The Show: Judas betrays Jesus by telling the Priests where they will find him – in the Gardens of Jesus Christ Superstar is an important show in Gethsemane, (following the “Last Supper”). theatre history. It was written by Andrew Jesus is arrested and taken to Pilate, a Roman Lloyd-Webber and Tim Rice and was first governor who sends him on to Herod, king of released in October 1970. the local region Judea. Herod decides that the It is still very popular and is regularly Romans should deal with Jesus since they performed by professional and amateur have overall control of Israel so Jesus is sent companies. back to Pilate who first orders him to receive thirty nine lashes and then, due to pressure The show has a liberal interpretation of the from the Jews, has him crucified. Bible story and has caused some controversy over the years. Protests have sometimes been Crucifixion was a punishment that was very strong - there has even been a case of a normally reserved for criminals. It involves theatre being deliberately burned down nailing the victim to a cross made of two where Superstar was being staged. pieces of wood and leaving them to die a slow and agonizing death. The Characters: Judas is filled with remorse for The three main characters are Jesus, betraying Jesus and commits Judas (one of Jesus‘ Apostles, who suicide. However in the show Judas acts as a kind of narrator) and Mary return at the end to sing the well- Magdalene (an ex-prostitute who known title song “Jesus Christ changed her ways because of Jesus). Superstar”. Other main characters are Pontius Pilate, Rock Opera: Herod, Caiaphas and the Jewish Priests. The Apostles also feature. These were a group Rock Musicals and Rock Opera were first written in the late 1960’s. Examples are Hair , Joseph and of twelve disciples (close followers) of Jesus Godspell. who were sent out to spread the word of the gospel. Rock Opera combines the structure of opera with elements of rock music. Some of these are listed The Story: below: The work tells the story of the last seven days Opera Rock Opera of Jesus’ life. It describes his entry into Jerusalem and the fear and hostility that his Recitative Amplified guitars preaching and popularity cause among the Aria Drum kit Jewish religious leaders. The Chief Priest, Ensemble Amplified voices Caiaphas wanted Jesus killed because he was Chorus Syncopated rhythm challenging traditional beliefs. Caiaphas also Overture Improvisation believed that Jesus’ followers’ claim that he Orchestra Electric Keyboards was the Messiah was blasphemous Most often there is no spoken dialogue in rock (disrespectful to God). opera, everything is sung. Because of the loudness of the instruments the voices need to be amplified Jesus stirred up huge emotions among his (or ‘mic-ed’) in order to heard. The singers use followers in the three years that he was a rock -style singing rather than the classical style of preacher. They believed he was the son of opera. God (the Messiah) and that he would free Israel from the Romans. Sometimes the band will include orchestral as well as rock instruments. Overture: And believe me – my admiration for you hasn’t died The term Overture comes from Opera. An overture is a piece of music that begins a But every word you say today concert or show. The job of the overture is to Gets twisted ‘round some other way set the mood of the show and, sometimes, to And they’ll hurt you if they think you’ve lied introduce the musical themes that will be used later in the performance. Nazareth your famous son should have stayed the great unknown Listening Questions: Like his father carving wood 1. Which instrument plays the solo at the He’d have made good- beginning? Table, chair and oaken chest 2. Describe the singers’ music which comes Would have suited Jesus best in at the end of the piece. He’d have caused nobody harm 3. Write down four words that describe what No one alarm… you think the mood of the show is going to be after having heard the overture. Interpretation Questions: 1. Which character sings this song? Heaven On Their Minds: 2. What does right hand man mean? 3. Name Jesus’ home town. This is the first vocal number of 4. Why is the singer telling Jesus to the show. Here are some of the be careful? lyrics (words) that are sung, 5. What does the line “You have set read them through: them all on fire” mean? 6. What line suggests that the singer does My mind is clearer now not believe that Jesus is the Messiah? At last, all too well I can see where we all soon will be Listening Questions; If you strip away The piece is based on an Ostinato – a The myth from the man repeated musical idea that is played You will see where we all soon will be throughout. In this piece the ostinato is Jesus! introduced right at the beginning. You’ve started to believe, 1. Which instruments play the ostinato? The things they say of you 2. List two ways that the word “Jesus” is You really do believe emphasized by the singer. This talk of God is true 3. There is a short instrumental break after And all the good you’ve done the singer’s introduction. Which Will soon be swept away instruments join in for the first time here? You’ve begun to matter more Than the things 4. How many beats are there in each bar in you say the introduction and the first two verses? 5. How many beats in each bar for the Listen Jesus I don’t like what I see bridge section – where you hear All I ask is that you listen to me “Nazareth your famous son should have And remember – I’ve been your right hand man stayed a great unknown…” all along 6. When the singer sings “if we go too far” You have set them all on fire and “it’s all gone sour” his music is They think they’ve found the new Messiah marked ad lib. Explain what you think this And they’ll hurt you when they find they’re means. wrong 7. List the three main instruments that play in this song. State whether these are rock or I remember when this whole thing began classical instruments. No talk of God then we called you a man 8. List three other instruments that play in this song. State whether these are classical or rock instruments. 9. What style of music is this piece? Hosanna:

This vocal number is sung by Jesus, Caiaphas Answer these questions after you have read and the Chorus – who represent Christ’s the information sheet. followers. The song depicts Jesus’ triumphant 1. Andrew Lloyd-Webber is the composer of entry into Jerusalem. The word Hosanna is Jesus Christ Superstar and Tim Rice is the Hebrew for “Lord, save us”. lyricist. What is the difference? 2. Explain the difference between amateur Listening Questions: and professional theatre. 1. Which brass instruments are heard in the 3. What does Messiah mean? introduction? 4. Why do you think some people did not 2. What kind of mood does the chorus create like the show when it first came out? when they sing “Hosanna”? 5. Which empire controlled Israel at the 3. Describe the pitch of Caiaphas’ voice. time? 4. Which instruments accompany Caiaphas’ 6. Why did Caiaphas want Jesus killed? singing? 7. Who betrays Jesus? 5. Who are the “rabble” that Caiaphas refers 8. How does Judas respond to the crucifixion to? of Jesus? 6. When does the music slow down? 9. Write your own definition of Rock Opera. 7. When does the music change key into a 10. Look at the list of instruments in the show higher pitch? divide them into a list of Rock and 8. What kind of mood does Jesus create in Orchestral instruments. his solos?

You may have noticed that certain sections of “Hosanna” were similar while others had different musical material. Use letter “A” for the sections that were similar and “B” and “C” for those that use different musical ideas. Which of the following represents the structure (or form) of the song: A. ABACAB B. ABACACA C. ABACA

Jesus Christ Superstar:

This song is probably the most well-known of the music in the show. It comes near the end Design a set for a stage production of Jesus of the show. Judas is the main singer in this Christ Superstar. You need to consider the song. following in your design: • An area needs to be set aside for Jesus Listening Questions: and his Apostles where they can sit down, 1. This is an example of a title track. Why? sleep and talk. 2. List three orchestral instruments that you • A cross is needed for the crucifixion. can hear in the introduction. • The Jewish Priests need a platform that 3. What style of music is heard when Judas separates them from the other characters. sings with the female backing singers? • Pilate, the Roman Governor, needs an 4. Describe the tempo (speed) of the verses. elevated area. 5. Where is the quietest section of the piece? • Some floor space needs to be kept flat for 6. Where is the loudest section of the piece? dancing. 7. What is the overall mood of this piece of Try and give an indication of height in your music? design and remember to mark the exits and 8. What is Judas’ attitude to Jesus in this entrances clearly. piece?