4

According to this answer, in Jesus Christ Superstar (1973), King Herod's song is in ragtime style.

Is there any reason or symbolism for choosing such a style for the song?

Improve this question
4
  • While an interesting question, this seems to be ultimately a question about the musical not really related to its film adaptation, no? Or did the film employ a different musical style than the actual musical?
    – Napoleon Wilson ♦
    Nov 26, 2018 at 13:42
  • Nonetheless it seems to be already answered in the link you added to your question
    – Luciano
    Nov 26, 2018 at 13:48
  • I ask about the symbolical reason for using such style. I the linked question they only explain what's the style, but not why the director would chose this style for representing King Herod.
    – Masclins
    Nov 26, 2018 at 15:01
  • The film adaptation was made 2 years after the musical opened on Broadway. The (film) director was making no artistic choices here in the choice of this style of music.
    – iandotkelly ♦
    Nov 26, 2018 at 17:23

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
1

IMDB's trivia has this to say about the song.

"King Herod's Song" is based on "Those Saladin Days", from "Come Back, Richard, Your Country Needs You," a failed Andrew Lloyd Webber musical for schools about King Richard the Lion-Hearted and the Crusades. Tim Rice wrote new lyrics, first as 1969 Eurovision contender "Try It and See," and then as "King Herod's Song" for the album, show, and film.

So it could be said that they were trying to fit an already written piece of music into the show.

Improve this answer

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .