Checkers Part 13 of 16

Chess involves a romantic triangle between two players in a World Chess Championship, and the woman who manages one and falls in love with the other.

[@theabreetz13]

He makes one of the hardest male songs in musical theater seem effortless

[@bluejewel1629]

Pascal's 23 seconds, modulated 5 notes "Who" in a single breath is... breathtaking to tears. Having an agnsty day - crank it and belt it out!!!!! Adam is the only Freddie in my heart.

[@FatimaSorianoOfficial]

Yes! For me as well! He had me at that note. Just... that was it.

[@elizabethaso1277]

I can never hear anyone else sing this song! What I find even more impressive is that during the last note he switches from straight tone to vibrato and back again. This is rarely done because as soon as you allow the vibrato in, you lose a lot of air. Most songs that end with a big note like this, start with a deep breath, extended straight tone and then open up to a crescendo vibrato. He barely even looks like he took a breath!!! Perfection!

[@FatimaSorianoOfficial]

@@elizabethaso1277 Same here! I respect the people who love and prefer the original. But because of this performance, Adam will now and always be the only Freddie in my eyes, ears, mind, and heart. I mean, the vocal prowess, the pure and raw emotion, there's no denying that this man's voice, and his talent as an actor, are truly out of this world.

[@patriciolopes92]

I can do it easyly and i can prove it whenever you want.

[@amnesiacapothecary]

Do you want a medal?

[@ChristineTheHippie]

"Pity the child, but not forever. Not if he stays that way." Great line.

[@climbinguphill]

Holy crap, Adam Pascal, holy crap O_o He is just too fabulous for words

[@aleth017]

That last part of "Pity the child" always gives me goosebumps. Gosh! Adam Pascal is so good.

[@RiddlersApprentice]

Last note of Pity the Child: 23 seconds. Adam Pascal. My God.

[@NootalieWalf]

RiddlersApprentice I literally jumped off spotify onto KZbin to comment this. Glad you beat me to it by 6 years.

[@TimeandMonotony]

Has he ever played Jesus in JCS? 'Cause he could knock Gethsemane out of the park, no problem.

[@mamueller96]

@@TimeandMonotony belting Cs is very different from belting/mixing Gs :D

[@TimeandMonotony]

@@mamueller96 True. I'd still love to hear him sing that. ☺ Come to think of it, I wonder what the highest note he's ever sung is? Maybe in this song?

[@mamueller96]

@@TimeandMonotony the highest I heard (though I must say I don't listen to him that much) was a D5 in "memphis lives in me". The top notes here are C5s. By the way I would actually also really enjoy him singing gethsemane. :D

[@LoreleiConover]

Adam Pascal is INCREDIBLE. I don't care how old this recording is. Just chills every time I watch this (and I'm pretty sure I've watched this an unhealthy amount of times lol)

[@bluejewel1629]

Me too - I have this saved to my phenomenal performances playlist and play it any time I want to hear the incredible Who.... I never, ever tire of it.

[@sadiegallant-holloway7950]

I feel like his vocals on this song have always been perfection but his emotion has gotten even better

[@MissElTaylor]

Adam Pascal's facials in 'Pity the Child' is breaking my heart :'( he's so talented

[@schoolaccount6394]

The reason I love Adam so much is he not only sings it well he also puts so much emotion into it

[@ChristineTheHippie]

I agree. Freddie is an ass but Adam really humanized him here and you can see the realization that he needs to be a better person.

[@rojsteph1728]

I love how people forget this is a concert performance and not a fully staged show

[@active_whipp]

I want to do a stage production eventually

[@TimeandMonotony]

Damn, Zubin Varla's rendition of Pity the Child is my favorite, but the way Adam is able to hit and SUSTAIN those high notes is unparalleled! Absolutely incredible.

[@concordep2504]

Murray’s version has more passion and realism in the voice

[@kirajlerner]

Zubin is fantastic, his voice so rich and full but also able to show the anger/bitterness. Of course Murray Head was unique in his interpretation--technically less solid vocally but holy crap does he pour his heart and guts out to express his feelings!. And funnily enough, Drew Sarich kills this too (in a performance with an orchestra, not an actual production of the show)--obviously adds his unique rock style, flawless vocals and so, so much anger and hurt. I say "funnily" because it seems that the requirement for pulling this song off is that you first play a kick-ass Judas in JCS! For me, I feel Adam kinda under-performs this--I mean, there's no denying his incredible vocals and breath support, and he does get some of the anger across for sure. But this is Freddie's apotheosis where he finally shows some sincerity and raw emotion, and personally I don't hear/see it in Adam's portrayal. BUT I know I'm an outlier because most people are knocked out by his performance and I'm certainly not gonna say they're wrong. Just my weird taste really. (But everyone should check Drew's version... Despite not having the advantage of performing the role for an entire production--though he did a concert version back in 2012--he *really* shows the spectrum of emotion Freddie goes through. Including more vulnerability than I think others bring to it; shows us a peek of that unhappy, neglected boy. Ugh, listen to me. I'm sorry, I'm an unabashed Sarich fangirl so my bias is clear, heh.)

[@TimeandMonotony]

@@kirajlerner That's totally fair! Adam is technically incredible, but he often struggles with bringing the emotion, so I get what you're saying! But his singing is so good that I don't mind that his acting can be kinda weak, and I think Freddie was probably his best performance. And you're right about playing Judas seeming to be a prerequisite to being a great Freddie, haha! Though, like I said, I do like Adam (and I still can't believe he never played Judas!) Drew Sarich kills every role, one of the absolute best rock tenors in theater!

[@nutmac]

Love Idina joining in for a duet at 7:28. Perfectly delicate.

[@bencrossman]

Except she's rushes it. Slow down for gods sake

[@vera_6779]

@@bencrossman One of the duets where I really miss Eileen Page (Idina is a bit too rushed or too forced at times. Still a very good overall performance)

[@barrybernstein4459]

Isn't this one of the very best musicals EVER ? Can't wait to see the new production in London!!

[@cooldesertknight]

You should've seen the late 1980s one. Straight down from Heaven. (This newer version isn't bad, though. Quite wonderful, actually). Lucky you for living in London and having the chance to see the new production there. Wishing good time. Salaam from the heart of Arabia.

[@SeasonsChange14]

I saw it on Broadway in the 1980’s. Critics panned it, in part because of its Cold War black-and-white approach to character development, but I thought it just marvelous. This particular song still tears me apart. The character who sings “Pity the Child” is seemingly cold and callous as an adult, but the song gives you the backstory of his life and you understand him better.

[@JF-sh2sm]

SeasonsChange14 No wonder the critics panned the Broadway version since it was VERY different from the actual story. It’s a shame that the original plot had to suffer from outrageous modifications making it less enjoyable. The West End version (which is 95% the same as this concert) will always be the original and the better version.

[@Lisa-mw5ve]

One of the hardest songs to sing ever.... Adam you are perfection!

[@thomfing1]

I can totally relate to his story about planning conquests up in your room alone...the fate of many "only children" growing up in loveless marriages.

[@ginevratarascio4492]

It gets me everytime, i relate to the song so much. It’s not an easy life but we grow up, eventually. :)

[@PianoDisneygal10]

I'm crying at Pity the Child! Adam Pascal is so great!

[@cooldesertknight]

It was very moving, indeed!

[@abaskasem69]

I have listened to this song an unhealthy amount of times.

[@pierocrida]

and it's fresh and moving and devastating every time...

[@ashareeoo]

I always come back for that Pity the Child ending. Soooooo epic.

[@evelynsinger4187]

NBC, please give Adam a lead role in one of your live musicals!

[@heatherringer7084]

Cmon Judas!

[@dominiquepalmer2265]

Evelyn Singer he’s on tour with Something Rotten right now but he would be an Incredible Judas

[@anatoleishot]

Omg Yesss would love him as Judas

[@JosephJohnson-gu5fw]

I quadruple him as Judas

[@djpittymendoza9047]

Evelyn Singer gracias por cantarme mi tema me siento feliz y orgulloso

[@Kungs.]

Benny and Bjorn and Tim Rice were a great songwriting team.

[@AlexMillsSH]

Adam Pascal is unbelievably brilliant in this! Bravo.

[@Zuzuyatts]

Josh Grobin may have been the bigger name, but Adam Pascal gave the most astounding performance that night.

[@AnggrainiRustam]

Pascal.. and then 2 elphabas.. this is my second favorite part (just after the embassy lament)

[@CLMuhaha]

5:15 One of my fave "old school" 80s songs and beautifully arranged.

[@WoodsToLiveBy]

This is my favorite rendition of CHESS thus far, though I do wish "I Know Him So Well" was incorporated into a scene in which Svetlana & Florence have actually met and interacted. This abstract rendition is OK, but I prefer the other (which was how a previous script did it). That said, most of the updates to this book make the musical far better.

[@andyrau4677]

I don't mean to sound like a weirdo or anything but Adam doesn't even seem like he's trying to give it his all. Yet he delivers more then Murray head could in this song🤦‍♀️. Utterly amazed!!!

[@ChristineTheHippie]

That's true skill, when you make something difficult look effortless

[@Mxyzptlksac]

He makes it look effortless. I can sing it but it’s obvious, when I sing it, it was written by a sadistic song writer.

[@melodytannerclark]

And he doesn’t sing it like the stereotype it was written to be, as he’s American. He’s the only Freddy I can listen to.

[@lakeswirl6985]

i listen to murray head as judas in the original album of jesus christ superstar and i wonder where the hell that energy was for chess 😭

[@RvrGrl80]

Kerry's voice just gives me chills.

[@Rianelle]

THAT WAS LONG HOLD!!!! DAMN ADAM!

[@active_whipp]

Adam Pascal is a GENIUS in his art

[@barryfilter2364]

This is such a magnificent version, the emotions and that last note make it something special.

[@rugby8-Philadelphia]

Ageee!!! I've done the show - played Walter (the "Business Manager", and I've also Conducted the orchestra for a production. Adam's Pity the Child is the BEST I've ever heard! 😎😎😎

[@cutie48371]

this is my favorite part you get awesome adam pascal and the lovely and incredibly talented Idina Menzel singing

[@foreverealm]

Adam Pascal. One Voice in a Generation. Un. Real. Iconic.

[@ernlwjr2]

Adam Pascal delivers the definitive version of Pity The Child! BRAVO!!!!!!!

[@CharlottevdVeen]

Holy shit, Adam's fantastic

[@oanastamat7830]

Anthem, You and I, I Know Him So Well, Someone Else's Story and Nobody's Side are my favorite songs

[@Fbisdbjf]

Was there a rewrite for this performance? Ive never seen any other versions where that last word is held for so long on Pity for the Child. Adam does an amazing job but noone else seems to do it.

[@AMcGrath82]

There were a ton of rewrites, particularly because the original (which was very well done) offended both Russian and Thai critics. Personally, I think this is a gem.

[@ClaireAndConnor]

You don't trust those 21 seconds to just anyone.

[@kiwi_tenor]

Orchestrally it's exactly the same as the London version of the show (as is all of Chess in Concert, just with some of the synths replaced with a fuller string and brass section) - Adam does whats called an "interpolation" where he makes the role his own by riffing on that end note. Doesn't affect the Orchestra at all, and gives a great applause break. Adam is just super efficient with his air which is also 100% necessary considering this is one of the most vocally demanding songs in all of theatre for men.

[@elphbwckd212]

This show is rewritten just about everytime they do a new performance. I've seen it a couple of times in concert and one full production (all professional productions) and each time there were changes made. Songs were cut, lyrics rewritten, songs were sung by different characters. It's really an ever evolving show, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

[@josesolismusic]

After listening to several performances of this song, this will be my model to learn from.

[@samanthaanderson9887]

does anyone else get serious bowie vibes from Adam Pascal's vocals? In the best way possible ofcourse :)

[@maddiewoodfield4287]

4:33 has me shaking, holy shit

[@islastorrar]

4:33 THE TALENT I CANNOT

[@garywoolton1875]

There are two set pieces I love... Anthem and pity the Child.

[@anatoleishot]

wow, I have to say it, Adam was pretty good at Pity the child

[@TimeandMonotony]

What happened to part 12? The Deal is one of my favorite Chess songs. :(

[@BennieDuck]

Dude I've been wondering this for months lol. The full version of this is on a sketchy paid for site that wouldnt let me cancel but now I want to see the deal

[@JF-sh2sm]

I’ve been trying everything to make part 12 available but it’s sadly blocked all around the world, unless you’re ‘lucky’ to live in Cuba, Syria, Iran, North Korea or Somaliland because these are the only countries where the video is available!

[@TimeandMonotony]

@@JF-sh2sm Oh wow! Hehe a fine assortment of countries! 😆 I have some experience of my videos being blocked in all but a handful of countries, so I feel that. Thanks for the response, and for uploading this!

[@liz257]

Get a vpn and change your location to one of the working countries?

[@sskoog]

You can hear (but not see) most of it here -- kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2mciImBic9_ra8

[@glazdont1382]

So genuinely mad this was in my recommended again. I was finally starting to be able to listen to other versions of Pity the Child, but all that's ruined now that I've heard this again. Damn.

[@edmthecousinstrio6564]

That’s balcony ‘tis is the best version of pity the child

[@trainedinkarate7778]

I forgot how much I love this song And adam pascal😊

[@matthornton]

I need to learn how to sing like this...

[@tonyadams4989]

I have heard many singers sing this song, and most of them screech out the notes. Adam is incredible with his placement and pitch!

[@etrain8885]

I’m genuinely asking, is he chesting that C? Because if he is, that may be the most effortless big note I’ve ever seen.

[@michaellampson7085]

Ethan May it’s definitely mixed but he has a crazy impressive amount of chest (chest voice to head voice ratio) compared to most C’s

[@HarringtonTribal]

Agreed - it's ALMOST impossible to full chest a high C without sounding like you're shouting. Pascal is a mutant! This was amazing. (Saw Broadway's Jeremy Kushnier play Freddie at the Signature Theatre in Virginia - and he was equally AMAZING.)

[@mamueller96]

It's covered mixed voice. I would say the ratios (of chest and head) are balanced. It's not "chesty", it just has more depth to it.

[@EM2theBee]

That Pity the Child is the best version...what an incredibly hard song. The vocal acuity and effortlessness are astonishing!

[@Abonanno24601]

Pitty the Child is in the same key as Purple Rain

[@janresendez7991]

Adam Pascal is freaking amazing!!! I love his voice

[@amandacampbell7921]

is it possible to get part 12 back on here??? Kerry is AMAZING in that song and it's the only part missing

[@BeccaD79]

Love Adam Pascal

[@tairuibervar3089]

I am looking for Checkers Part 12 of 16 please

[@jippy33]

Adam fucking Pascal. 23 second note. Mind blown. Don't think I didn't time it. Holy shit.

[@viktorberg7424]

Chess Opening song = 2:15 into the clip it starts The Story of Chess Slow 4/4 x7 = intro two instrumental melody parts Aaaaah the part begins 4/4 ×71 = 7 instrumental melodies = intro And in the end we see the game that started by mistake in Hindustan understood in the made by Watters now one The Referee's Lines after the song: The world chess federation, of which I have the honor of being president, announces that the next world championship will take place here in Merano, Italy. The current world champion Fredrick Trumper of the United States of America will defend his title against Anatoly Sergievsky of the Soviet Union. The first player to achieve six victories will be declared champion. The first game will begin on March 27th 1979, welcome world to Merano. Merano Reporter's song Fast bit interlinking with Florence bit lyrics = What did I conclude, his out of his streak His finally, caught up between you and me, his no opponent, as he described, infact he shouldnt have come here, he should have resigned 3x His no one's friend, he shouldn't have come here he should have resigned, Anatolie's first song USA vs Russia song Cheerleader song Chess Game.1 = theme Key: Dm, Gm, Cm, Fm Lots of chromatic Trumper song Global television = lines Florence song = Maybe Im on nobody's side The meeting at the mountain top song Chess Game.1 = theme Key: Dm, Gm, Cm, Fm Lots of chromatic Great Britain/London keyholders song Heaven help my heart Reporters Anthem Florence and Anatolie's song Bangkok Russian party song Global television guys small song Anatolie's wife's song Pity the child All chess players name song Alekhine Smyslov Fischer Capa blank Kasparov Morphy Chess Game.2 = theme Take my blues red Anthem outro

[@pablomiyar5265]

Es uno de los temas más emocionantes del musical. Precious battle between Idina and Kerry. A demonstration of creativity by both. Great!!

[@Bella26111]

the entire musical -- brilliant and Beautiful!!!! :D awwwww

[@jsybaz100]

If they were to do this in five years time, I'd love to see Samantha Barks as Florence and Rachel Tucker as Svetlana. I think that both could sing either part, I just think that Rachel being a wife and mother could bring that to the part of Svetlana, but in five years, Sam could be in the same situation. The problem is, I can't work out who the rest of the cast would be.

[@anavila5741]

Oh hey! Dream cast come true(kinda) ? Samantha Barks is playing Florence in Japan :D

[@neilplaysmusic2366]

Just saw Samantha Barks playing Florence in London a few hours ago :)

[@DanT64]

Samantha Barks ended up being unbelievably good as Florence, I saw her in London a few days ago. Joel Harper Jackson as Freddy, Hadley Fraser as Anatoly, Frances Mayli McCann as Svetlana, Ako Mitchell as the Arbiter. I’d say it was the perfect cast!

[@MrYaroslavcheg]

TheFourthSniper, that's exactly what I was thinking of his performance.

[@CHESShireCat]

I asked for the DVD of this performance for Christmas just so I could watch the Endgame scene (and have subtitles). It was worth it.

[@idinamenzel4359]

I LOVE THIS!

[@quinnbenz987]

or as i refer to this song, pity the tenor.

[@mainepatty2012]

He does such an amazing job

[@AlexandraWindsor-t9l]

al are casualties - the child- the wife -'nobody's side the mistress I know him so well,

[@Grethrey123]

Just been cast as Freddie in a production of Chess and after watching this…now I’m nervous! How can I follow that?? 😂

[@v.v365]

Part 12 is only one song, granted it’s a 10 minute song, but it’s also a great song. I found an edit of Disney characters singing The Deal (No Deal) and it was great

[@anatoleishot]

Kerry is perfect

[@sophiesparkie]

I'm usually not a huge Adam Pascal. I find that he shouts everything he sings but I think this character is perfect for him and I love him in this role.

[@steverichardson6718]

shame the UK blocked 1 of the videos... (#12)... if they wont release it on UK DVD... then its fair game! lets face it...we are only enjoying it in lockdown!

[@TimeandMonotony]

Same in the US. :(

[@kmetzz1]

He is SOOOOOO good

[@djpittymendoza9047]

Gracias por cantarme el tema yo El Niño pitty saludos a mis amigos a chuck norris a suaxeneguer y a angelina jolie gira 2018

[@TheDeadlyDelilah]

It's actually 21 seconds long because it lasts from 4:35 to 4:56. Just to be pedantic. I just love this show so much that I don't mind getting into trivial details - cos it simply gives me an excuse to watch and listen to this wonderful song and show for yet one more time!

[@amandamcmurray2565]

Jareth the Goblin King!

[@TheDeadlyDelilah]

Pity the child by Alan Pascal and I know him so well by the girls.... beautiful beyond words

[@user-xf7jp5ps8r]

I can imagine how this would be performed by Frida and Agnetha

[@thufir1971]

But you surely do not have to ;)

[@jessica23claire]

I can literally hear Elaine Paige willing herself into sounding like Frida on the original album

[@JF-sh2sm]

They kinda already performed it since the chorus is based on the chorus from ‘I Am An A’, a song that ABBA used to sing during their 1977 Australian tour. It was never recorded but you can find a passable live version of it on KZbin.

[@Jolie991]

part 12 of the playlist was removed but i found an archived copy in the wayback machine. i'll put the link in the reply, but you have to add = to the end to get it to work

[@belindabonham2093]

Please send the link.

[@TheDeadlyDelilah]

Yes you are right - my bad! Still, what a wonderful beautiful song to discuss stuff that gives one an excuse to listen again - and again - and again - and it's the music not the debates that make you want to do that!

[@thomfing1]

Well said Suzana.

[@Abonanno24601]

I'm going to play Devil's Advocate and say that Idina Menzel just always sounds like Maureen to me. She does have her moments in Chess, but when It comes to Adam, He plays it good. Every once in a while, he does something and I think Roger, but not often. There's a line in this musical where Idina says something like "he's working for Global Television, it's big money," and all I hear is "my riot got you on TV I deserve a royalty." She isn't a bad singer, I guess I'm just used to Elaine Paige

[@klaramolitva]

Adam Pascal, you rock!

[@onabat52]

Unbelievable! Bravo!

[@gilian2587]

I went looking for music from some of Tim Rice's more obscure work. Found one called 'Cricket' -- there were songs from that one in KZbin that I can't track down.

[@zeusneox]

Excellent performance! By the way, isn't he watching soooo much at the prompter?

[@xXJenncatXx]

I don't think it's a prompter, I think it is a video screen of the conductor, as the orchestra is behind the performers.

[@erikabclimber]

Fuck this Svetlana should run off with Florence and Anatoly should go literally abywhere that isn't the USSR and everyone should be HAPPY GOD DAMN IT

[@thomfing1]

Svetlana should run off with me.....I would treat her soooo well.

[@anatoleishot]

If Svetlana runs off with Florence, then Anatoly should go with Freddie...After all, Freddie helped him to win the game ;)

[@neilbishop6395]

Truly incredible performance but I do miss that Lasse Wellander guitar solo.

[@tlpricescope7772]

I wish Bowie and Freddie did a duet with this song!

[@victoriaehrencrona5488]

Where’s part 12 and why is it missing!?😅

[@deborahrick3676]

Victoria Ehrencrona it has been blocked in the USA because of copyright issues

[@victoriaehrencrona5488]

Deborah Rick Oh okay.. Thanks for the answer!!

[@barrybernstein9049]

Is " Pity the child" the best song for a male in musical theatre? And in my opinion this part 13 is as good as iy gets in musicals.

[@sherilynn1310]

Crying only partly because I can't find Part 12.

[@markbaker2826]

He is Wonderful !

[@vets2016]

Check again, it starts at 4:34 as Jayeenn heard

[@debbabe2254]

Adam gives this difficult song a pure & true Broadway vocalist interpretation. 🤩 However, didn't the composers write this song as a rock anthem, to be sung in the style of a rock vocalist? 🤔

[@geraldinePage-c9r]

Ah is part 12 around? "Deal or No Deal"

[@oliverdelgado8802]

if you look at covers of pity the child no one tries to do what adam did at the end the long note lol its crazy

[@pettalwing]

This is 'Chess!'

[@uiytresen346]

Sorry, but i can't unsee this: Adam pascal looks like Irategamer.

[@mike.marziliano24601]

Why hasn’t this guy played Jean Valjean yet? Someone please tell me

[@TimeandMonotony]

There's a video of him on YT singing "Bring Him Home" from what looks like a private set. I wouldn't have thought his distinctive rock voice would work with the song, but he nails it. Utterly beautiful.

[@ChristineTheHippie]

@@TimeandMonotony I want him to play Judas

[@TimeandMonotony]

@@ChristineTheHippie Me too!! I seriously don't know why he hasn't yet!

[@elisabethnerolk2283]

WHERES PART 12????

[@saschahoupt6177]

He's amazing, but does it sound to anyone else like there's effects on his voice? or is that just a lot of reverb?

[@oliverrichardson5485]

I’ve always thought this, I can hear such a metallic edge on mainly Adam and Idina’s singing. I feel like it’s mainly for stylistic choice however, fits with the synth style of the musuc