely their two biggest hits, though Hush, Burn, Fireball, Perfect Strangers, and a handful of others were definitely hits back in the day too. Like I said, probably the best song that shows off his range is Child in Time.
probably not gonna happen, but here. react to Endless by ZILF, they are a duo from the UK that make.. something. They are like a mix of metalcore, djent, mathcore and so much more. On their bandcamp they describe themselves as "Pure pop sludge anthems stolen from a UFO that crash-landed in the beautiful countryside of [REDACTED], UK." Endless is one of the singles from their first album that came out in June and it's pretty epic. Highly recommend. (The music vid on their channel is also a lyric vid)
IAN GUILLAN, " GETHSEMANE" A very good version of this SUNG by Ted Neely in the Movie 1973. The Character was Jesus Christ. Ian was in the folk group DEEP PURPLE...
did lan play in the movie did he sing on the album, no has millions of people for fourty years go to see him sing in therter , no so tell me again whos best
Trying to be helpful, so please take it that way ... The singer's name has only 1 "i" in it, so it's Ian Gillan, not Gillian. Also, the name of the song is pronounced, Geth-sem-men-knee. It is the place where Jesus decided to argue with God about God's plan, his being crucified and then finally, his coming to grips with it's inevitability.
The change at the end is the same as the intro for the entire musical and does run a thread throughout. I had this album when I was 10 or 11 years old. My parents had lots of Beatles albums and things - hip to the times :) It is great to see a younger composer listen and share about this song. I preferred this original "brown" angel double album from the musical. I didn't enjoy watching the movie - and mostly because of missing Ian Gillian's vocals, even at that young age, and because they made Judas a black man. Even that that young age (I'm now in my early sixties).....I thought that was wrong, typecasting the "bad" guy who betrays Jesus as black. Racial stereotyping I recognized even at 13 years old. And of course I went into Deep Purple and all sorts of "heavy" music my parents weren't fans of, but I sing/play guitar, etc and I believe all of this was influential to my development. Thanks!
I am a decent amatuer singer and have heard this passage hundreds of times. I have been able to reproduce it with my own voice(not the sustaining high screams!) to my liking !! To me, Gillan was the top rock singer-Freddy,Brad Delp,Steve Perry and so on are very very good-but Gillan was the best.
As a matter of fact, shortly after you recorded this they released a remaster in 2021. You'd be doing yourself a massive favor by looking into Deep Purple. They're among the best of the glam rock bands, with classics like Highway Star, Smoke on the Water, and Perfect Strangers, among others. Ian played the character, Jesus, only for the concept album. Deep Purple were making more in a single show than the musical could promise him for the entire run, so Ted Neeley took over the part.
The OG - Ian Gillan (Deep Purple). Jesus Christ Superstar 1970 album before it was ever a Broadway show or film (Ted Neeley). Brilliant music and he's awesome. Do some research, young man.
You are the only reviewer to choose the correct version of this song to review. Everyone else chose the far inferior Ted Neely version on the live album.
You haven’t heard Deep Purple? or Jesus Christ Superstar? Try Deep Purple Child in Time, Smoke on the Water, Highway Star, Lazy. Do you know the bible at all? Of course it is Jesus Christ singing. Ian is considered a foundational metal singer. Deep Purple is grandfathered into the Metal Trinity.
Smoke on the Water is familiar but I don't think I ever had a band name to attach to the song. I can't say I know it in its entirety either though, just the "smoooooooke on the waaaaater" and then the famous guitar riff. I guess diving into Deep Purple is something I need to do.
Oh, I just love this musical so much. It is required viewing at Christmastime at my house. I never heard this version with Ian Gillian, but the magnificent Ted Neeley just killed this song in the 70s movie and for decades on Broadway. Check it out for sure, there are videos on UA-cam.
No one....NO ONE....Can match Ted Neely in this role. His voice, his expression, his emotion, his incredible vocal range. In the 1970's and even in the 2000's and beyond, he continued to absolutely crush this! Ted Neely IS Jesus!
The 1996 cast recording with Steve Balsalmo is excellent as well. The Ian Gilan recording you just heard is known as a concept recording, meaning it's an album recorded before the show is staged or any theatrical elements planned (costumes, lighting, casting). And sometimes, people that mat star in a concept album are not the original actors from Broadway or London. Concept albums were played in the 70s and 80s to promote theatre on the radio. Concept albums really aren't as big as they were. One of the most popular concept albums of the 1980s was Chess by the composers of ABBA. It had a few pop songs on it and even Whitney Huston performed I know Him So Well from the mystical since some of the songs became popular. She's not on the concept album. She just liked the song I guess. Elaine Page sings the song on the concept album. One Night in Bangkok was one of the biggest hits from the musical. And in this case, I think Murray Head and Elaine Page were on the original London stage production. Chess is oddball, but one I love. You either hate or love it. It's so 80s. Even in the concept notes it states that Chess is a work in progress. On fact, Chess has been through 5 books/librettos. A book is the script and dialogue spoken, or the play part of the musical. It started off as a sung through musical in London -- basically little to no script. No London Cast Recording exists, just the concept album. However, the Danish cast recording of Chess starring Stig Rosen is performed on English and basically rivals the London script. In fact, it had too much of the show that ABBA told the producers that the Danish cast recording 1st pressing had to be pulled from circulation as it had too many unauthorized unreleased tracks and is basically the full show. When it moved to Broadway, Chess was re-written and actually had a 3 hours worth of dialogue and music. Most if the songs from the London production were cut or revamped into smaller versions. Broadway critics hated and it closed after just little over 1,000 performances. It was until mid 200os that Tim Rice, the lyricist for Chess said that there is an official script fur Chess and the Broadway is not the official version. However due to Actors Equity abs some American copyright laws, lots of American productions follow the Broadway book. Despite all of its changes and versions of Chess, One Night on Bangkok can still sometimes be heard played on an oldies station. While people may have no clue what Chess is, people may know One Night in Bangkok. And if you hate disco or disco rap, You'd probably hate it. I love the song The Arbiter from Chess, but my sister hates that song with a passion since it's so cringey for her. But if you're into girl power, Nobodys Side from Chess rocks. It's one of the shows hits that really isn't pop. Maybe it is pop, but not your average everyday pop audio song. Chess and Jesus Chris Superstar rocks. P.S if you want pure cringe but is music to my ears listen to The Arbiter from Chess (original danish cast recording in English). Actually, that one is kind of rare, so listen to this instead ua-cam.com/video/DOnVgwU07Kk/v-deo.html. It may be cringe but it rocks.
Need to listen Ted ñeely from the movie. Best version. Set in Israel acting, while climbing a mountain.. this doesn't have the passion. This is Judas' version of what happened. Wonderful singers in the movie.
and im sorry one more thing you not only hear ted sing the part and play the part but you can feel throigh him the painhe knows hes about to endureor at least i can hes not just singing a song,
Found that out after the fact, hence the subtitle in the thumbnail -- which might not be readable depending on the size in UA-cam. I sometimes forget that I make them at a much larger size than YT displays. I definitely need to check this musical out now.
Disagree. Gillan shows emotion & even fragility in this, the original version, even the high ‘wails’ show emotion, he lives the song. Sure, Neely is a great performer but that’s exactly what I got from him in the film, a performance, meaning the ‘song acting’ distracted from the emotion the song’s words conveys.
I know Gillan was the first but you've got to hear Ted Neeley's rendition in the 1973 film. The way he hits those top notes is spine tingling stuff:- ua-cam.com/video/VyKDoivRdIo/v-deo.html Apparently they weren't in the score. Gillan put them in, they certainly work.
Ian Gillian sang on the original JCS concept album, which came before the Broadway show. Strange you could be a JCS snob and not know this (granted, I only just now learned this by looking it up).
![Ian Gillan Gethsemane [Christ Superstar] | Artist & Vocal Performance Coach Reaction & Analysis](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ik_LV1yPiKw/mqdefault.jpg)
![Ian Gillan Gethsemane [Christ Superstar] | Artist & Vocal Performance Coach Reaction & Analysis](/img/tr.png)
Man you are bobbing your head yadda yadda yadda. This is great, and it goes right by you.
Ian Gillan did two takes of this song, I think this was the second, and defined how it should be performed for almost everyone who followed. He never sang it again. Some may prefer other versions. I think this is the best. He recorded all his vocals for the album in an afternoon as the band had a gig that evening. You're right about the warmth in his tone. I don't think anyone else quite has, that along with the range and dynamics. Check out his performance on Deep Purple's Concerto for Group and Orchestra. You can find edits on UA-cam.
This is the model that all other singers of this song copy. This version is the besti. Imo
Agreed. This is BY FAR the best version of a brilliant song. Gillan’s vocals are spot on throughout.
Well, he never sang it in a studio again. He occasionally sings parts of it as part of live jams, though of course he goes to Superstar more often due to audience recognition.
Ian Gillian’s version is the best. Stole this album from my brother and played it all thru high school.
The greatest rock singer who ever lived.
no question
A bit of background info: Ian sings the part of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar. He only sang in the concept album, which was recorded in 1970. It would have been an Off-Broadway or even a Broadway musical but no one wanted to make it into a show. They thought it would be a terrible idea. They were wrong. A year after the concept album was released, it became a Broadway musical. Two years after that, it became a movie-musical. It was composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice when they were in their TWENTIES.
I have read the sheet music for this song and Ian improvised a LOT. Especially with the high notes. The only high note was supposed to be the final “cup” of the song. The specific note for the “WHYYYYYY” is a G5. That was 100% improvised. The little orchestra solo that you said was 5/4 time is 5/8. I can recognize it because I’ve been reading and listening to music for the intent of understanding it since I was in fourth grade.
Gethsemane is supposed to be based off of Jesus’ agony in the Garden of Gethsemane (geth-SEH-muhn-ee), which means “Mount of the Olives”. It is the first Sorrowful Mystery of the Rosary. You can read it in the Bible (Mt 26:36-46; Mk 14:32-42; Lk 22:39-46). I’ve known this for forever because I’m a practicing Catholic and have been all my life and I read the Bible sometimes.
So… yeah… background info.
Thank you !
Simply the best version, I think. Gillan reaches into the soul with this. This entire album is beyond exceptional. You mention the base line and you hit it right. This record is a lesson in funk for the ages.
Absolutely agree!
Neely and the others are very very good-But this is immaculate
The change at the end is the theme of Judas coming in. At this place in the opera, he comes with the guards that arrest Jesus.
I heard somewhere that Ian nailed the entire recording in one day, just a couple of takes per track.
An interesting point regarding the lyrics: his first high screams are to the text "Why should I die?", the second time it's "Alright! I'll die".
As for Purple, you have definitely heard Smoke on the water before, but the song to react to is Child in time.
Actually he did the entire record in three hours!
As a four year old my parentes brought me to West End in -73, and to this day I remember every set, every move, every chord and every note.... I was transfixed. And this recording and album is what I heard that evening, they kept the recorded arangement and carried it over on stage. This music and this album is very special to me.
I would STRONGLY recommend watching the video from the first JCS movie featuring Ted Neeley in the starring role...it was life-changing for me. Also, check out the song "Child in Time" for more of Deep Purple...they are a must-binge band.
This is THE best version
Not sure I would've gone with "enthusiasm" as a descriptor of the first part, I've always read it as equal parts anger and anguish, leading to angry resignation. The second part shows the depths of that resignation, ending with defiance. An excellent performance by Ian Gillian.
Thanks Bryan! I even got to hear the song playing twice in the video 😊. Jesus Christ Superstar was the very first album to be called a Rock Opera, I'm pretty sure. Oh, and Andrew Lloyd Webber's first big hit. Ian Gillian sang the part of Jesus on the album but never played it live because of his commitment to Deep Purple. As for Deep Purple, I think everyone has heard Smoke On The Water.
Thanks a ton for the request man!
@@progperljungman8218 You bet, I love that we have a channel and a host for these kinds of requests.
There is no way that this singer sings Smoke on the Water! Wow, dude's got range (or my memory is faulty 😅).
Wow I don't know how I made the mistake of starting the song again. I hope it didn't ruin the reaction too badly. On my tiny phone speakers I'm getting a bit drowned out near the end.
@@CriticalReactions Nope, it's all good! Haha, I just noticed the updated title tile!
Virtuoso performance by one of rocks great vocalists
I love the entire album. But I do want to say Heaven on their Minds from the 1973 movie is an amazing song from JCS. The amount of passion in that performance is off the charts
I beg you, listen to the entire 1970 album, wearing headphones.
Yes I need that so badly
And turn up the bass...😁
I friggin LOVE JCS, the original one! It's astonishing to me that you've never seen it
So fantastic album!!!
This is the first ever original recording from the 1970 concept LP - Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice, using Joe Cocker's Grease Band with orchestra and chorus singers.
Do you have an idea what instruments play in Gethsemane?
I could hear cello, guitar, trumpet, trombone?, bassoon?, horn, trombone?, clarinet?, piano, organ, bass guitar, flute?, Moog synthesizer?, drums...?
I am not sure about any of these but I need to find out for a school assignment.
Maybe you or someone else can help out :) Thanks in advance!
@@tarakerschies I think you've nailed it pretty much. But following is the instrument list from the liner notes of the original 1970 LP (used across the whole album):
DRUMS
PERCUSSION
BASS GUITAR
ELECTRIC & ACOUSTIC GUITARS
PIANO
ELECTRIC PIANO
ORGAN
POSITIVE ORGAN
TENOR SAXOPHONE
MOOG SYNTHESIZER
BASSOON(S)
CLARINET
FLUTE(S)
HORN(S)
TRUMPET(S)
TROMBONE(S)
plus..
ORCHESTRA (City of London Ensemble)
I love this version. Ian provides a wonderful performance (my personal favorite). For context, this song gethsemane (pronounced gheth-SEM-uh-nee) is named after the garden in which jesus talks to God before accepting the fact that he is going to die.
Edit: Deep Purple is a rock band from the late 60's and 70's. They, along with Black Sabbath and a couple other bands from that time, are known for sowing the seeds of what would be come metal. If you get a chance to do them, I personally love the song burn, though it's not the best representation of the band, it's a good song.
Thanks for that context. It certain adds some weight to the lyrics that was missing on my listen.
Gethsemane is pronounced "geth-SEM-uh-nee", just like Judas says in the " Blood Money" section of the Musical.
@@williegotland oh you are totally right haha. I was taught geths main when I was a child, but that's definitely wrong. Will update comment
Interesting, did not know Ian Gillan did a rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar. I'm not super familiar with this musical, but regardless, great that we got a reaction of something like this. Love the variety we get on this channel!
Lol at the second playthrough of the song. Totally didn't mind it.
Believe it or not, Gillan was the first one to portray Jesus in the musical
Correct, the original 1970 concept album before it had a stage production
Absolute best version of this song!❤ This was the version I did a solo to in one of my Broadway themed Dance Recitals. So emotional and heartbreaking to try to dance to.❤
This is the original version and the best version.
Check Child in Time by Deep Purple, its quite a ride, and Ian there is at his best (you sure know smoke on the water :D)
Ian Gillan is the goat. Whoever thought to include the lead singer of a hard rock group like deep purple in this rock opera about jesus deserved more money than they got
Goat?.. It was Tim Rice
Goat. Greatest of all time
@@ninoorjon yes G.O.A.T. -you been living under a R.O.C.K. ??
Ted Neely is the only performer whose Jesus matched Gillan for power and screaming. So check out the 1973 film version. Plus, Neely is a drummer from Texas, and his feel for timing and phrasing is superior, I find. I also find it cool that in his 70s, the only thing that stopped (paused) Neely as Jesus was Covid-19.
I agree, listen to Ted Neely's version from the 1973 movie Jesus Christ Superstar. I love it!
Ted ñeely was just the best.
There is NO one like Ian.
Thank you for choosing this recording to react to - Ted Neely was great, but the original is the best.
You were asking for a different updated take on this song. Try listening and watching the video of this sone from Steve Balsamo performing this live Musicals in Ahoy concert 2004. It is slowed down in tempo and very emotional. You may be able to hear the instrument layers more clearly
Steve’s version is fabulous, I agree
Ian Gillan - the original JCSS album artist. From the many times I've listened to this album, I feel I know all the lyrics, the music and the instrumentation so intimately. There have been many brilliant singers who have since played the part, but none, IMHO, have ever sung the part with the passion and presence as Gillan. Check out the original album rather than the salvaged video to get the full deal. His singing with Deep Purple has some similarities, the same gutsy, heartfelt way he sings. Known as 'the singing hair', but meant in a very much respectful way.
2 for 2 from the special requests this week. Definitely will be tracking down the full musical.
Check out the temple from this same album if you want to hear 1970 heavy-metal screaming..but understanding every word he saying.
The original and done in one take ....everything that follows is a play on this the original
This is actually a prog-rock opera 😊
rock opera--I am a prog fan and the word gets chucked in too many places just to get your prog rock off.
@michaelbeerbados3291 Well, I guess it's a subjective thing. I am a prog fan myself, starting in '76 when I was introduced to Foxtrot at age 11.
It was Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice Lyrics.
It became popular in recent decades for bands to rerecord their music with an Orchestra.
Far as I recall, this was the first ambitious live merging of Rock Band and Orchestra EVER! It was a true Rock Opera. It's own genre. There were concept albums, like Thick as a Brick and THE WALL, and Quadrophenia and Tommy were similar, but this told the story with no dialog, just song.
When you asked which character was singing it was Jesus Christ. Maybe the imminent crucification in the song might have given it away? Plus the title of the album was a big clue. Lol( just kidding)
I say that because the lyrical interpretation is brilliant. Webber or Rice( cannot remember) was an atheist I believe. That said, to appreciate the work, you need to follow the story.
The song Gethsemane takes place in a Garden near where Jesus had just finished his Last Supper/ Passover Dinner in Jerusalem. Jesus and his apostles adjourn to sleep. Judas had just betrayed Jesus. Jesus would be arrested within minutes of finishing this song. Tried and crucified by the next day. These are Jesus last moments spent in terror. Beaten beyond recognition and crucifiction was imminent. The religious version of this point in the story is generally the "agony" in the garden.
And so the vocalist must be capable of hitting G above C( G5).
If you listen again, the first part of the song is anguish, anger, fear, " agony". Even though this moment was eventual for Jesus, he is afraid enough to ask God to " take this cup away from me, for I don't want to taste it's poison."
The song then changes, and there is a glimmer of resolve to finish. At that point he begs for it to come before he changes his mind.
Webber and Rice focus on the Human who was Jesus and you are left to contemplate the supernatural. Even the title created a controversy. Superstar was in a sense padjorative. In 1970, SUPERSTAR was commonly used to describe pop stars etc.
If you DON'T STOP WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND WATCH THE ORIGINAL AND LISTEN, you miss a one of a kind work. This was a Rock Opera in the full majesty of that genre. The best and one of a kind.
To begin with, the lead, from a musical standpoint is Judas.
Ben Vareen originally played the part on Broadway but it was Carl Williams part.
Ted Neeley is generally credited as the original Jesus.
Why? Neeley played the part in the original album, the movie, and reprised in on Broadway and all over the world for 45 years+( Into the 2000s).
John Legend spent his own money to " bring it to this generation " in 2018. A NYC made for TV production that became a video and CD. 50 YEARS! It has always toured somewhere with Gilliam along the way. Worth a listen.
Frankly for what you are doing, HEAVEN ON THEIR MINDS is the first song.
" Down and Dirty"? The song is composed through a guitar riff that defines what Rock considers down and dirty. Don't miss it! It is great from beginning to end.
That middle when he was "wailing and he didn't know what to do" ... that was his come to Jesus moment. I hope everyone reading this has one.
Good review overall.
Lmao, I love Jesus Christ Superstar, I sang along to this song in my bedroom all the time. IMO the '73 version with Ted Neely is the best by far, but I have nostalgia, Judas in that version is ICONIC as well. Check out Blood Money from that version, or the Last Supper. They have video with them as well.
As an unrelated suggestion listen to Car Bomb - Hela. They're a great modern mathcore band.
I was groomed on the London version of JCS so I think Ian is better in the recording. Though i got to see Neely do it live in the 90's and he was fantastic live.
I love the 96 version with zubin varla as Judas, probably my favorite Judas.
Loved your reaction! Do you have an idea what other instruments play in Gethsemane?
I could hear cello, guitar, trumpet, trombone?, bassoon?, horn, trombone?, clarinet?, piano, organ, bass guitar, flute?, Moog synthesizer?, drums...?
I am not sure about any of these but I need to find out for a school assignment.
Maybe you or someone else can help out :) Thanks in advance!
You've heard Deep Purple. I guarantee you've heard "Smoke on the Water". Also the requester got the vocalist's last name wrong: Gillan, not Gillian. Deep Purple has some really strong musicians in it, notably John Lord and Ritchie Blackmore. I'm guessing you weren't brought up Christian based on your pronunciation of Gethsemane and your difficulty figuring out what that character is (Jesus).
Yup, I've heard Smoke on the Water, though I could really only sing you the chorus. I might have to give it a listen today to refresh my memory.
You may have also hear at least part of "Highway Star". It pops up here and there.
That's the late Alan Spenner on bass:
en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alan_Spenner
And yes, he certainly brought his A game during that session.
Umm, did you know you started playing the track again at 12:18? Not a big problem, though it drowned out some of your commentary at the end.
I know this musical thanks to my parents who played it for me as a kid (the film version though). Haven't heard it in ages and had no idea Ian Gillian ever sang it, but turns out he was on the original concept album! Quick note: title is pronounced "geth-SEM-uh-nee," and another poster pointed out the Biblical significance. Gillian definitely has range: check out Child in Time for proof of that. Deep Purple themselves were a crucial band in the development of hard rock and metal along with Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, but they seem to be the least appreciated of the three. Highway Star is a great track to check out from them. More than any classic rock band they were probably responsible for cranking up the speed and focusing on writing lead melodic lines for the guitar and organ.
Yeah, that was a mistake. Usually I keep one eye on my EQ but for some reason I never gave it a look or I would have seen that my music track was getting input. So other's have pointed out that Deep Purple did Smoke on the Water but I'm not hearing Ian's voice when I think about that song (it's been forever since I heard it so that could be the problem) but I can totally hear Ian singing Highway Star. So I do know a couple of (I'm guessing) their more popular works. I wonder if there are any other songs I might have heard but never knew the band that played it.
@@CriticalReactions Smoke on the Water and Highway Star were definitely their two biggest hits, though Hush, Burn, Fireball, Perfect Strangers, and a handful of others were definitely hits back in the day too. Like I said, probably the best song that shows off his range is Child in Time.
probably not gonna happen, but here.
react to Endless by ZILF, they are a duo from the UK that make.. something. They are like a mix of metalcore, djent, mathcore and so much more. On their bandcamp they describe themselves as "Pure pop sludge anthems stolen from a UFO that crash-landed in the beautiful countryside of [REDACTED], UK." Endless is one of the singles from their first album that came out in June and it's pretty epic. Highly recommend. (The music vid on their channel is also a lyric vid)
IAN GUILLAN, " GETHSEMANE" A very good version of this SUNG by Ted Neely in the Movie 1973. The Character was Jesus Christ. Ian was in the folk group DEEP PURPLE...
La voz de Ian Gillan es simplemente espectacular!!!!
You're a musician and don't know Jesus Christ Superstar? !!!???
did lan play in the movie did he sing on the album, no has millions of people for fourty years go to see him sing in therter , no so tell me again whos best
The Metal band Vanden Plas did a cover of this song that is really good, my favorite version of the song.
you are right
This Is the music that made me want to learn to play bass
Trying to be helpful, so please take it that way ... The singer's name has only 1 "i" in it, so it's Ian Gillan, not Gillian. Also, the name of the song is pronounced, Geth-sem-men-knee. It is the place where Jesus decided to argue with God about God's plan, his being crucified and then finally, his coming to grips with it's inevitability.
The change at the end is the same as the intro for the entire musical and does run a thread throughout. I had this album when I was 10 or 11 years old. My parents had lots of Beatles albums and things - hip to the times :) It is great to see a younger composer listen and share about this song. I preferred this original "brown" angel double album from the musical. I didn't enjoy watching the movie - and mostly because of missing Ian Gillian's vocals, even at that young age, and because they made Judas a black man. Even that that young age (I'm now in my early sixties).....I thought that was wrong, typecasting the "bad" guy who betrays Jesus as black. Racial stereotyping I recognized even at 13 years old. And of course I went into Deep Purple and all sorts of "heavy" music my parents weren't fans of, but I sing/play guitar, etc and I believe all of this was influential to my development. Thanks!
You should check out Ayreon - the day that the world breaks down. There´s alot going on in most of their songs.
It’s freakin Jesus Christ superstar
I am a decent amatuer singer and have heard this passage hundreds of times. I have been able to reproduce it with my own voice(not the sustaining high screams!) to my liking !! To me, Gillan was the top rock singer-Freddy,Brad Delp,Steve Perry and so on are very very good-but Gillan was the best.
You need to watch the arena tour. Ben Forster as Jesus, Mel C as Mary Magdalene and the incomperable Tim Minchin as Judas. Truely brilliant!
As a matter of fact, shortly after you recorded this they released a remaster in 2021.
You'd be doing yourself a massive favor by looking into Deep Purple. They're among the best of the glam rock bands, with classics like Highway Star, Smoke on the Water, and Perfect Strangers, among others.
Ian played the character, Jesus, only for the concept album. Deep Purple were making more in a single show than the musical could promise him for the entire run, so Ted Neeley took over the part.
Smoke on the Water, Child in Time, etc...
The original and will always be the best
The OG - Ian Gillan (Deep Purple). Jesus Christ Superstar 1970 album before it was ever a Broadway show or film (Ted Neeley). Brilliant music and he's awesome. Do some research, young man.
I would suggest reacting to the spanish version witth Camilo Sesto live from 1977
You are the only reviewer to choose the correct version of this song to review. Everyone else chose the far inferior Ted Neely version on the live album.
You haven’t heard Deep Purple? or Jesus Christ Superstar? Try Deep Purple Child in Time, Smoke on the Water, Highway Star, Lazy.
Do you know the bible at all? Of course it is Jesus Christ singing.
Ian is considered a foundational metal singer. Deep Purple is grandfathered into the Metal Trinity.
Smoke on the Water is familiar but I don't think I ever had a band name to attach to the song. I can't say I know it in its entirety either though, just the "smoooooooke on the waaaaater" and then the famous guitar riff. I guess diving into Deep Purple is something I need to do.
Oh, I just love this musical so much. It is required viewing at Christmastime at my house. I never heard this version with Ian Gillian, but the magnificent Ted Neeley just killed this song in the 70s movie and for decades on Broadway. Check it out for sure, there are videos on UA-cam.
It's not required viewing at easter?
Ian Gillan , not Gillian
Watch the scen from the 73 movie
The piano near the end...
No one....NO ONE....Can match Ted Neely in this role. His voice, his expression, his emotion, his incredible vocal range. In the 1970's and even in the 2000's and beyond, he continued to absolutely crush this! Ted Neely IS Jesus!
PLEASE do yourself a huge favor and listen to Child in Time by Deep Purple. Epic. Best singer ever to live
Check out Ted Neeley's version in the movie
To think, almost everyone who played and sang on this album was in their 20s.
Ian was 25. Holy shit!
I love both this version , and the one from the movie by Ted Neeley. Do yourself a favor and seek out the track from the movie.!
The 1996 cast recording with Steve Balsalmo is excellent as well.
The Ian Gilan recording you just heard is known as a concept recording, meaning it's an album recorded before the show is staged or any theatrical elements planned (costumes, lighting, casting). And sometimes, people that mat star in a concept album are not the original actors from Broadway or London. Concept albums were played in the 70s and 80s to promote theatre on the radio. Concept albums really aren't as big as they were.
One of the most popular concept albums of the 1980s was Chess by the composers of ABBA. It had a few pop songs on it and even Whitney Huston performed I know Him So Well from the mystical since some of the songs became popular. She's not on the concept album. She just liked the song I guess. Elaine Page sings the song on the concept album. One Night in Bangkok was one of the biggest hits from the musical. And in this case, I think Murray Head and Elaine Page were on the original London stage production.
Chess is oddball, but one I love. You either hate or love it. It's so 80s. Even in the concept notes it states that Chess is a work in progress.
On fact, Chess has been through 5 books/librettos. A book is the script and dialogue spoken, or the play part of the musical. It started off as a sung through musical in London -- basically little to no script. No London Cast Recording exists, just the concept album. However, the Danish cast recording of Chess starring Stig Rosen is performed on English and basically rivals the London script. In fact, it had too much of the show that ABBA told the producers that the Danish cast recording 1st pressing had to be pulled from circulation as it had too many unauthorized unreleased tracks and is basically the full show. When it moved to Broadway, Chess was re-written and actually had a 3 hours worth of dialogue and music. Most if the songs from the London production were cut or revamped into smaller versions. Broadway critics hated and it closed after just little over 1,000 performances.
It was until mid 200os that Tim Rice, the lyricist for Chess said that there is an official script fur Chess and the Broadway is not the official version. However due to Actors Equity abs some American copyright laws, lots of American productions follow the Broadway book.
Despite all of its changes and versions of Chess, One Night on Bangkok can still sometimes be heard played on an oldies station. While people may have no clue what Chess is, people may know One Night in Bangkok. And if you hate disco or disco rap, You'd probably hate it. I love the song The Arbiter from Chess, but my sister hates that song with a passion since it's so cringey for her.
But if you're into girl power, Nobodys Side from Chess rocks. It's one of the shows hits that really isn't pop. Maybe it is pop, but not your average everyday pop audio song.
Chess and Jesus Chris Superstar rocks.
P.S if you want pure cringe but is music to my ears listen to The Arbiter from Chess (original danish cast recording in English). Actually, that one is kind of rare, so listen to this instead ua-cam.com/video/DOnVgwU07Kk/v-deo.html. It may be cringe but it rocks.
Need to listen Ted ñeely from the movie. Best version. Set in Israel acting, while climbing a mountain.. this doesn't have the passion. This is Judas' version of what happened. Wonderful singers in the movie.
and im sorry one more thing you not only hear ted sing the part and play the part but you can feel throigh him the painhe knows hes about to endureor at least i can hes not just singing a song,
This is, of course, one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's early works.
Found that out after the fact, hence the subtitle in the thumbnail -- which might not be readable depending on the size in UA-cam. I sometimes forget that I make them at a much larger size than YT displays. I definitely need to check this musical out now.
gillan sings this song. neely performs it. neely knocks it out of the park!
Disagree. Gillan shows emotion & even fragility in this, the original version, even the high ‘wails’ show emotion, he lives the song. Sure, Neely is a great performer but that’s exactly what I got from him in the film, a performance, meaning the ‘song acting’ distracted from the emotion the song’s words conveys.
Pronounced: Get- sem- any
I know Gillan was the first but you've got to hear Ted Neeley's rendition in the 1973 film. The way he hits those top notes is spine tingling stuff:- ua-cam.com/video/VyKDoivRdIo/v-deo.html Apparently they weren't in the score. Gillan put them in, they certainly work.
Please listen to Ted Neeley's version.
Have you heard of Andrew Lloyd-Webber?
Of course. He's one of the biggest names in musical theater.
John Farnham does a great version as well... he sings the part after Gillan’s scream up an octave. Sounds good.
Check out Steve Balsamo’s live performance of this in Ahoy Scotland. I’ve heard a couple hundred versions of this piece & this is my tops
Personally I Think u Should've watched Ted Neely's Version but Either Way it's Not a Loss :)
Why? Best to review the best version.
@@joelombrdo ted neelys is the best homie
DAN VASC IS THE BEST VERSION.
Dyamnod
The only one who own this song is Ted Neely!
The others ate jus covers in a mild eay!
I like Ted Neely's version more. It's the cinematic version
Blasphemy
You should listen to Ted Neely's Version!!! By far the BEST!!! IMO
As good as this is, I think that the Ted Neeley version from the actual movie is quite a bit better.
I'm sorry. But no one will ever out-do Ted Neely here.
BTW/FYI: Gethsemane is pronounced like *Beth's M & me*
This is the original and still the best version .
@@silverblack5475
I stand corrected. Ian was first.
But Ted's was still better IMHO.
ua-cam.com/video/VyKDoivRdIo/v-deo.html
@@sevenruvalcaba I've heard Ted's version and it's good but Ian is much better. His voice has a better quality to it.
@@joelombrdo I think Ted's channeling by far more emotions than anybody ever has been capable of...
Camilo Sesto's version is better
This is a substandard rendition. I'm a JCS snob. He's not hitting the notes.
Ian Gillian sang on the original JCS concept album, which came before the Broadway show. Strange you could be a JCS snob and not know this (granted, I only just now learned this by looking it up).
Substandard. So substandard that all subsequent vocalists tried to copy him. Gillan is the best.