By Bert Dennis / Last Updated on July 14, 2024
When it comes to evoking strong emotions and telling a compelling story through music, few can match the power of Broadway musicals. One such musical that has captivated audiences for decades is “Evita” by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. One of the standout songs from the show is “Requiem for Evita / Oh What a Circus” performed by the Original Broadway Cast of Evita, featuring Mandy Patinkin and Patti LuPone.
Table:
Title | Artist | Writer/Composer | Album | Release Date | Genre |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Requiem for Evita / Oh What a Circus | Original Broadway Cast of Evita | Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice | Evita (Original Cast Recording) | 1979 | Musical |
“Requiem for Evita / Oh What a Circus” is a song that captures the mixed emotions and the spectacle surrounding the death of Eva Perón, commonly known as Evita, in Argentina. The song begins with a funeral crowd praying for eternal rest for Evita, creating a haunting and solemn atmosphere. The crowd’s grief is palpable as they chant her name repeatedly, emphasizing the impact she had on the nation.
As the song progresses, we hear the voice of Che, a narrator and commentator on the events of the musical. He sets the stage for the grandeur and chaos surrounding Evita’s death, describing it as a circus and a show. Argentina, once again, has gone into a frenzy, with the masses mourning day and night, obsessing over the tragic demise of the beloved actress.
Che’s cynical perspective is evident as he questions the public’s excessive grief for someone he sees as a mere actress. He wonders who this “Santa Evita” truly is and criticizes her for doing nothing substantial during her time in power. Che believes that her death is not a significant loss for the country, unlike what the mourning crowds would lead us to believe.
The song also delves into the aftermath of Evita’s death and the impact it has on the country. Che highlights the superficial nature of show business that has kept the country alive for years, but now that the star is gone, Argentina finds itself in a dire state. The government has been replaced by a stage, and instead of ideas, they were given a prima donna’s rage.
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Amidst all the grandeur and spectacle, Che questions his own role in these events. He sees himself as an opportunist, a traitor, or a fool. He reflects on the sacrifices made by the people, the bleeding and crucifixion of his country. Che challenges the mourners to see the truth and acknowledges that Eva Perón’s death is not the only tragedy that has befallen Argentina.
As the song comes to a close, Eva herself enters the scene, speaking from beyond the grave. She addresses the crowd directly, reassuring them that she was an ordinary and unimportant person. Despite the attention her death has garnered, she believes that everyone deserves recognition in some way.
The final lines of the song are hugely impactful as Eva invites her people to ride on her train and promises that they will remember her when their turn to die comes. She acknowledges the cannons that were fired and the lamentations that were sung, not just for her, but for Argentina and everybody. The song ends with Che cynically declaring that it’s not just Eva’s funeral but theirs as well.
Personally, “Requiem for Evita / Oh What a Circus” holds a special place in my heart. It was one of the first songs from a Broadway musical that I fell in love with. The haunting melodies and poignant lyrics left a lasting impression on me. The song’s exploration of grief, fame, and the complex nature of politics resonated deeply with me.
Listening to this song takes me back to the first time I saw “Evita” live on stage. The powerful performances and the emotional journey of the characters had me captivated from start to finish. “Requiem for Evita / Oh What a Circus” stands out as a moment of introspection and reflection amidst the grandeur of the show.
In conclusion, “Requiem for Evita / Oh What a Circus” by the Original Broadway Cast of Evita is a song that delves into the complexities of grief, fame, and politics. It captures the mixed emotions surrounding the death of Eva Perón in Argentina and serves as a powerful moment in the larger narrative of the musical. Whether you’re a fan of Broadway musicals or simply appreciate thought-provoking music, this song is sure to leave a lasting impact.
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