More recently, its principal conductors have included Pierre Monteux (1961–64), Istvan Kertesz (1965–68), André Previn (1968–79) and Claudio Abbado (1979–88). From 1988-1995, the American Michael Tilson-Thomas took over, and in 1995, became principal guest conductor. Sir Colin Davis served as the LSO's Principal Conductor from 1995-2006, and in 2007 took the post of President of the orchestra. On 1 January 2007, Valery Gergiev became the LSO's Principal Conductor. Previn holds the title of Conductor Laureate. In 2006, Daniel Harding became the co-principal guest conductor alongside Tilson Thomas. Richard Hickox is the Associate Guest Conductor of the LSO.
The LSO became the first British orchestra to play overseas when it went to Paris in 1906. The LSO was due to sail on the RMS Titanic for a concert in New York in April 1912 but fortunately had to change the booking at the last minute. It was also the first to play in the United States, in 1912, and in 1973 it was the first to be invited to take part in the Salzburg Festival. It continues to make tours around the world.
In 1966 the London Symphony Chorus (LSC) was formed to complement the work of the LSO. with more that two hundred amateur singers, the LSC maintains a close association with the LSO; however it has developed an independent life, which allows it to partner other leading orchestras.
The LSO has long been considered the most extraverted of the London orchestras. For most of its life it refused to allow women to become members, ostensibly on the grounds that women would affect the sound of the orchestra (there has been a similar controversy at the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra). There is an air of youthful high spirits to much of its music-making that is shown off in performances of such composers as Berlioz and Prokofiev. The LSO has often had internationally-known players as wind soloists, including such artists as James Galway (flute), Gervase de Peyer (clarinet), Roger Lord (oboe), Osian Ellis (harp), John Georgiadis (violin) and Barry Tuckwell (horn). Like most ensembles, the orchestra has a great ability to vary its sound, producing very different tone colours under such diverse conductors as Stokowski (with whom it made a series of memorable recordings), Adrian Boult, Jascha Horenstein, Georg Solti, André Previn, George Szell, Claudio Abbado, Leonard Bernstein, John Barbirolli, and Karl Böhm, who developed a close relationship with the orchestra late in his life. Böhm and Bernstein each held the title of LSO President in their later years.
Clive Gillinson, a former cellist with the orchestra, served as the LSO's Managing Director from 1984 to 2005, and is widely credited with bringing great stability to the LSO's organization after severe fiscal troubles.[1] Since 2005, Kathryn McDowell is the Managing Director of the LSO.[2]
King Herod's Song
London Symphony Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You've been getting quite a name all around the place
Healing cripples raising from the dead
And now I understand you're God
At least that's what you've said
So you are the Christ you're the great Jesus Christ
Prove to me that you're divine; change my water into wine
That's all you need do then I'll know it's all true
Jesus you just won't believe the hit you've made around here
You are all we talk about the wonder of the year
Oh what a pity if it's all a lie
Still I'm sure that you can rock the cynics if you tried
So you are the Christ you're the great Jesus Christ
Prove to me that you're no fool; walk across my swimming pool
If you do that for me then I'll let you go free
Come on King of the Jews
I only ask what I'd ask any superstar
What is it that you have got that puts you where you are
I am waiting yes I'm a captive fan
I'm dying to be shown that you are not just any man
So if you are the Christ yes the great Jesus Christ
Feed my household with this bread
You can do it on your head
Or has something gone wrong Jesus why do you take so long?
Oh come on King of the Jews
Hey! Aren't you scared of me Christ?
Mr Wonderful Christ?
You're a joke You're not the Lord
You are nothing but a fraud
Take him away
He's got nothing to say!
Get out you King of the
Get out King of the
Oh get out you King of the Jews!
Get out of here!
Get out of here you
Get out of my life!
In King Herod's Song, Herod is mocking Jesus and questioning his divinity. He is intrigued and amused by the stories he's heard of Jesus performing miracles, healing cripples and raising the dead, but he is skeptical of Jesus' claims to be the Son of God. Herod wants Jesus to prove his divinity to him by performing a miracle, such as turning water into wine or walking on water. He sees Jesus as just another celebrity, and he wants to be entertained by him.
However, as the song progresses, Herod becomes more aggressive and confrontational towards Jesus. He accuses Jesus of being a fraud and a joke, and demands that he be taken away. Ultimately, Herod's arrogance and disbelief prove to be his downfall, as he dismisses Jesus' true identity as the Son of God and rejects the salvation that he offers.
This song is a powerful commentary on the human tendency to reject what we don't understand, and to mock and belittle those who challenge our beliefs. It also underscores the importance of faith and trust in God, even when we don't fully understand his ways.
Line by Line Meaning
Jesus I am overjoyed to meet you face to face
King Herod feigns joy of encountering Jesus in person and uses a flattering tone in order to manipulate him for his own gain.
You've been getting quite a name all around the place
King Herod acknowledges Jesus' popularity and the buzz around his miracles.
Healing cripples raising from the dead
King Herod recites Jesus' healing and resurrection miracles to demonstrate that he has knowledge of his abilities.
And now I understand you're God
King Herod assumes Jesus' divinity for his own selfish purposes.
At least that's what you've said
King Herod expresses doubt over Jesus' claim of being divine.
So you are the Christ you're the great Jesus Christ
King Herod confirms that he knows that Jesus is referred to as the messiah.
Prove to me that you're divine; change my water into wine
King Herod puts forward a test of Jesus' abilities to prove his divinity.
That's all you need do then I'll know it's all true
King Herod clarifies he will believe in Jesus' divinity if he passes the test.
Come on King of the Jews
King Herod taunts Jesus by calling him the king of Jews.
Jesus you just won't believe the hit you've made around here
King Herod continues to praise Jesus for his popularity.
You are all we talk about the wonder of the year
King Herod provides more evidence of Jesus' fame.
Oh what a pity if it's all a lie
King Herod reveals his doubts and implies that Jesus may be deceiving people.
Still I'm sure that you can rock the cynics if you tried
King Herod believes that Jesus has the power to convince skeptics.
Prove to me that you're no fool; walk across my swimming pool
King Herod demands a greater proof of Jesus' divine abilities.
If you do that for me then I'll let you go free
King Herod offers to release Jesus if he performs the requested miracle.
I only ask what I'd ask any superstar
King Herod equates Jesus with a celebrity and implies that he is only asking for what he would ask of anyone in Jesus' position.
What is it that you have got that puts you where you are
King Herod questions the source of Jesus' power and popularity.
I am waiting yes I'm a captive fan
King Herod admits that he is interested in Jesus' miracles even though he is holding him captive.
I'm dying to be shown that you are not just any man
King Herod desires proof that Jesus is not just an ordinary human.
So if you are the Christ yes the great Jesus Christ
King Herod reiterates his conviction that Jesus is the messiah.
Feed my household with this bread
King Herod further tests Jesus, this time asking him to provide food for his household.
You can do it on your head
King Herod is confident that Jesus can easily perform the task.
Or has something gone wrong Jesus why do you take so long?
King Herod becomes impatient and accuses Jesus of failing to meet his demands.
Oh come on King of the Jews
King Herod continues to mock and taunt Jesus.
Hey! Aren't you scared of me Christ?
King Herod tries to intimidate Jesus and question his courage.
Mr Wonderful Christ?
King Herod uses a sarcastic tone to imply that Jesus is not wonderful at all.
You're a joke You're not the Lord
King Herod declares that Jesus is not as powerful as he claims to be.
You are nothing but a fraud
King Herod accuses Jesus of being a dishonest and deceitful person.
Take him away
King Herod orders for Jesus to be removed.
He's got nothing to say!
King Herod belittles Jesus and implies that he has no valid response to his accusations.
Get out you King of the
King Herod continues to insult and demean Jesus.
Get out King of the
King Herod repeats his insult.
Oh get out you King of the Jews!
King Herod uses Jesus' title of the king of Jews to humiliate him further.
Get out of here!
King Herod orders Jesus to leave the premises.
Get out of here you
King Herod continues to insult Jesus.
Get out of my life!
King Herod expresses his disdain for Jesus and implies that he never wants to see him again.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER, TIM RICE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@jackolemiss
This is my favorite Herod!
@WisdomKeeper11
Mine too.
@melissacooper8724
He really stole the show! ❤
@user-mq5dr1jh5t
my chiropractor's too lol@@WisdomKeeper11
@perditalucky
YES!
@suecollins1991
Agree. And loved the way he slipped into full Alice Cooper "snarls" in the last verse. A great performance.
@deejohnston2150
Knowing that Alice Cooper was a part of this was THE reason I watched when it aired. I was not disappointed!!
@Sunday99886
Hello deejohnston, how is everything over there and your family I hope they are doing well?
@AliceCooper-
"Hey there! Your positivity and kindness shine through your comments. Thank you for being such a wonderful supporter. I appreciate you! Where are you watching from ?
@popkidhannah1363
Personally, I can't imagine a world without Alice Cooper in it. The man can do no wrong! I've followed his career for as long as I can remember. So when I found out he was going to play King Herod in my favourite musical, I couldn't wait to see it. As usual, he didn't disappoint. But I have to admit, when he said "WOW", I fell in love with him all over again! I honestly believe there's nothing this talented man can't do. Long live Alice!!