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Stephen Sondheim Singing Sondheim

The other night in NYC the celebrated composer, now 89, sang "Good Thing Going" from his show "Merrily We Roll Along."

 

A rare and golden moment. 

 

 

https://youtu.be/bpm7-bMUqVc

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Re: Stephen Sondheim Singing Sondheim

[ Edited ]

PBS had a documentary on him  few years ago, it was wonderful! His first well known job at song writing was the lyrics for West side Story, Leonard Bernstein did the muisic, what an opportunity for a young composer. Oscar Hammerstein was his mentor. He then did the lyrics for Gypsy, after that he started composing both music and lyrics. 

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Re: Stephen Sondheim Singing Sondheim

Sondheim's songs always rip me to shreds. BTW, that's a huge compliment.


~Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
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Re: Stephen Sondheim Singing Sondheim

[ Edited ]

Yes, suzyQ3.  Although I love beyond measure "Everything's Coming Up Roses," the naturally contemplative me has a favorite:  "Send in the Clowns."  Just want to contemplate and then cry.

 

It is beautifully done here, sung by Bernadette Peters and introduced by a younger Stephen Sondheim.    

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOZhmsp6iBQ

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Re: Stephen Sondheim Singing Sondheim


@golding76 wrote:

Yes, suzyQ3.  Although I love beyond measure "Everything's Coming Up Roses," the naturally contemplative me has a favorite:  "Send in the Clowns."  Just want to contemplate and then cry.

 

It is beautifully done here, sung by Bernadette Peters and introduced by a younger Stephen Sondheim.    

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOZhmsp6iBQ


@golding76, his oh, so acerbic "Ladies Who Lunch" is just a treat.


~Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
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Re: Stephen Sondheim Singing Sondheim

He is, hands down, the greatest composer/lyricist in the history of musical theatre. From his many lyrics, my favorite will always be Maria and Tony’s from “West Side Story” when they describe the feeling of falling in love in the song, “Tonight:”

 

”Today, the world was just an address

A place for me to live in

No better than alright

But here you are

And what was just a world is a star

Tonight.”

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Re: Stephen Sondheim Singing Sondheim

"Being Alive"

"I'm Still Here"

And the incomparable "Not a Day Goes By"

 

Be still my soul.


~Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
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Re: Stephen Sondheim Singing Sondheim

[ Edited ]

Of course, of course -- "I'm Still Here"  It is tied, in my soul, with "Send in the Clowns.

 

Heaven forbid!  What an oversight on my part.  That song ("I'm Still Here") is an anthem for hanging in there, not letting go of life no matter what. 

 

It is the foremost anthem of resilience.

 

Elaine Stritch doing the honors:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xz1TUgdG6A

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Re: Stephen Sondheim Singing Sondheim

[ Edited ]

@golding76 wrote:

Of course, of course -- "I'm Still Here"  It is tied, in my soul, with "Send in the Clowns.

 

Heaven forbid!  What an oversight on my part.  That song ("I'm Still Here") is an anthem for hanging in there, not letting go of life no matter what. 

 

It is the foremost anthem of resilience.

 

Elaine Stritch doing the honors:

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Xz1TUgdG6A


Speaking of Elaine Stritch, no one can perform "The Ladies Who Lunch" like her. Her voice was made for that song.

 

You have to listen to this.

All four minutes!


~Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle~ Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
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Re: Stephen Sondheim Singing Sondheim

And the magical lyrics to Somewhere, gives me goosebumps!!