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Jesus Christ Superstar

Musical Score
1971 (written)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

Jesus Christ Superstar chronicles the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth as seen through the eyes of his disciple, Judas Iscariot, who has become disillusioned. The combination of rock music with the religious subject matter was inflammatory. The show appeared to some to question Jesus's credentials as the Son of God, but it is made quite clear that it is Judas who is having the doubts, and that they are what drive him to betray his master.

Lloyd Webber has always experimented with blending styles and genres. This show is a 'rock opera' - in other words, the music is in the style of rock but the show is sung-through (there is no dialogue between songs) in the manner of opera.

This score is marked up for performance, with notes from the Musical Director on alterations made during rehearsals.


Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleJesus Christ Superstar (assigned by artist)
Materials and techniques
Ink and pencil on paper
Brief description
Full orchestral score for Jesus Christ Superstar, Palace Theatre, 9 August 1972, in brown card wrapper, printed from the original manuscript score.
Physical description
Full orchestral score for 'Jesus Christ Superstar', Palace Theatre, 9 August 1972, in brown card wrapper, printed from the original manuscript score.
Dimensions
  • Length: 460mm (closed)
  • Width: 35cm
  • Depth: 5cm
  • Width: 337mm (closed)
  • Depth: 47mm (closed)
Measured in Book Conservation measuring box Open dimensions approx: D:460 x W:650 x H: 140 - no upstand
Production typeUnique
Production
The opera was first released as a recorded album in 1970, before being staged in 1971 on Broadway. This manuscript is from the UK staged version.

Attribution note: Printed manuscript featuring notes from musical director
Subjects depicted
Literary referenceJesus Christ Superstar
Summary
Jesus Christ Superstar chronicles the last seven days in the life of Jesus of Nazareth as seen through the eyes of his disciple, Judas Iscariot, who has become disillusioned. The combination of rock music with the religious subject matter was inflammatory. The show appeared to some to question Jesus's credentials as the Son of God, but it is made quite clear that it is Judas who is having the doubts, and that they are what drive him to betray his master.

Lloyd Webber has always experimented with blending styles and genres. This show is a 'rock opera' - in other words, the music is in the style of rock but the show is sung-through (there is no dialogue between songs) in the manner of opera.

This score is marked up for performance, with notes from the Musical Director on alterations made during rehearsals.
Collection
Accession number
S.102-1981

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Record createdFebruary 8, 2008
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