Godspell - Original Cast (CD 1990)

The first time I heard the musical score for Godspell was in the early 1970's when our college drama department presented an inspired production of the popular musical. I was transfixed by the beautiful lyrics and melodies that told the story of the last few years of the life of Jesus Christ. Since then, I have developed a deeper reverence for the musical genius of Stephen Schwartz, whose original compositions and adaptations from scripture have continued to provide me with hope and inspiration over the years.

This CD, with performances by the original off-broadway cast, includes a few substandard performances. However, taken a whole, the performances are dramatic and enthusiastic, providing a dimension that makes the music come alive for the listener.

From the opening ram's horn ushering in Christ's appearance, "Prepare Ye, The Way Of The Lord," is a rousing introduction and paves the way for the message of the first song on the CD:

Save The People is a hauntingly beautiful adaptation from an old Episcopal hymn. God's people are calling for him to send a savior, to inaugurate a reign of mercy and justice as reflected in the poetic lyric:

"When wilt thou save the people?
Oh God of mercy, when?
Not kings and lords, but nations,
Not thrones and crowns, but men!
Flow'rs of thy heart, O God, are they;
Let them not pass, like weeds away,
Their heritage a sunless day.
God save the people.

Shall crime bring crime forever,
Strength aiding still the strong?
Is it thy will, O Father,
That men shall toil for wrong?"
"No," say thy mountains;
"No," say thy skies;
Man's clouded sun shall brightly rise
And songs be heard instead of sighs.
God save the people"

Day By Day begins with a slow paced piano introduction and solo, followed by gleaming cymbals and a choral based vocal. The simple lyric and lovely melody make this a joyful song of praise and dance. Learn Your Lessons Well is an original tune by Schwartz, with a sultry vocal by Gilmer Mc Cormick and a mocking lyric aimed at the smug pharisaic attitude. The piano arrangement gives this tune the feel of a dancehall number.

Bless The Lord is adapted from Psalm 103, as a celebration of God's grace, kindness, and love for his people with a simple blues tempo and beat, and a rousing chorus. All For The Best is a sparkling satirical vaudeville like piece with Stephen Nathan and David Haskell exchanging lines to a tapping cane, piano and ukulele.

The lovely ballad All Good Gifts, has a hymnlike quality with piano and recorder. Lamar Alford's strong operatic baritone, and a back-up choir elevates the stirring lyric:

"We plow the fields and scatter the good seed on the land..
But it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand..
He sends us snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain..
The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain..

All good gifts around us
Are sent from Heaven above
So thank the Lord, oh thank the Lord for all his love..

Light Of The World is a rock opera type number with strong bass and percussion lines and alternating lead vocals. Based on the "Sermon on the Mount" chapter in the Bible, a pointed lyric gives way to an extended organ and guitar solo in the end. Sonia Manzano delivers a credible Mae West imitation in Turn Back, O Man in this steamy, sinner's lament. Alas For You is a dramatic anthem against the excesses of the legalistic leaders of the Jewish community, who received some of the most scathing criticism ever delivered by the "Prince Of Peace."

Probably the most accessible piece on the CD is the poignant lyric, By My Side written by Jay Hamburger. Sparse instrumentation adds to the beauty of this lovely melody and mournful lyric:

"Where are you going?
Where are you going?"
Can you take me with you?
for my hand is cold
And needs warmth
Where are you going?

Far beyond where the horizon lies
Where the horizon lies
And the land sinks into mellow blueness
Oh please, take me with you."

"We Beseech The" is a rock and roll song calling for redemption, with lead vocal by Jeffrey Mylett and an energetic chorus by the entire company. "On The Willows" is a stunning adaptation of Psalm 137. A song of suffering and exile, the trio of vocalist accompanied by acoustic guitar and piano make this an especially moving piece.

The Finale is a very emotional adaptation of the passion of Christ with clanging and clashing rock style musical affects that communicate the unspeakable pain and sorrow of the crucifixion. This stirring piece is followed by a replay of Prepare Ye The Way Of The Lord, a glorious reminder of the second coming of Christ. The last track is a reprise of Day By Day, a resounding hope for all generations.

Regardless of your religious beliefs, Godspell is for many, a moving musical that celebrates the life of Christ and his message of hope for a world that is struggling today just as it did thousands of years ago. Despite a few weak vocal performances and understated production, the off- broadway soundtrack is a very listenable recording of the wonderful Stephen Schwartz score.