Julian Ovenden singing 'Anthem' from Chess on 'Tim Rice- A Life In Song'

[@dalehankins3853]

This man should be looked upon as a national treasure

[@joanpinto3169]

Julian's voice is awesome.

[@waterlily6543]

Yes I agree but also so very handsome beautiful man

[@alexanderzamora5930]

The only crime this beautiful singer has done was not make a cd of Broadway songs. His technique is flawless!

[@organboi]

Agreed

[@francisrobertlim]

yes indeed, his technique is flawless! he should have recorded a full album of broadway of songs. not only he has the voice, but. also a gorgeous, fine- looking gentleman.

[@claracosta4352]

He trained as an opera singer, hence such voice and technique. To me, he is the best singer on a stage at present.

[@mothemost]

WOW! What a voice and what a delivery!!!

[@terriharrold1504]

Bravo! Julian Ovenden. He is a Superstar both with his music and acting. In Allies he gave a strong and believable performance. He always puts effort, and feeling into every song he sings or part he plays.

[@mjleger4555]

Just magnificent! Julian Ovenden is new to me but I am now looking for his work, I want to hear more! This man is definitely more than just a studio recording artist, he belongs in musicals, in front of a large audience with an orchestra, like right where he is with the above performance! I'm a new fan, JO, and thank you for your work!

[@eriscarmodossantosdefranca5528]

I cannot get over his Voice, his looks...so heartly!!!! May God bless you and your beautiful family...from São Paulo, Brasil.

[@eriscarmodossantosdefranca5528]

Thanks for noticing me....

[@francisrobertlim]

i am still hoping that in the days to come, he would still find time to record an album of broadway songs. what a sight seeing him sing on stage with his magnificent voice.

[@keithmartin2334]

Why NY 'broadway'? It's a poor second to the Theatres in the West End of London!

[@sampatterson3909]

He did. He and Sierra Boggess recorded an album of B'way songs during the pandemic called "Together at a Distance" They have videos of the tracks here on YT

[@PatriciaCassidy-q4b]

A magnificent singer.superb tugs at the heart strings.

[@Banburian1]

Brilliant singing, the best on the show!

[@miamiracer]

Julian is my absolute favorite. Would love to see him and Sierra Bogess together in a show.

[@carolinecollett4349]

No man, no madness Though their sad power may prevail Can possess, conquer, my country's heart They rise to fail She is eternal Long before nations' lines were drawn When no flags flew, when no armies stood My land was born And you ask me why I love her Through wars, death and despair She is the constant We who don't care And you wonder will I leave her -- but how? I cross over borders but I'm still there now How can I leave her? Where would I start? Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart My land's only borders lie around my heart

[@carolyntristram4240]

Oh my ... hidden talent - well done Julian! I remember going to the premiere and was so very moved by this song - very poignant considering what it was all about - troubled times ...

[@janiceroseland5899]

OK. Nobody else ever gets to sing this song again. This is it, the ultimate voice and interpretation.

[@ThiagoVilla0]

Julian's one my role models. His technique is so damn refined. His throat-and-jaw arc is flawless.

[@organboi]

I agree.

[@mikehorton6225]

There has been a lot of back and forth about who sings this song better, Ovenden or Korberg. As a vocal coach and show conductor for over 50 years, I have heard many. Korberg is excellent and is typical of the best show singers of the 1980s. However, he cannot the intensity, power, and gravitas Ovenden brings to the song. While both are excellent, my money is on Ovenden.

[@franklesser5655]

Beautiful! And so is his voice!

[@PennySampson-x8g]

Bermuda Lady. Julian Ovenden is multitalented. He played an Royal Air Force officer on Foyle’s War on the BBC

[@joanpinto3169]

Julian, you must make an album of broadway musical songs someday.

[@lenela3141]

I have loved this song ever since the first time I heard it in the 80s. When I heard Tommy Körberg's powerful voice, so full of emotions, I started to cry, and it still has that effect on me. So to me this song belongs to Tommy Körberg's voice. But, well done, Julian Ovenden, ¡olé!

[@organboi]

Wrong. It belongs to anyone who wishes to sing it well. Julian is amazing. It's just different.

[@lounolastname4477]

@@organboi it’s different, yes, but not as good as Tommy Körberg, it feels somewhat lacking after hearing Tommy

[@annabackman3028]

I couldn't agree more. This is the very original, according to Benny's smile in the last frame, THE Best. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoivnXVqZqyfrLc And 2017: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g56kk4Z3ZqtqiaM

[@francisrobertlim]

still hoping that one of these days, you would find time to record a full album of broadway songs.

[@lindamoulton1560]

This is perfection. Ovenden OWNS this!!!

[@johnbellocchio66]

Nope. He borrowed it. From Josh Groban.

[@idaspjuth6773]

Nope to both of you, the original från 84 with Tommy Körberg is the winner hands down.

[@frankhuhn7369]

@@idaspjuth6773 I have been waiting since 1986 for someone to come close to Tommy in power and feeling for this classic song. This is as near as anyone has ever come.

[@colinkeenabell9301]

Wonderfull singer you can feel the story through the music and his interpretation of the words

[@susanyork5089]

Got everything great singer / actor and those looks ❤️

[@ducatiman1309]

He is such a great singer - and so handsome !!! God Bless X

[@isabelsinclair2899]

What a superb performance and what a God given voice.

[@robbiepoulin920]

OH MY!! I've got the chills listening to this piece.

[@clarisbartholomew6623]

me too

[@andreasimmons3830]

I didn't think anyone could top Mark Rattray's version of 'Anthem' but Julian has - all I can say is wow!

[@billygardener19]

What an incredible voice!!

[@esquibienify]

Glorious performance full of passion and heart. Backing vocals are abysmal though.

[@wsddrama8735]

I thought it was just me!!! dreadful

[@ExitSiign]

Phew.. Okay once again, with feeling this time. Kidding, the end gave me goosebumps.

[@irishmama34]

What a voice! Wish he'd sing "Love Changes Everything" from Aspects of Love

[@lilijohansen821]

A brillant actor too. Loved him sine Foyles war ❤❤❤❤❤

[@brianocallaghan7172]

love the way he does,nt try to project his voice or force singing within himself self contained and confident in an understated way . . makes his voice all the more appealing

[@evantorch6122]

But this song was not written for that delivery- David Carroll sang it better a capella that all of this maudlin slop

[@nickflynn7839]

Wonderful performance

[@ChrisChanningChannel]

The body so relaxed but full of intention, none the less. It's like watching James Stewart singing. When he's finished you half expect him to start telling you about his friend, the six foot tall rabbit. :_))

[@jpbowie]

He was great as always. Love this guy's voice. Some bum notes from the choir though.

[@wsddrama8735]

just the worst- I mean they couldn't afford people who can sing?????

[@deborahcoveney8846]

Stunning performance once again from Julian!!!

[@krrainey77]

Him from Downton. Who knew!? AMAZING!

[@francisrobertlim]

i've tried listening tommy korberg , josh groban and michael balls versions. in all honesty, julian ovenden's. version, tops them all. what a majestic, soaring voice.

[@carwyncymru]

mark rattray!!! seriously?????? julians rich overwhelming voice penetrates every ounce of your being!!!

[@andreasimmons3830]

+Hefin Rosser - I said Julian's version tops Mark's version. You should have paid closer attention to what I wrote before commenting.

[@missimin]

Superb. I"ve heard many Anthems and I think I love his best.

[@maryannedavid6983]

Such a Wonderful, Patriotic, Emotional Song....

[@janiemolloy]

And he acts..Downton Abbey,Knightfall

[@magnusviking]

Sublime rendering

[@sheva7mt]

I know him from Person of Interest. His acting is brilliant.

[@gossamerwings3632]

Mete Dolunay not being from the U.K., i haven't seen him acting except for "Forsyte Saga" and "Foyle's War" and the little bit in Season 4 of "Downton Abbey", however he is a very good singer and i first heard of him from his youtube videos which i've enjoyed very much.

[@brigittebedolla4719]

Ovenden has a tremendous voice, but I find this rendition a little heavy-handed. I don't blame him (because, as I said, his voice is tremendous). I'm assuming he's following a director's instruction. One of the reasons I've always found Tommy Korberg's rendition so moving is that his vocal characterization is a lot more subtle and nuanced. He begins the song in an almost quiet fashion that builds, builds builds until he knocks the listener over with "Where would I start...". This is a little like Godzilla through Tokyo in comparison. It's loud and a little bombastic from the opening line, and that is not what this song is supposed to be (if you know the story). The choir is very harsh and plodding as well. I'll admit to knowing Ovenden only as Val Dartie in The Forsyte Saga. Now I need to hunt down some of his musical performances. :)

[@jamesthackray2603]

wow just hear a great vocal when you can no need for your opinion

[@ravenwolf68]

Part of that is that he's singing it in isolation as part of a concert, not as part of a performance of the musical. If he were in character, I have no doubt he'd have had the emotional resonance the song demands.

[@organboi]

Unbefuckinglievable. And to hell with these commenters and their claims of superior versions. Insane.

[@NoneOfyourBusiness468]

organboi kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIPJqKeBi7-eZsk

[@csteveneven]

the backing singers are diabolical, what on earth was the director thinking

[@menniewong1222]

The best I never get tired of listening

[@pattybending7810]

Absolutely fantastic What fabulous voice and such a good looking young man Hope to see more of himxx

[@frankhuhn7369]

I saw "Chess The Musical" in London in 1986 with Tommy and Murray and Elaine. My first professional musical ever. I have loved the songs from that show ever since. I have watched every performance of "Anthem" I can find on youtube by any artist who has taken their shot. While I still believe Tommy owns the song, I believe Julian may have just received the mantle to carry this song forward. I am begging someone to revive this show in the West End or Broadway and cast Julian and Sierra Boggess as Anatoly and Florence.

[@BigfistJP]

Ausgezeichnet! Magnifique! If there is a better rendition of this song, I have not heard it.

[@organboi]

Agreed.

[@kirstybrodrick]

beauiful tone

[@patriciasanders2942]

Magnificent,thank you for sharing your amazing voice with us all,stupendous.

[@elnadematos3388]

And he is such a looker ❤

[@Ben-my2wz]

Great voice

[@francisrobertlim]

i've tried listening to tommy kolberg, josh groban and michael balls versions. in all honesty, the version of julian ovenden tops them all. what a majestic, thunderous soaring voice.

[@kafem57]

SO COOL DOWNTON'S MAN CAN SING!

[@fierywolf1981]

This was a beautiful rendition on such a classy song, I have to say though that I found it a little heavy handed, the passion was certainly there, but it needed to be just a little faster, and then explode at the end....more dramatic I guess is what I was looking for.

[@bluerose3262]

Wow, this is amazing. The only thing that keeps this from being my favorite version of this song is the choir, which doesn't sound right and is very distracting

[@wsddrama8735]

they are horridly off key

[@ricoltmetric8156]

He needs to record more songs espeially Broadway .

[@joanlohr7144]

Wonderful, bravo!

[@dianevetter4260]

Bravo, Mr. Ovenden !

[@jonnapat3213]

Beautiful, thanks very much.

[@ngdukic]

If only we all felt this way about our countries rather than our nations, this planet would be bliss. This is one of the most sincere versions I've heard of Anthem; proud yet modest, restrained and completely delicious. Groban, listen up, this is how it's done.

[@simonethiergan2795]

Brilliant, amazing...💓💓

[@aimeee202]

Sorry but this is THE best version out there

[@lounolastname4477]

Sorry, this is good but Tommy Körberg’s many renditions are far superior

[@CliveNDerek]

David Carroll, who originated the role on Broadway was the greatest ever, may he R.I.P.

[@francisrobertlim]

it is about time that you have to give in, to the clamor of your fans to record an album of broadway songs.

[@moyawaterworth3274]

OMG. Didnt realise you could sing like this. WOW

[@fierywolf1981]

A beautiful rendition of the song, but sadly it was a little bit lagging with the slow pace. Also...fire the choir, they took something from the performance, they didn't add to it.

[@evantorch6122]

David Carrol was the King of this song- for eternity

[@dramaqueen5748]

amazing voice. just wishing he'd never left the royal

[@lindakristinekjrlibraten5759]

I liked him too, but dr. Banner was my favourite!

[@robertort793]

This is definitely the best singing “Anthem”

[@FATBAZ01]

Wow.... Just Wow....

[@MarthalieThurstonSachemPiper]

We all have heard so many covers of Anthem. For me, this is the best, followed closely by Katherine Jenkins. Regardless, the composition is fantastic.

[@jasminderpinder]

This is one of my fav pieces of music and Julian does a lovely version of it. As a singer myself, I just wish it was a tad faster, and the phrasing slightly varied. Still wonderful though.

[@jaycejohnson6846]

Oh god, that CHOIR

[@JFrenchman]

Jesus I want to fight the mixer, that bass part is driving me insane. The singing is amazing though

[@garygreen3845]

Too low for him, but most people at these evens don't care. He barely has a chance to get into his top register with this song topping at a G. He's a well-trained (classical) singer, and it will be interesting to see if he decides to follow a Broadway path, that so many of the commenters have decided he should do. It's always a problem when you decide to have a huge orchestra compared to the synthesized Broadway and West End scores.

[@planetrift]

Good performance, but the sound technician should be ashamed. You never let the focus of a piece of art be drowned by the surrounding matter. It is true for music, as well as painting etc..

[@wewper]

The orchestra and chorus are so LOUD you can't hear him.

[@ray691108]

Julian make my ear pregnant.❤️

[@SeasonsChange14]

Gorgeous voice and rendition. Now if the choir would just back off (stage).

[@detectivefiction3701]

That was overwhelming! He looks a bit like Frank Sinatra, too.

[@irishmama34]

He's SO much more handsome than F. S. ever was

[@eriscarmodossantosdefranca5528]

Agreed!

[@eriscarmodossantosdefranca5528]

@@irishmama34 agreed.

[@anthonyhenrysmith]

this tempo really drags

[@organboi]

No it doesn't. In your mind only. It's perfectly fine for me.

[@jjaus]

Thank you. It was ridiculously slow. I love the music and Ovendon is flawless, but I could have cooked dinner during this rendition.

[@JaneKellie-uh3mo]

Amazing Voice . 🇬🇧🇺🇸. 🫡

[@Invenery]

Wow

[@plato12000]

You can "cross MY border" ANY time Big Boy!

[@JulioGomez-rd9sp]

oh

[@jenspflug7473]

Unfortunately, the orchestra to voice loudness is disadvantageous for the singer. Orchestra is too loud.

[@OnceUponAWaltz]

IN.SANE.

[@gandalf751]

Good one, but no one could beat the strong and yet soft voice of Tommy Körberg.......

[@elenagonzalez234]

BRIKLLANT SONG . WOW JULIAN OVENDEN !!!!!!!!!!!!! ELENA GONZALEZ OLARIAGA

[@shirleyhowley4721]

Perfect anthem for an independent Scotland !!

[@jimmyd05]

Nice but Tommy Korberg still kills it.

[@nomnomfoodthief]

THAT'S MY FIRST NAME TOO!!!

[@jan-erikdahl5222]

Tommy Körberg!!!! Simply the best.

[@carolinecollett4349]

I cross over borders but I'm still there now - leaving his homeland.

[@hauntsandamusements]

Dang, all these tenors taking baritone songs. 😤

[@LeeJCander]

I didn't know this song was for a baritone? That's impressive.

[@hauntsandamusements]

​@@LeeJCander Yes, it's just very hard! Chess's score and libretto list the role of Anatoly as a baritone. The character is really rangy, with Tommy Körberg singing from a bass low F to a tenor high Bb in the concept album.

[@LeeJCander]

@@hauntsandamusements Bugger that! I'm a Tenor and I struggled when first learning it. I hate the 'unfamiliar rehearsing' stage. The larynx tightens up in the upper range until confident in the music. Fair play to those baritones who've sung it!

[@hauntsandamusements]

@@LeeJCander I'm a baritone and I've been working on this song for years now and only just recently became comfortable with it. Just takes a lot of practice! You'll get there! Also, if you want to hear a CRAZY tenor song from Chess, listen to "Pity the Child". The song's nickname is "Pity the Tenor". 😂 It's a great one, though.

[@LeeJCander]

@@hauntsandamusements I've performed it now a few times. But I've found this harder than some tenor repertoire 😂

[@trongdyhuynhvu7016]

I hope he will sing this song with Josh Groban!

[@mattdeans9873]

Boy, he had to fight that massive choir for his place once it came in. I think it was tie. Too many choristers.

[@johntlew]

Gorgeous. Tempo could be a little faster.