Two of the most elegant charmers here remembered! Leonard Bernstein and Eileen Farrell perform Mr. B's beauty from "On The Town!" Unforgettable! Superb lyrics are by Betty Comden and Adolph Green!
She was in her mid-sixties when she sang this, and her voice sounded as clear and lovely as when she was 40 years younger, but with the interpretive wisdom that comes with age. Fantastic!
It's a poignant song to begin with, but watching these two friends perform it always makes me weep. Bernstein captured something important of the human experience in this song, and he and Farrell, battle-scared and coming to the end of their lives, express it here in full measure. Forget technical perfection, folks; this is true artistry in the highest sense.
I had the privilege of studying voice with Miss Farrell at Indiana University School of Music for 5 years - during the time I got my Bachelor and Master degrees. She was as amazing in person as she appears on these recordings. A wonderful teacher with a crazy sense of humor; a fabulous artist but as down to earth as a person could be. Her autobiography really shows her as she was but this song and this version really, as BigBen said, "this is artistry in the highest sense." Her secret - The Words. Everything is in the words!
Farrell has to be the most genuinely versatile soprano of all time. Many operatic singers cross-over albums are embarrassing but all her albums and performances are gold. A very great singer. And Bernstein? Well, simply a musical genius.
dollartwenty Hello dollartwnenty, So glad to read your comment! Her talent was unique and she could do it all; jazz, opera, pop, you name it. This was one incredibly talented lady! Again, thanks so much for your comment! Best regards, varadero
Every time I see this, it brings me to tears. It is beyond gorgeous and the work of a extraordinarily great singer and one of the true geniuses of our civilization. A distraction away from this horrible Coronavirus we’re all facing right now, and a reminder of the beauty of life and love.
I've savored this remarkable milestone event for years, having heard it when it was first broadcast on television. It never fails to give me a lump in my throat, and then bring me to tears.One of the rarest kinds of beauty is presented here. Something to remember and treasure always.
Eileen was an immense talent....one of the greatest vocal artists of the 20th century, be it in popular song, opera or art song. I don't know of any other artist who could match her versatility
Hi Jeff, I posted this, and I still get shivers every time I watch! Thanks so much for your comment. I'm so happy to have been around when they were still with us. You're very kind!
Very few classical singers successfully cross over to sing non classical repertoire. Nobody does it like Eileen Farrell, but in recent years I think that Marilyn Horne (who still sings "pop" repertoire) is a close second.
I adore these two. Eileen Farrell was the greatest soprano of the 20th century She had an exquisite voice Leonard Bernstein WAS music! I feel so grateful and privileged to be listening to them today. I humbly hope to see them in heaven.❤
Can watch and listen to these two superb artists many more times, and still would treasure this performance. Bernstein and Farrell together...SO FANTASTIC!
@Operafiend22 Thank you so much for your comment. I grew up on Staten Island, New York. Ms. Farrell also lived there, albeit briefly. I saw her once on the Staten Island Ferry; Manhattan to Staten Island. Even now I'm beginning to think this was a hallucination. I later read she lived on "The Island" for a time. Maybe I was right. I just recall not having had the nerve to speak with her; I was a big fan! Wonderful to hear from you!
Say it ain't so! The truth is I can understand why your heart broke. I've never really been able to conceive or comment successfully on this clip. These 2 are beyond celestial! Thank you!
give Comden & Green some cred for the poignant lyrics for this great song! Bernstein sings lyrics that are often omitted from other versions as this is not usually recorded as a duet
It's on iTunes! I can't find a video version, and the lovely audio by Maureen is sadly only about 2.00 minutes. I'm glad you liked this version: These 2 were the epitome of elegance in singing, and composing! I miss them both.
Speaks of a time when there were great artists who had lived full, meaningful lives that touched the hearts of many-whose goals were artistic rather than egotistic-when New York was the kind of city where a Lenny Bernstein could write numerous shows about it, and the music glorified it-we were once a great city, now fallen into a formidable slum for simpering, candy-ass millionaires and their boring, uninspiring, non-artistic lives.
It's apparent that they were close friends, and were truly fond of one another. Also, I agree that it would have been great to hear the 2 of them backstage! Thanks so much for writing.
She was one of the best crossover artists I ever head.When she was young she was a \Verdian,Wagnerian and spinto soprano and later became an excelent great american songbook singer.
+dianavictoria Aljadeff Thank you for writing! You may have already done so, but it not, please read her autobiography: Can't help singing: the life of Eileen Farrell . It's a great read, and at times very humorous! Best to you, varadero
Hey, we're still lucky to have seen these 2 giving it their best! Though both gone now, their genius, and mutual affection will go on for keeps! Thanks so much for writing zzzut! Best wishes!
I love their love for one another! It's beautifully demonstrated here! You're right infrantasi! Now people line up for things like "Spiderman!" I'll never see that show, but remember being thrilled by Mary Martin flying overhead as Peter Pan! OK, I also saw Maria Tallchief, and Arthur MItchell, among others. I'm delighted to have these memories, and proud that you commented on this video! Warmest regards!
Thank you Ian Price jr! I still sometimes shake my head in disbelief when I see them here together! Observing 2 people, with the talents they both possessed, will always be more than a thrill for me. I'm elated that you agree! Thanks so much for your message.
What's the old one about "crying" being therapeutic? I posted this, yet can't watch it very often. It makes me cry also. They're like "hand and glove." They just were the best of friends, and loved each other so much, and it shows here. You can't hide that kind of devotion. Thanks so much for your message! I'm so glad to hear from you.
Hi BabyDillGerkin, I'm so happy you liked this! Watching these 2 buddies together is such a thrill to me! Great love and serious friendship from them! To accompany an incredible artist, and friend, singing your own composition has to have been a thrill for Mr. B!
@TheVerdiBaritone These two were a match made in heaven! Their performance is worth more than anyone could afford. Their kisses, at the end, cement a friendship and the union of two geniuses! Thanks so much for your comment. I'm very grateful!
peter owen Hi peter owen, They were, as you wrote, "perfect" together! Having been friends for decades, it's beautiful to see both of them here towards the end of their careers! The love they felt for one another is the sweetest I've ever seen between any two artists ever! varadero
Dear zzzut, as for the "intelligent" part, I plead the 5th! The clip is beyond intelligent; my having placed it is serendipity. I was fortunate enough to have been taping this show, and, wonder of wonders, there they were! I'm delighted and honored to hear from you. Thanks again.
@therealstevegray These 2 personified old world class, theater, and show-biz elegance! Have been a big fan of both for many years, and I am grateful and very moved by your comments. Thanks so much!
They were so wonderful, and incredibly good pals for many years. I recently read her autobiography and she discussed, at length, their enduring friendship. The kisses at the end tell so much! Thank you for your comment!
Hello.. Think you've captured the essence of this clip in the 2 words you've already typed: moving, and rare! Kinda thinking we're the ones left in the lurch. Thanks so much for your knowing comment!
eileen farrell spinto soprano?give me a break!!she was considered from the beggining a dramatic soprano!!not an spinto!!. one of the most pures,natural dramatics sopranos ever to exist!!short on top!!for sure!!thats the reason she never sang aida!!she said when she was asked about aida;too many high cs honey!!.but a truly dramatic soprano and no doubt about it!!got it?good!!
After you have watched it and enjoyed it, watch it again, and with all disrespect to the glorious artists, picture them as Lucy and Schroeder from the PEANUTS comics. It's alot of fun.
@anne7core0 Her talent knew no bounds! Twenty-five, or Sixty-Five, she still had that amazing voice! Happy to see her here singing with her "bud," Mr. Leonard Bernstein! Thanks so much for your comment!
HI funnyguy52, This was filmed in 1987 at the ballroom of Manhattan's Marriott Marquis Hotel! Mr. Bernstein composed the beautiful melodies, and the great Comden and Green wrote the lyrics. This is from the always amazing "On The Town!" I hope you enjoyed this, and thanks for writing! Best wishes, varadero
Hi Varadero 1839 thank you for uploading this my two most favourite people.Is it possible to buy this on dvd?My name is Fiona Farrell from Ireland I might be a distant relative of this great great lady and I also have lots of bernsteins books and music.God bless
I'm in awe of YT, but they've often found fault with me. I cannot elaborate. Anyway, I hope you'll understand that I'm planning on erasing our conversation. It's nothing to do with you, I'm merely attempting to stay here! Will get back to you with the other info, OK? Best regards, varadero
She's wonderful. Fabrizzio48: I guess my ears are crummy, but her intonation seemed fine to me, except for the end. I could do with out Lenny's sub-basso sand paper, even if Eileen was inspired by it.
