I was lucky enough to see him sing this live in concert. He headlined an evening of Andrew Lloyd Weber songs. The whole first half he wasn't there. The lights went out, and then went up, and he was on stage alone, bathed in light and started singing this song. I got goosebumps...and I still do. It's awesome!!!
how lucky you are! a. lot of guys can. only watch his performance from recordings. i bet,i will never have an opportunity to see him singing in china.😭
Michael singing this incredibly powerful song, is the very best version in my humble opinion....there's something very special about his voice and boy, can he hold a note. Love you Michael, for the great performer that you are ....in everything that you do. I can never just listen once. 👏😍💕 Penny from Christchurch. 🇬🇧
*I will never forget seeing him at Nottingham Theatre Royal Concert Hall around 1986, and when he sang this at **3:43** I was in absolute awe, and still am to this day.*
So emotional. I had to play it 3 times. It’s been years since I played this song from a CD that was stolen from me. I’m so grateful that RUclips sent me this. I believe Michael Crawford sang one of the greatest songs of all time.
Greatest actor, singer, comedian of our time. Only voice ever to reduce me to tears. Such emotion in his voice. I just adore him. He is simply fabulous
Michael Crawford is always my 1st choice! He always puts the feeling - the pain, the depth, the passion, the poignancy - in everything he sings! I'll love him forever! 😊❤️
Yes Susan, I totally agree. I loved Ted in the original movie and I’ve seen Steve’s rendition on RUclips and it definitely had the right tone. I’ll try and see Ian’s soon. I am sure they picked John just for star quality but what a huge miscast. His acting throughout was just off and painful to get through.
unbelievable!! such control throughout the song!! not an easy song,but, michael delivers with absolute ease &blows everyone away,no matter the song. we are blessed to havehim in out universe.
Michael is the best of the best - but this song is too emotionally weighty for me to listen to more than once every few years. It puts me right there with Jesus - and that's all due to the talent of this incredible man, Michael Crawford!!❤️❤️🎶🎵🎶
This song always makes me cry. And when it's handled by a masterful singer like Michael Crawford, it goes all the way through you. I think the reason many modern singers have a problem with these pieces are due to the fact that they aren't taught proper, classical singing technique. Obviously there are differences between the way you sing Wagner and the way you sing Lloyd Webber, but if you've got a good instrument that's properly trained, it is only a matter of minor adjustments.
Wow, and Wow again.. I remembered this version and went back tonight to see if I still liked this song after the way John Legend butchered it last night on national tv. Awesome Michael Crawford.
Gethsemane one of my favorite songs! When I heard that John legend was going to play the role I was really hoping he was going to sound a little like Michael Crawford considering I like some of his songs and the purity in his voice reminded me of Michael in a way but I was sadly mistaken I would have to say I'm Michaels version is my second favorite next to Ted Neely! Part of me wishes that they asked Michael to play the role but then again The man is in his 80s I think.
Shana Martin that would have been incredible to have this mans amazingness recorded forever! Or should I say in an Andrew Lloyd Webber show. He’s technically in a funny thing happened on the way to the forum. I’m just not a big fan of that show. And of course frank Spencer in the UK.
This is definitely one of Michael Crawford’s best numbers...he really portrays the emotional struggle of that moment of the Passion. It shows he’s a gifted actor as well.
Agreed. Ball really used his lower register to connect the phrases and turned the famous high note into a powerhouse. You can hear the despair in his voice. But I think Crawford's performance is the style that most baritones/dramatic tenors follow
@@IvyLeather13 I agree. Michael Crawford goes for a desperate, afraid tone when most performers go for an angry, almost defiant tone. This version would not be my top pick for the song, but I enjoy the different take on it.
@@rosiemcgosie7376 Agreed. Crawford is very emotive and and given his talents, desperation was a wise choice to evoke. Less frustration and more like he's trying to reason/bargain his way out.
Really nice to see that someone gets it! As magnificent as it is, he's enjoying his own voice too much here. Ian Gillan is the Alpha and Omega of this song.
Great vocal. And tune. Daft lyrics. Just like the story in the Bible. A guy, Yeshua, is wholly God, wholly man, and he's basically a tramp on Earth, a persecuted tramp, and he's been offered the chance of Heaven. Yet he frets about it big time. He would bite Jehovah's hand off. His own hand off.
Michael Crawford was good, but he can’t compete with the original JCS (the album) Ian Gillan, or the original JCS (the movie) Ted Neeley! Their versions are what Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice intended, after all, they did hire them. Poor John Legend didn’t stand a chance. 😘
Brilliant singer but sorry has nothing on Neely and Gillan for this song. Particularly Neely! Heard him sing O Holy Night and blown away so a bit disappointed here.
@d wood Sorry, I have too much respect for singers to do that, especially since I am a singer-songwriter/actor/playwright myself. It is merely a casting choice, not a comparison. Not everyone can play the same role. You should not judge people whom you don't even know. Beauty is also in the eye of the beholder. Subjective.
@d wood I agree with you. Every artist has something positive to share. The main problem is that there are so many vying for the golden ticket. I tend to put my music out there, not particularly caring about money at all. If a few people like my songs, that's my paycheck. I know billions aren't going to be attracted to what I write and record, but if I touch a small handful deeply, all of the hours spent are worthwhile.
I was lucky enough to see him sing this live in concert. He headlined an evening of Andrew Lloyd Weber songs. The whole first half he wasn't there. The lights went out, and then went up, and he was on stage alone, bathed in light and started singing this song. I got goosebumps...and I still do. It's awesome!!!
how lucky you are! a. lot of guys can. only watch his performance from recordings. i bet,i will never have an opportunity to see him singing in china.😭
❤️👍
You're so lucky. I wish I could see him in person.
So lucky, would love to hear him sing this live 😍😁
@@kerrek4011 It's amazing! I saw him several years ago in Buffalo with my mother. Probably the 90s, since she passed away in the early 2000s.
Michael singing this incredibly powerful song, is the very best version in my humble opinion....there's something very special about his voice and boy, can he hold a note. Love you Michael, for the great performer that you are
....in everything that you do. I can never just listen once. 👏😍💕
Penny from Christchurch. 🇬🇧
His voice is INCREDIBLE. What a performance!
I had the pleasure of seeing him @ Radio City concert..He knocked this song @ the park. The longest standing ovation,Ive ever seen.
*I will never forget seeing him at Nottingham Theatre Royal Concert Hall around 1986, and when he sang this at **3:43** I was in absolute awe, and still am to this day.*
So emotional. I had to play it 3 times. It’s been years since I played this song from a CD that was stolen from me. I’m so grateful that RUclips sent me this. I believe Michael Crawford sang one of the greatest songs of all time.
Greatest actor, singer, comedian of our time. Only voice ever to reduce me to tears. Such emotion in his voice. I just adore him. He is simply fabulous
Michael Crawford is always my 1st choice! He always puts the feeling - the pain, the depth, the passion, the poignancy - in everything he sings! I'll love him forever! 😊❤️
SUCH AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND..who would have thought Frank Spencer would be able sing like Michael Crawford 🤗
Mmmm, nice!
The best! John Legend can’t hold a candle to this. Period.
How about Ted Neeley, Ian Gillan and Steve Balsamo? Poor John Legend can’t hold a candle to these men. 😘
Yes Susan, I totally agree. I loved Ted in the original movie and I’ve seen Steve’s rendition on RUclips and it definitely had the right tone. I’ll try and see Ian’s soon. I am sure they picked John just for star quality but what a huge miscast. His acting throughout was just off and painful to get through.
John Legend is a joke compared to Michael Crawford!!!
Utter perfection! There is not another performer like Michael.
So true!! Been a fan of his since I first heard him in the Original London Cast soundtrack to Phantom Of The Opera in the early 90s!!!
unbelievable!! such control throughout the song!! not an easy song,but, michael delivers with absolute ease &blows everyone away,no matter the song. we are blessed to havehim in out universe.
Who knew young man from Hello Dolly and A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum would develop into this magnificence.
And Frank Spencer!
I've heard many versions of this song, but I find this one to be the best. Michael is just incredible.
My mom and I loved to listen to his ALW album when I was a kid. Just turned 40. Still amazing!
17 seconds of goosebumps!!! Gah this is my favorite version!
I know, right?!?!
Gosh I'm obsessed. I watch this video everyday since I encountered it. It moves me. Thank you Michael Crawford. 💞💞😍
Michael is the best of the best - but this song is too emotionally weighty for me to listen to more than once every few years. It puts me right there with Jesus - and that's all due to the talent of this incredible man, Michael Crawford!!❤️❤️🎶🎵🎶
Such a beautiful singer. 😊
Brilliant. Breathtakingly brilliant.
What an amazing voice he has
This makes me cry every time. He is just absolutely amazing. The best ever
That was so incredible... every single detail! Michael Crawford is in a league all to himself. BRAVO!!!!
Awesome beautiful voice and performance
The best version of Gethsemane ever
Such an incredible talent
This guy. 💞💞💞💞 I'm tearing up. I feel it in my bones. Love him.
This song always makes me cry. And when it's handled by a masterful singer like Michael Crawford, it goes all the way through you. I think the reason many modern singers have a problem with these pieces are due to the fact that they aren't taught proper, classical singing technique. Obviously there are differences between the way you sing Wagner and the way you sing Lloyd Webber, but if you've got a good instrument that's properly trained, it is only a matter of minor adjustments.
*If this does not bring tears to your eyes at **4:45** you are not of this world.*
Wow, and Wow again.. I remembered this version and went back tonight to see if I still liked this song after the way John Legend butchered it last night on national tv. Awesome Michael Crawford.
Right on Sheila...this is how you interpret those lyrics. What Legend did was as if he was exhaling random words. Overwrought and acted terribly.
Gethsemane one of my favorite songs! When I heard that John legend was going to play the role I was really hoping he was going to sound a little like Michael Crawford considering I like some of his songs and the purity in his voice reminded me of Michael in a way but I was sadly mistaken I would have to say I'm Michaels version is my second favorite next to Ted Neely! Part of me wishes that they asked Michael to play the role but then again The man is in his 80s I think.
Shana Martin that would have been incredible to have this mans amazingness recorded forever! Or should I say in an Andrew Lloyd Webber show. He’s technically in a funny thing happened on the way to the forum. I’m just not a big fan of that show. And of course frank Spencer in the UK.
This is definitely one of Michael Crawford’s best numbers...he really portrays the emotional struggle of that moment of the Passion. It shows he’s a gifted actor as well.
Filled with passion and pain. Well done.
How beautiful..
Wow! I am crying as I write this.! Amazing!
wow!! how do ya hold a note that long? an amazing talent!! never fails to astound.
This is ❤️❤️❤️unbelievable 👍
The Best - Always - Every.Single.Time!!
I saw him in The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber Tour in the late 80's. He was wonderful especially this song.
Some Mothers DO have them, a Superstar singer
I have changed.... then I was inspired.....listen surely.....for three years.... from any other man.....
Awesome
The youthfelness in his voive is immense
Incredible!!!
Such a powerful piece of music.
I’ve met him quite a few times he’s so lovely
Ridiculous how awesome this is
What a phenomenal voice wow
If you fused Neeleys and Crawford's I think it would be the ultimate.
Crawford is already the ultimate.
great song a singer can either sing this or not! no half measures.
So wonderful Michael Crawford ❤️ what a great 👍 voice 3:00
Amazing .......Love the one and only phantom ...... simply Devine
Лучшее исполнение из всех ! 🙏
Terrific song and so well done. I actually came across another singer who does this - Dan Vasc - he is amazing also!
Wonderful, but I have to give the #1 performance of this song to Michael Ball. I realize he didn't play the part but the voice and emotion do me in.
Agreed. Ball really used his lower register to connect the phrases and turned the famous high note into a powerhouse. You can hear the despair in his voice. But I think Crawford's performance is the style that most baritones/dramatic tenors follow
i like this comment section much better than the other recordings of this. everyone talking crap about him as if this isnt impressive.
That is my Phantom.
Wow what a performance. Nice touch
Amazing
Brilliant ❤️
Superstar.
Wonderful Michael 1:02
Bless
Wow !!!
Sigh..... Crawfords voice is just everything.
better than the theatrical versions of late
They changed the walk-in music for the CD release.
Does not capture the anger Jesus was suppose to be emoting in this piece
Eric Dahl nobody has done that better than Ted Neely in the movie version.
I think Crawford is going for desperation instead. Micheal Ball captured that better than anyone I think but they're doing something different.
@@IvyLeather13 I agree. Michael Crawford goes for a desperate, afraid tone when most performers go for an angry, almost defiant tone. This version would not be my top pick for the song, but I enjoy the different take on it.
@@rosiemcgosie7376 Agreed. Crawford is very emotive and and given his talents, desperation was a wise choice to evoke. Less frustration and more like he's trying to reason/bargain his way out.
I adore Michael but nothing can touch Ted Neelys version.
😱😱👏👏👏👏!!
I love Michael Crawford, he is THE phantom, there is no one like him. But he cannot do Gesthemane, it doesnt match his voice, pity
Really nice to see that someone gets it! As magnificent as it is, he's enjoying his own voice too much here.
Ian Gillan is the Alpha and Omega of this song.
@@982spyder5 And Ted Neely is as good, he puts more feeling and passion to the song.
Great vocal. And tune. Daft lyrics. Just like the story in the Bible. A guy, Yeshua, is wholly God, wholly man, and he's basically a tramp on Earth, a persecuted tramp, and he's been offered the chance of Heaven. Yet he frets about it big time. He would bite Jehovah's hand off. His own hand off.
Spencer can sing
Michael Crawford was good, but he can’t compete with the original JCS (the album) Ian Gillan, or the original JCS (the movie) Ted Neeley! Their versions are what Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice intended, after all, they did hire them. Poor John Legend didn’t stand a chance. 😘
Jesus was born to die for us. He had a plan and knew why. This is horrible.
Oh no.no no sorry Michael you do not have to voice for this classic.
agreed
I wonder how he rehearses songs with long notes such as these.
Brilliant singer but sorry has nothing on Neely and Gillan for this song. Particularly Neely! Heard him sing O Holy Night and blown away so a bit disappointed here.
Crawford has a beautiful voice, but it just isn't right for this song. Ted and Ian have the right intonation. It is a rock song after all.
@d wood Sorry, I have too much respect for singers to do that, especially since I am a singer-songwriter/actor/playwright myself. It is merely a casting choice, not a comparison. Not everyone can play the same role. You should not judge people whom you don't even know. Beauty is also in the eye of the beholder. Subjective.
@d wood I agree with you. Every artist has something positive to share. The main problem is that there are so many vying for the golden ticket. I tend to put my music out there, not particularly caring about money at all. If a few people like my songs, that's my paycheck. I know billions aren't going to be attracted to what I write and record, but if I touch a small handful deeply, all of the hours spent are worthwhile.
And this is why I won't accept John Legend as Jesus. He just can't match these notes.