Elaine Paige & angular ABBA melodies
November 7, 2009Hi there!
I recently saw a performance of the diva of musical theatre, Elaine Paige, in my hometown of Brisbane. It was a superb evening of entertainment, and I for one will be lining up for the special 40th Anniversary DVD, filmed live at the Sydney State Theatre. Elaine delivered an extraordinary and almost flawless performance, and of course I eagerly anticipated her tribute to the music of Benny and Bjorn.
This arrived in the second half. The atmosphere was superbly set by a CHESS overture featuring the exotic Bangkok and the CHESS signature instrumental. It was fascinating to watch such a treasure trove of theatrical songs spanning forty odd years, and to hear how seamlessly Benny and Bjorn’s material slotted in to the groove. It also revealed how deceptively challenging songs like Someone Else’s Story and I Know Him So Well (the featured two) are to sing, particularly live. Very angular melodies in both; little wonder Elaine needed more than a costume change to prepare for them.
This angular approach to melody writing (where the melody line leaps around quite considerably) is showcased in another CHESS song, Nobody’s Side, where Florence’s vocal acrobatics in the verses served an important story-telling role in the form of a musical recitative.
Back in the ABBA days, angular writing permeates theatrical songs like Thank You For The Music and I Wonder (Departure) among others. For Agnetha, The Winner Takes It All and Happy New Year would also have demanded some considerable warm-up period before recording; both lead vocals contain sizeable leaps across two octaves. So too for Frida, the unashamedly thespian I Let The Music Speak. These songs are true performance vehicles for the ABBA women.
Who knows? Like Elaine, Agnetha and Frida may one day feel similarly inspired to celebrate a milestone in their entertainment careers … a 40th anniversary of their first recording together perhaps? If not, there are plenty more milestones waiting in the wings …
Best regards,
Chris
