April 5th is the 58th birthday of Agnetha Faltskog, the finest female singer there has ever been. To celebrate, I have done this video to honour one of her many outstanding achievements during a lifetime producing wonderful songs.
On January 24 1972 following a suggestion by Bjorn, Agnetha auditioned for the role of Mary Magdalene in the Swedish production of Tim Rice & Andrew Lloyd-Webber's musical Jesus Christ Superstar in Gothenburg. The production team were very impressed with Agnetha's voice. At the end of the auditions producer Lars Schmidt announced "This is the singer we've been looking for!". Conductor Peter Kragerup declared "If we want to be ready in time, we need to rehearse 12 hours a day!".
The show premier was on February 18 1972, at the Scandinavium in Gothenburg. The reviews were not particularly favourable. Expressen wrote "There is enthusiasm and good intentions, but no knowledge of theatrical techniques. Agnetha Faltskog, as Mary Magdalene, is a sweet young girl and she knows how to sing." Agnetha recalls "I thought it was tremendous to get a role, to act and sing at the same time."
After about a dozen performances, the show company went on tour. Agnetha was unable to join them, as she was already committed to a Swedish Parks tour. She explained "Even if I'm no longer playing the role of Mary Magdalene, I'm going to sing the song in my new show. On stage I'll be accompanied by four musicians and four dancers."
Agnetha recorded two songs from the musical at the Metronome Studios on February 4 1972 for release as a single. These were Vart Ska Min Karlek Fora (originally I Don't Know How To Love Him) and Nu Ska Du Bli Stilla (Everything's Alright). Both were produced by Bjorn. The song went straight into the Swedish charts at No.2 on March 26. Agnetha said "I had no doubt that the song would be a success but I didn't think that it would happen so quickly. It's a real surprise!". Agnetha also provided the vocals for a double album original Swedish cast recording of the musical in March 1972.
The two pictures in this video are from the show premier. Agnetha sings this song on stage in the first picture. In the second picture, Bjorn congratulates Agnetha backstage after the show. Agnetha wipes a tear from her eyes, clearly this show debut was an emotional experience for her.

Vart Skall Min Kärlek Föra?

From album: Tio Ar Med Agnetha
Originally: I Don't Know How To Love Him
Composers: Andrew Lloyd Webber & Tim Rice
Swedish lyrics: Bengt Hallqvist

Vart skall min kärlek föra?
Säg vad kan jag väl göra?
Kan jag nå hans hjärta då?
När han såg på mig blev allt förbytt,
Jag är ej längre jag.

Jag vet ej vad som hänt mig,
Så har jag aldrig känt mig.
Han en man, bland andra män,
Jag kan få så många män jag vill
Så vad betyder han, en vanlig man?

Ska jag viska ömt?
Ska jag skrika ut
Att jag aldrig känt
Något som förut?
Har jag lärt mig älska nu?
Har det hänt till slut?

Är det inte ganska löjligt?
Har får mig att tappa sansen,
Jag som jämt flöt ovanpå
Så hård jag var mot varje karl
Plötsligt vet jag ej,
Han skrämmer mig.

Säg, har jag lärt mig älska nu?
Har det hänt till slut?

Men jag skulle inte tåla,
Att han sa han höll av mig.
Då blev jag rädd, förfärligt rädd,
Jag flydde då från honom, åh!
Jag skulle dö av skam,
Han skrämmer mig,
Jag längtar så,
Jag älskar så.

English translation of Swedish lyrics:

Where Will My Love Lead?

Where will my love lead?
Say what can I really do?
Can I ever reach his heart?
When he looked at me everything changed,
I am no longer myself.

I don't know what happened to me,
I have never felt this way.
He a man, among other men,
I can have as many men as I want
So what does he signify, this ordinary man?

Should I whisper softly?
Should I cry out loud
That I never felt
Anything like this before?
Have I learned to love now?
Has it finally happened?

Isn't it rather crazy?
He made my senses come alive
I was as usual above it all
So hard was I on every man
Now suddenly I don't know,
He frightens me.

Say, have I learned to love now?
Has it finally happened?

But I would not allow it
When he said he cared for me.
I became afraid, horribly afraid,
I ran away from him, oh!
I could die of shame,
He scares me so,
I miss him so,
I love him so.

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