Anthem (from Chess): Choral Instrumental Pak
By Tim Rice / By Benny Andersson / As performed by Josh Groban / Arranged by John Purifoy
Item: 35-PK00132806
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Description
Recently performed by Josh Groban in the role of Anatoly Sergievsky in a rock concert revival of the musical "Chess," this inspiring song is simply breathtaking! Duration: ca. 2:50.
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Additional Details
Publisher:
Hal Leonard
SKU:
35-PK00132806
More about this title
About the Composer: Tim Rice
Tim Rice revolutionized musical theater by proving that pop songwriting sensibilities could anchor ambitious dramatic works. His collaborations with Andrew Lloyd Webber (Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar) and Benny Andersson (Chess) shaped how contemporary audiences encounter storytelling through song, blending accessibility with emotional depth.
As a lyricist, Rice prioritizes clarity and singability without sacrificing poetic weight. His influence on music education extends beyond Broadway: his work demonstrates how strong melodic writing and direct emotional communication can engage singers of all levels, making complex narratives feel immediate and personal.
Why we love this
This arrangement captures the soaring vulnerability that made Josh Groban's recent performance so compelling, giving chamber choirs a chance to inhabit a piece that bridges classical and contemporary sensibilities. The Purifoy arrangement respects the song's emotional core while remaining accessible for singers who may not have extensive musical theater experience, and its moderate length makes it a smart fit for concert programming without demanding excessive rehearsal time.
What to expect
A moment of personal awakening set to music: the piece unfolds with quiet determination before opening into something larger and more unified. There's an undercurrent of hope beneath the lyrical introspection, building gradually toward conviction without ever losing its intimate quality.
Who it's for
Chamber choirs ready to explore contemporary crossover repertoire, groups seeking inspiring concert material that connects with modern audiences, and singers who want to experience how musical theater composition can achieve genuine artistic depth.
How to get the most out of it
- Shape the melodic line with the breath patterns of speech rather than purely musical phrasing; this song's power comes from its conversational honesty before its technical demands.
- Balance the accompaniment so it supports rather than overwhelms the choir's harmonic foundation, keeping the focus on the emotional journey of the text.
- Find the specific dramatic moment for each section; Anthem builds through stages of recognition and conviction, not through volume alone.
How to use it
Position this as a bridge piece between classical and contemporary music segments, or use it to anchor a concert exploring how popular composers have elevated musical theater. It works equally well as a standalone feature or paired with other songs exploring themes of identity and human connection.
Skills your students will build
- Sustaining emotional tone across changes in dynamic and harmonic density
- Balancing contemporary harmonic language with traditional choral blend
- Executing clear text projection without sacrificing musical line
- Interpreting dramatic intent from musical theater writing