Stephen Sondheim dies at the age of 91
Nov 27, 2021 05:08:36 #
Stephen Sondheim born 1930, died at the age of 91. He was a composer who revolutionise musicals but strangely only ever had a number 1 hit: Send in the clowns.
A myriad of artists have tried to sing it, mostly with dire results. Frank Sinatra admitted that he had no idea what the song was about, Barbara Striesland emoted her way through it, Judy Collins treated like a dirge.
To truly understand the song one has to see a performance of "A Little Night Music" and then everything comes clear. It is sung by a now older and fading lady who realises that she has loved and lost. I think that this performance conveys everything:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=063cQW_ZXHQ
Thank you Stephen Sondheim for having given us such gems. You might have left us but we still have your music.
A myriad of artists have tried to sing it, mostly with dire results. Frank Sinatra admitted that he had no idea what the song was about, Barbara Striesland emoted her way through it, Judy Collins treated like a dirge.
To truly understand the song one has to see a performance of "A Little Night Music" and then everything comes clear. It is sung by a now older and fading lady who realises that she has loved and lost. I think that this performance conveys everything:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=063cQW_ZXHQ
Thank you Stephen Sondheim for having given us such gems. You might have left us but we still have your music.
Nov 27, 2021 06:39:54 #
Nov 27, 2021 06:57:41 #
Fantastic performance, it makes everything clear. Thank you Stephen Sondheim, and God bless.
Nov 27, 2021 07:14:40 #
PaulBrit
Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon
What a legacy! What a song! What a composer!
Death comes to us all, no exception, but some leave the living with beautiful memories.
Death comes to us all, no exception, but some leave the living with beautiful memories.
Nov 27, 2021 09:22:41 #
Nov 27, 2021 09:23:06 #
Nov 27, 2021 17:06:06 #
Here's an article that explains a lot of things about his work and how he created:
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/mar/17/stephen-sondheim-at-90-tribute-jake-gyllenhaal-patti-lupone-chita-rivera-nathan-lane-musical?utm_source=pocket-newtab-global-en-GB
And just to demonstrate his meticulous approach towards his music, here he is teaching a pupil far too young for the part, how to sing Send In The Clowns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-VXXZLh2a0
https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/mar/17/stephen-sondheim-at-90-tribute-jake-gyllenhaal-patti-lupone-chita-rivera-nathan-lane-musical?utm_source=pocket-newtab-global-en-GB
And just to demonstrate his meticulous approach towards his music, here he is teaching a pupil far too young for the part, how to sing Send In The Clowns.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-VXXZLh2a0
Nov 28, 2021 10:33:54 #
Good morning GB,
I became more and more aware of Mr. Sondheim over the past few years. An absolute American treasure. I managed to see an appearance of his on the Stephen Colbert show which was conducted with the utmost respect and a little adoration seen noted with Stephen.
I have no idea what your age is GB but at 72 years of age (and a significant/absolute music addict / junkie) I find I feel as though I am losing an actual part of myself with the passing of each of the many, many individuals (involved in the music business in one form or another} who were very significant to me as I grew musically.
I really miss each and everyone.
All the best to you and yours,
Terry
ps I recently saw a necklace with a pendant reading "Without music life would "B" flat. This says so much.
I became more and more aware of Mr. Sondheim over the past few years. An absolute American treasure. I managed to see an appearance of his on the Stephen Colbert show which was conducted with the utmost respect and a little adoration seen noted with Stephen.
I have no idea what your age is GB but at 72 years of age (and a significant/absolute music addict / junkie) I find I feel as though I am losing an actual part of myself with the passing of each of the many, many individuals (involved in the music business in one form or another} who were very significant to me as I grew musically.
I really miss each and everyone.
All the best to you and yours,
Terry
ps I recently saw a necklace with a pendant reading "Without music life would "B" flat. This says so much.
Nov 28, 2021 10:41:06 #
PaulBrit
Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon
Terkat wrote:
Good morning GB, br br I became more and mor... (show quote)
I have just turned 77 and for reasons unknown by me I have an uncanny sense of rhythm and can’t stop myself from tapping the beat. Both my parents were musicians, my father playing the violin and my mother playing, and teaching, the oboe and cor anglais. (sp?) But then I also enjoy the more slower music and Sondheim and others are/were perfect to listen to. I love the saying on that pendant! Wonder if it is still available somewhere?
Nov 28, 2021 10:46:47 #
Hi Paul,
Amazon has, literally, dozens of inexpensive options using this beautiful phrase. T shirts, mugs etc. I've always loved this written observation. Thanks so much for the response / comments - they are always appreciated.
Terry
Amazon has, literally, dozens of inexpensive options using this beautiful phrase. T shirts, mugs etc. I've always loved this written observation. Thanks so much for the response / comments - they are always appreciated.
Terry
Nov 28, 2021 13:11:25 #
PaulBrit
Loc: Merlin, Southern Oregon
Terkat wrote:
Hi Paul,
Amazon has, literally, dozens of inexpensive options using this beautiful phrase. T shirts, mugs etc. I've always loved this written observation. Thanks so much for the response / comments - they are always appreciated.
Terry
Amazon has, literally, dozens of inexpensive options using this beautiful phrase. T shirts, mugs etc. I've always loved this written observation. Thanks so much for the response / comments - they are always appreciated.
Terry
Terry,
I will make a note to look those up on Amazon. Thanks,
Paul
Nov 28, 2021 13:58:58 #
GARGLEBLASTER wrote:
Stephen Sondheim born 1930, died at the age of 91.... (show quote)
The only form of "music" that I hate almost as much as rap
Nov 28, 2021 14:44:52 #
Thankyou so much for this link to a master class with ...the master. Here is another version that brings out the pure musicality of the piece, without so much emphasis on the lyrics. I don't know if Mr Sondheim approved of this arrangment, but I love it.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLw9EN94wDk
Nov 29, 2021 04:04:38 #
As a fitting tribute to Sondheim, the lights of London's Theatreland will be dimmed for two minutes at 19.00 this evening, Monday the 29th of December.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siGAzilZhE8
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-59447170
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siGAzilZhE8
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-59447170
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