Benny Andersson - ABBA: 'Chess' from Piano

[@deutschegrammophon]

What is your favourite ABBA song Benny Andersson performes on his album?

[@Sergio-et8yq]

I always loved "I let the music speak" , a sublime song from ABBA. In his piano version "The day before you came" preserves all the melancholy and beauty of the song.

[@MrMagsn]

Chess ist mein Favorit unter Favoriten. Ich wünschte, er würde den wohl emotionalsten Abba-Song spielen, weil auch für Klavier gut geeignet. Ich hoffe auf ein weiteres Album, worauf es sein könnte.

[@Horst1109]

The most beautiful pice on the album for me is "The day before you came". Every time I hear it, the time stands still and I remember the early 80ties and Agnatha's face. Moreover, the train leaves the station and I hope Abba will return with next train ... The dream will live forever and the melancholic tune is so unique.

[@johangamb]

i am the city, the visitors, like an angel passing through my room - please let it be done! *beg* give my thanks to benny for the beautiful music!

[@apneiaproductions696]

The Day Before You Came. It plays beautifully on the piano.

[@lars-goranjonson5718]

This is the best composition in 400 years. They are absolutelly genius Björn & Benny.

[@Che.Sem1]

Normally I hold back with a praise due to experience (by the way, I am a studied pianist & composer) but with this man I now admit straight away, he is in my opinion without any ifs and buts an enormous musical genius. And one of extraordinary rarity. His music triggers such deep emotions that you really feel detached from this world and moved in a most lasting way. It delights me unspeakably to hear him himself and to see how he plays and interprets it. An immeasurable value. Seriously.

[@danielmoses6626]

Did you know that he does not know how to read or notate music??

[@Che.Sem1]

@@danielmoses6626 Sure, that's basic knowledge about this man ;)

[@jonathanbrauteseth5896]

Magnificent- couldn’t agree more

[@MrFlesknes]

what a beautiful praise to Benny. Thank you

[@4gelc]

Beautiful comment. I totally agree.

[@dreasbn]

I am writing again cause this piece of music gained so much personal significance. My mum has been diagnosed with dementia some 10 years ago. Over the last 2 years it got much worse and she is on her way to heaven. She doesn’t really know where she is, why she is in a home, asks for her parents and very often thinks I’m her dad or my dad. Music became her most important source of comfort. We compiled an usb stick with some 900 tracks that run in shuffle modus. But when she had a rough day or is very much frightened for whatever reason I put on Benny‘s album and she calms down. Sometimes tears run down her face but not of fear or sadness but of being touched by the music. The chess theme is her favorite. Recently I put it on and she moved her hands with the music waved to the ceiling as if she saw Benny playing up there and blowing him kisses.. she was so absorbed and moved and most of all happy in her world with white open eyes full of joy. Benny‘s music does wonders. He became her best friend over the last years and this music will be with her til her final day…

[@poyanghaderi]

❤

[@Cycling-in-Delft]

💜

[@sumsimable]

❤

[@andresmikeshin2091]

You described Joe Biden pretty well. Fortunately Your mother does not rule the world. You did describe Benny Andersson as well also. He is a Mozart or Bach of our times. Just takes some time to get his music.

[@empireentertainmentevents1353]

He is the modern day Schubert. Schubert is well known for his gift for Melody. Thank you Benny for all your amazing songs during ABBA days. You are one of a kind!

[@matheit7883]

Das ist schon seid vielen Jahren meine Meinung....Danke das Du auch der selben Meinung bist.....Für mich gehört er in eine Reihe mit Bach /Händel/ Mozart ...natürlich auch Schubert......ich hab das auch schon oft in KZbin kommentiert....das ich ihn in dieser Reihe sehe........

[@ChrisHyde537]

Sublime.

[@tootsie5052]

All of the members of ABBA were truly talented, but Benny Andersson is the heart of their unique sound.

[@DINORATHEREZINHA]

CONCORDO PLENAMENTE COM VOCÊ LARRY PYNE! I FULLY AGREE WITH YOU LARRY PYNE!

[@blogshagify]

And he said he can't write or read music? I dropped my jaw in shock at that.

[@Magnus_Loov]

@@blogshagify He can certainly "write" music, which is the same as coming up with melodies, arranging etc. He just can't read notes (or score his written music).

[@Bloink]

So was Agnetha and Frida, they were the best female vocal duo to ever perform in my opinion. Amazing vocals!

[@jameshill1740]

Add in bjorns uncanny ability to add his lyrics and its just amazing how it blends so beautifully

[@louiseju]

I'm certainly no musical genius, but I have skills and have practiced music of all genres since I was 3. I really think and believe he is a genius. A genius on par with Bach and Mozart. I will cry rivers when he leaves this world. Almost to the point where I don't want to live in the world where his beauty and genius is no more here. Thank you for all of your music ❤

[@LifeLineLite]

you nailed it!!!!!!!!

[@thomasmurray3920]

I purchased Chess when it first came out. The genius of Benny and Bjorn was only magnified by the additional genius of Tim Rice.

[@blairstewart6925]

This melody is one of the most beautiful ever composed.

[@Dan474834]

It isn’t.

[@GoodBye-w1f]

A modern master of the piano. Chopin never forged a decade of pop dominance on the flip side. So pleased I found this.

[@GoodBye-w1f]

A modern genius

[@ilovemydog6847]

❤this is so truly beautiful Anyone who thinks Benny just composed nice little 3 minute pop songs should realise that he is a true composer of enormous talent and depth ❤. Thank you so much Benny go giving us so much beauty❤

[@ABBAPianoGuy]

I could listen to this all day. Beautiful music, beautifully played by the master.

[@ТоктосунЖакыпов-т5э]

Бенни Андерсондун мыкты музыкасы учун Абба ийгилике жеткен. 20 кылымдын чыгаан композитору. 👍👍👍

[@stefbaer2008]

Einfach wunderbar! Danke Benny für die schöne Zeit die ich erleben durfte mit ABBA ! Diese Klänge tun gut. Etwas für das Herz und die Seele! Man merkt das " hohe Alter" überhaupt nicht. Im Gegenteil. Da steckt Liebe und Leidenschaft dahinter. Das spüre ich. Danke für dein ( euer) Sein!

[@svetlanavorojtsova5776]

Such a gentle and heartfelt melody. Melancholic, but leaving hope.

[@bennyandersson-topic15]

Thanks for your love and support

[@bennyandersson-topic15]

I'm so happy to have a great fans like you

[@CybertuxSpain]

In the 25th century, people will refer to this as Classical Music. We're so lucky to enjoy it today!

[@Dan474834]

They won’t.

[@Procol-Harum]

Benny Andersson is schatrijk. Mooi dat hij dan gewoon dan zijn ding kan doen. En daarvan kunnen wij genieten. Perfect.

[@ОксанаРунців]

Дякуємо за творчість і чудову музику! ❤️

[@stevehall5299]

So precise ,meticulous and skilled ,he's a talented and classy man

[@sophiar6996]

Benny is absolutely incredible! Thank you for the music Benny. 🎵

[@WALES1154]

That’s what you call talent. Pure class!

[@lisalu910]

OMG, did he compose this? Incredible, there just aren't words...

[@janishart5128]

​@@nettie311​: Benny apparently can't read music, so I don't know HOW he would have written it!

[@thehoogard]

@@janishart5128 'simple' enough. He'd record it and one of his colleagues would transcribe it.

[@janishart5128]

​@@thehoogard: Yes, maybe - but he never uses sheet music, and to hold a long, complex composition like the one he's playing here, I find verges on 'miraculous'! So I'm not sure how transcribed music would be of any use to him.

[@jfn467]

Recording it.... that's like a score sheet for him...

[@janina7066]

​@@janishart5128 It's the first time I've heard it, so it's even more amazing, that he doesn't know the notes and create such divine music!

[@davidjohn8743]

What an amazing touch on the piano and he composed it? Amazing AND 2 new ABBA songs being played everywhere now too. This covid 19 crap is the worst of times, but music like this AND new ABBA material is the BEST OF TIMES.

[@hermanberger1595]

Es ist Melancholie pur... Traurig und so sehr schön zugleich..!!! Auch das Schönste geht einmal vorbei..(die "ABBA Zeit war, und ist eine schöne Zeit..!! Ein bleibender Abschnitt in meinem Leben ❤❤❤❤ Aber diese wunderschöne Musik bleibt und sie ist zeitlos..❤❤❤!!!

[@musicamusica1452]

The orchestrated form of this piece is brilliant

[@EyeInSky2000]

Absolutely stunning. The perfect "touch" and feeling of the keys from a true maestro! You still have the goods, Benny, and every note was perfection delivered.

[@Fretliner]

So beautiful, full of emotions, such a talented musician

[@blogshagify]

Now I get it. They were pop and rock musiced out by the time ABBA ended. Time to step outside the box and do different things. Even during their ABBA days you could hear a lot of classic influence in their music which is what helped make the music so great. It was well rounded...

[@zverynas5646]

Benny Anderson ist the best composer of our time. I love his music since my 5 years. Now I am 45...

[@catanlorca]

A genius plays one of his masterpieces... !

[@pereriksson93]

totally agree with you!!

[@ABBAClarence69]

Perfect music for floating on a cloud. Thank you, Benny!

[@dervogelmann1125]

This Music comes from another Dimension...and Benny is connected...

[@marinakhoudych4907]

Oh, my God how much I love this music. Chess...mélancolie, meditation, dream! I could listen this melody over and over again. Love the whole album " Piano". Thank you Mr. Anderson ! I am your loyal fan. Fantastic !

[@eugenemorozov1529]

Beautiful melody, Great musician.

[@СветланаЛебедева-у7л]

Benny Спасибо за музыку! ! ! Прекрасная мелодия!

[@wolfgangmarkusgstrein8522]

That's why I love ABBA and Queen's music. Both bands had this classic piano background that made the difference. Their compositions emerged from piano ideas. Btw, great player Benny Andersson! AND, both bands had great bass players who linked the piano playing perfectly.

[@ElvarMasson]

I'm ABBA and Queen fan 😉

[@escorpioomega2111]

deberias incluir a The Beatles hay maravillosas canciones que parten de la melodia de Paul McCartney al piano Igualmente, en lo puntual del piano y su influencia en las canciones, ABBA fue lider y "Su Marca Registrada"

[@danielvlase9331]

Amazing song, one of the most beautiful and emotional I've heard. Thank you Benny for all the songs you've created!

[@intergalakt]

Thank you for your passion Mr. Anderson. Your music touch my soul. I was hearing it today on the radio and so happy to find it here.

[@darkprose]

My favorite musical. Not sure why it doesn’t enjoy wider fame. Is it the whole idea of a musical centered around international chess tournaments, clashes of culture and egos? What was missing? someone in a mask and a cape? humanoid cats? chess tournaments set during a French Revolution reenactment? What the hell am I talking about? No idea. But this music is as good or better than the rest of them.

[@tigershoot]

I am still amazed that the musical was not massive. It is just incredible and packed with world-class songs. How on earth it didn't take off more is beyond me.

[@chrishamilton3582]

Agree, many different story versions, concerts versions etc and yet the perfect version of it still has not been cracked. It needs a modern visionary like Lin Manuel to sit down with Tim Rice for two days and fix it around the edges. Slight story improvements, some character development beyond the central 3 characters, possibly a song or two to be dropped. If they can enhance around the edges its best years are ahead of it.

[@BillVincent]

When it originally was released, the show was almost four hours long, from what I understand - which lost a lot of momentum for it. They have played around with the storyline and songs as well, changing the characters and their interactions, etc... so it just never really took hold in the public imagination, plus I don't think it really got a decent run anywhere. The music fared much better, overall. It is a shame that it doesn't have a wider audience. I did love the version with Josh Grobin and Idena Manzel.

[@alankruza997]

I saw “Chess” in London back in the 80s. I had the recording before I saw it so I knew the music and the story. I think it was the most satisfying show I’ve ever seen. I also saw it again in St. Louis a few years later after it was “updated” and “Americanized” and it was a total disappointment. Just leave it alone. It’s a masterpiece in it it’s original form. So much wonderful music in it.

[@МарияМашенька-ы3й]

Бенни, огромное спасибо за талант, за исполнение, за ваши прекрасные произведения, за АББА, классика вечна! Низкий поклон из России, с пожеланием всей группе АББА новых произведений, здоровья,и долголетия. Люблю, вы лучшие! Браво!!!

[@ЛюдмилаКремкова]

Бенни большое спасибо за ваши прекрасные и такие теплые фортепианные пьессы и все песни АВВА. Вы достояние своей страны. Доброго Вам здоровья.

[@bennyandersson-topic15]

Thanks for your love and support

[@bennyandersson-topic15]

I'm so happy to have a great fans like you

[@matheit7883]

Ich schließe mich aus Deutschland Deiner Meinung an.....Meine Hochachtung gilt Benny und Björn....aber auch Annifrid u Agnetha ....

[@matheit7883]

​@@bennyandersson-topic15 genau so wie Ludmila...es geschrieben hat ist es .......Benny u.Björn Ihr seid Schweden,s größter Schatz...(Musik Schatz.....).....liebe Grüße aus Deutschlands Norden (35 km bis Usedom /10 km bis zur Polnischen Stadt Szeczin)

[@dreasbn]

Chess the score is so unbelievably good and versatile... and inbetween all those vocal songs comes along this instrumental that is so utterly beautiful and haunting. So stripped down simple yet deep. Some easteuropean some swedish melancholy captured... i think a lot of this music reflects the swedish nordic melancholy, even in those ABBA tunes it was to be found. they were not all happy sing along songs... from Knowing Me Knowing You over The Winner Takes It All to The Day Before you Came... and if you thought the ABBA version of The Day Before You Came was sad and melancholic. listen to the piano version and you'll see what's real sadness and melancholy sounds like....

[@tyetanick]

This melody describes the state of my life - melancholy, subtle sorrow... but I truly love this sombre but restrained tune

[@barbcramer763]

I started studying piano when I was in 2nd grade,when I was in High School during the disco era ABBA was my favorite! I bought the sheet music and my sister and I would learn to sing the harmonies together and I would spend many hours learning Benny's arrangement's. A challenge but always worth it. I've always admired your playing and now I have a play to see and hear u perform your compositions! All I can say is Thank you for the music! By the way I still play and still love it! 🎹

[@L4AH4N1889]

Sounds like JS Bach with a very tiny bit of Chopin and Schubert twist ! The man is a genius!

[@CindyRizzato]

*Everything in my mind drifts away and my heart overflows when I hear Benny play. He really feels the music. Thank you for the wonderful music Benny. ~♥~*

[@bastianmarkle1222]

Hello Cindy

[@bennyandersson-topic15]

Thanks for your love and support

[@bennyandersson-topic15]

Thanks for your love and support

[@bennyandersson-topic15]

I'm so happy to have a great fans like you

[@МарияПопова-б1ф]

Bravo, Benny!!!!!!!!!

[@nina13333]

Bravo. Magnifique. Le meilleur.

[@sxsxsx7579]

Слушаю и плачу, вспоминая молодость. Спасибо, Маэстро, за Вашу Божественную Музыку!

[@ABBALAURAFAN]

Just astounding. I actually actually sang along.. “some are vicious some are fools and others blind..”

[@erato-alexandrasavorianaki4429]

Dear mr Andersson you write a great music!!! I adore your music of ABBA s songs but this music I love you too,it's emotional!!Thank you!!

[@lilyroseblume167]

This is unbelivebl miracle beautifull music piece you're genius 🌟💐🌟💐🌟🦋🦋🦋

[@martaorueta2894]

Exciting, calming, beautiful. I could listen to it all day.

[@Bazuka_703]

Великолепная музыка! Слушаю, и слёзы текут! Спасибо, Бенни!

[@ashareeoo]

Omg! Had no idea he recorded this. That entire score is remarkable, but this piece and End Game really stick out to me. Such a great composer 💖

[@nilswestman4013]

As a musician I adore him. He's like a God for me. Everything he touch turns to gold.

[@Ashtree81]

I agree, endgame is one of the most powerful pieces in musical history.

[@thomasmurray3920]

And “Anthem” as well.

[@jans724]

This musical "Chess" seem so underrated and passed by. I saw it in London with the original cast sometime around 1986 and think it is one of the best musicals ever. It is right up there with some other favourites like Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. Perhaps this is even better. It had such a great intro and outro, some very beautiful and complex duets, trios and quartets... and some remarkable like 'Anthem'. I saw it again in new shape when it was touring. For some reason they changed it a bit everytime - also when it moved to Broadway -. Listen through the full album of the original London cast..., it's a great piece of musical.

[@p1nesap]

Very nice Benny. Re-discovering and appreciating your singular talent after growing up with ABBA.

[@marinakhoudych8340]

Such an amazing piece! Can listen over and over again !

[@adinastanica1695]

Goosebumps! Nostalgia at the end of another year, nostalgia of the years gone by too quickly since I was a kid and a great ABBA fan.Thank you for the wonderful music , Mr.Benny Anderson! Best wishes for the New Year!💖

[@braileanul]

this is so beautiful thank you for all your music. i'm in tears

[@this_Joe_Smith]

❤

[@Jakub-Izaak]

Benny, it is touch....divine

[@paqui1018]

Can we apreciate that he's playing without any partiture?? OMG!!! And i can't even remember where did i left the car keys 🤣🤣. HE IS A GENIOUS 🙏🏻✨

[@dasse94]

Actually he can’t read noted music! He’s only playing by ear 👂🏽😍

[@paqui1018]

@@dasse94 That's what differentiates geniuses from mortals. Göran Bror Benny Andersson is... A PRODIGY!! 🥰🥰

[@thomasmurray3920]

Byes, he had someone else write down the musical notation.

[@mircotinacci7656]

he can not read music...amazing one of the best musician ever.

[@bizfree]

Surprised!

[@duett445]

Mirco Tinacci i do not believe that , Benny is a trained classic musician ,

[@MagdaPetrescu]

Mirco is right. He cannot read music. In 2017 he had a long interview " Benny Andersson cannot read notes, and he has taken three piano lessons in his life, but it has gone well anyways and Göran Arnberg has transcribed the songs from the album to notes that can be bought. - The good thing about learning to play with the ears is that if you practice enough, you not only know it in the head but also in your hands. Has it ever felt like a handicap that you cannot read or write music? - When I'm in the middle of an orchestra and Anders Eljas conducts and I hear that something is wrong, it would have been nice to say that it should be a ciss and not a c in that beat. And it would have been wonderful to be able to play "Clair de lune" [Debussy] from the sheet music. - I remember that [musician] Sven-Olof Waldoff said once that you can not have double ters, it gets flat. Such little things are learned from people who can. And Eljas tells me I can not write like that for the French horn since French horn can not play that high. But I can do that on my machine."

[@KymberliAnnEG]

I can believe that he can't read music. I've learned piano pieces the same way, by listening to detail of other musicians' performances, then memorizing and imitating, also then going one step further and creating. I would love to have someone write down stuff I've made up, lucky Benny.

[@this_Joe_Smith]

Wow! ❤

[@brandonsmith8454]

Wonderful song Abba had many colors of sound as well I can hear that you had alot to do with how Abba sounded after listening to this. Cheers thank you for posting this performance.

[@sprigflower]

Så otroligt vackert! Så skört och nyanserat.

[@amycrunch3812]

Benny's truly done it. 👍

[@marksharmanmusic1]

A modern genius. How beautiful was that

[@lilianhaak493]

Great, super preformance, and so nice to see the Yamaha Electon GX-1 in the back of his personal studio

[@albertonieto7599]

Maravilloso Benny,suena una locura, felicitaciones maestro,un abrazo

[@GnaeusJuliusAgricola]

A nocturne that Chopin himself would have been proud of.

[@mitich63]

Сегодня у этого замечательного композитора день рождения! Поздравляем!!!

[@ايهحيدر-ف5د]

What a wonderful playing I love it a lot

[@СветланаЛебедева-у7л]

Benny Спасибо за музыку!

[@hideralmosawi1606]

I love this kind of emotional and beautiful music playing a lot

[@McClift]

Бальзам на душу. Спасибо.

[@leojson7351]

It is brilliant! Without being a musician I believe i can recognise some references to church psalms, opera (Jussi Björling), swedish folk songs (Jan Johansson).

[@strat4ordgirl]

Magical, beautiful, I love Bennys music❤️🥰

[@fernandocabrera9795]

muy muy hermoso,.. desde la primera vez que se escucha. !,.. gracias.

[@optipus1429]

Absolutely gorgeous.

[@abedalrhman6020]

Thanx mr.Benny when I see you or hear your music have smile.

[@HeriJoensen]

Amazing! Andersson is a genius, in my humble opinion!

[@seanbendon8058]

Excellent! Canada-Vancouver. Odessa-Ukraine.

[@kailaatikainen287]

Thank you Benny !

[@anno1949]

Absolut toppen. Vilken härlig cd du har gjort Benny

[@sisirkattempudi7155]

Nice one Benny, love the new album. Congrats!

[@tama7590]

thanks for the great time with us.

[@silviubulgaru6170]

The heart of unique soud !

[@jdiuurdfsds]

Amazing, beautifull!! The music without words stands up so well the original recording.

[@elkhanhasanov1787]

BRAVISSIMO !!! Thank YOU for the MUSIC, BENNY!

[@FranceBernardof0609]

Again and again Benny, like Tortevisa, arrival and some other of your masterpieces, this one is way to short !! You certainly had ome other beautiful tunes and notes up in your sleeve to extend our pleasure !! - In France, we have a genius like you are and I am saying to him the same things. His name is Paul de Senneville, you probably know him. He is the composer of "Ballade pour Adeline" which is just fantastic. But he also made his music way to short although we so much would love to have it lasting for quite longer. Thank you anyway, you so much rejoice our heart!!

[@oliverschreek3091]

Zum Weinen schön. So beautyful, you have to cry.

[@markgreen2223]

Absolutely beautiful music.

[@m.p.958]

I am melting away....wonderfull !!

[@michaelkarnerfors9545]

Five notes into the melody and the hairs on my arms are standing up.

[@silvanabanks5221]

BENNY IS PHORMIDABLE IN PIANO!!! GREAT GENIOUS!🇧🇷❤️

[@Peter-vd9wi]

Wow!!!!!😀😀😀😀😀. So beautiful

[@Галина-з1щ4щ]

Best music ever ❤

[@gabrielestapel4033]

wunderschön,ein genialer Musiker

[@bennyandersson-topic15]

Thanks for your love and support

[@bennyandersson-topic15]

I'm so happy to have a great fans like you

[@lailafalck9579]

THERE IS SO MUCH LOVE IN BENNYS MUSIC, AND IN MOZARTS, A CURE-ALL FOR THE SORROWFUL HEARTS OF THE WORLD, AND MAYBE EVEN GIVING A NEW HEART TO THE TYRANTS

[@CristinavdfV]

I am afraid they don't want a heart.........they have no soul either................

[@ulfthune8334]

Bravo,Majestro👏👏👏👏👏✨👏👏

[@MrPerry4me]

The Master💖🎶👍

[@FranceBernardof0609]

Thank you very much Benny , beautiful music flows from your fingers as water from a cascade in springtime.