Remember, this is a rock singer . . . everyone was horrified by her casting in the Broadway show. Then they heard her go off on the runs. Incredible range! No other singer in the world like Linda Ronstadt.
To tell the truth, I saw Linda & Rex live in tryouts in Detroit before they took it took B'way, and they were amazing. Having just done this in community theatre, I was stunned at the perfection of them both, but Linda in particular. Her arias are sooo much harder than anything he has to sing. Noy that he wasn't amazing as well, but I has new respect for Ms Ronstadt after seeing this performance.
I never bothered with "rock singers" as a rule, and I too was amazed at the perfection of her singing, not forgetting that she is utterly beautiful for the part. There's a full length upload of the whole operetta, and I've got to find the bit where Angela Lansbury sings "When Frederic was a little lad" and she laments that she had him bound apprentice to a pirate, not a pilot.
Jennifer Roberson this is in a much lower key than mable sings. My 14 year old friend is an aspiring opera singer and she can sing it in the right octave. They could have just cast an opera singer.
She is a Rock, country, jazz, standard, rhythm and blues, opera and latin ranchera singer. Great in every genre to boot . My all time favorite singer/performer
@@anthonyarmstrong14 just because you sing an opera or operetta, it doesn't mean that you are an opera singer. Being an opera singer means that you have been trained to sing opera and that that is what you do for a living.
She did have to take voice lessons to be able to sing this the way Joseph Papp wanted, but I think she did a fantastic job. I've always felt that hiring opera singers to sing G&S does them a disservice. You're meant to be able to tell what everyone is singing. G&S is closer to the modern day musical than it is to opera.
Freddie Mercury could just as easily be placed in the same category for versatility, from ballads, to hard rock, to classical duets with an opera singer in different languages. But even as a lifelong Queen fan, I do think Linda has the more pleasing voice.
She is precious with a beautiful voice. Hardly anyone under 70 years old, in the US in 1980, knew or cared about operetta. That changed because of Linda Ronstadt in Pirates of Penzance. She sang like an angel and didn't do a diva star turn - she was a trooper and a team player- and the cutest Mabel ever.
GILBERT AND SULLIVAN OPERETTA WAS POPULAR IN THE USA FROM THE WORD GO AND IS STILL PERFORMED IN ALL KINDS OF FORMATS TODAY. JUST GO AND SEARCH YOU TUBE.
No doubt she could sing the phone book and bring tears, but every singer has their limits. Ronstadt was one of my idols, but not for operetta. The same as Olivia could never do Hard Rock as she doesn't have the right voice. Several critics groaned about Linda's muddied lyrics on the higher notes, and I agree. IMO bless her efforts but there are better Mabel's.
@@nettiegurl The greatest operatic soprano in history was known for iffy diction (no not Maria Fire Engine Callas, probably the only one you've ever heard of). In the stratosphere it isn't so easy to sing with clear consonants and make beautiful connected sounds. Her lyrics were muddled on the high notes? Seriously, actually learn something before you post nonsense. There were and are other things to criticize here if you know anything about singing, but she did a very admirable job all things considered. The instrument itself, with a year or two of training, could have been an incredible coloratura soprano.
@@jondavwal13 Be pleased to know that I do actually know a thing or two considering I am a trained former coloratura. So don't just jump in assuming you know other people when you don't. And we all have a right to our opinions :)
@@jondavwal13 I actually DO know plenty about singing, particularly operatic performance. The majority of critics when this was released were unimpressed by Linda's muddied lyrics on the top notes. I gave her effort for trying as she was Papp's choice to portray Mabel.
She is incredible. In my book, she stole the #1 spot for best female vocalist from Judy Garland, the first time I heard her voice, back when she sang with the "Stone Poneys". Even now, I tear up & turn in to one big goosebump, everytime I hear that high note at the end of "Poor Wondering One"
Unfortunately I have to disagree Judy Garland was never # 1 spot for the best female vocalist at the time it was by far and away Deanna Durbin and she could really hit the notes. Try listening to her singing the hallelujah chorus she was 15! But I do agree Linda Ronstadt stole it all.
@@christopherstrong150 Deanna Durbin was an operatic soprano. Judy was a singer of popular song and show tunes. This is the classic apple and oranges comparison. Not really fair to compare the two. And even though Deanna Durbin had a nice operatic voice, she was never accepted at the Met. Not that it really mattered. She was too busy making millions of dollars for Universal.
I’ve said it before but it bears repeating. Linda is the best! She can do Operetta, folklorico , Standards, Pop, Country, Rock and R & B. There is no one like her and never will be again. She is an amazing talent and Human Being
My wife and I saw Linda in the Broadway performance of "Pirates". No doubt, everyone thought she was making a mistake in doing this...but obviously they had never seen her live rock performances. She did a great performance. Always pitch perfect among several musical genres.. A rare talent, the likes of which will not be seen again in a long while.
OK people, the last video seen, before this, was Ms. Ronstadt doing, "Hurts So Bad". After this, video, I'll view, her doing, "What's New", then a selection from, "Canciones de MI Padre". I am in awe of the talent of this amazing lady.
Linda Ronstadt was my first crush. And what a voice she had. And absolutely beautiful and cute. Love her, love her, love her. I will listen to this performance any chance I have.
Just a small example of the brilliant Linda Ronstadt. I know she’s stopped singing publicly now due to illness, but we will never forget her talent, grace and beauty. I was lucky enough to see her perform live a few times back in the 70s and 80s, and she’s still one of my absolute favorites.
She reminds me of a Silent Film Star Beauty - suddenly given a voice. Ronstadt was mesmerizing in live performance. Rocking, Purring, torching ballads, English, Spanish or this here classical stuff. - so much warmth in her voice..
Seeing and hearing Linda sing Mabel live in Central Park was an eye and ear opener in 1980. Only months before saw her in a huge arena rockin her heart out. The movie was a bit odd and stagey but the stage show was tremendous. Linda is a very special and beautiful singer.
Trying to turn stage shows into musicals is always problematic. I actually like the way they did it for this as the show is really a form of surrealistic fantasy and the sets enhance that. Pity cinema audiences of 1983 didn't feel the same way - but back in 1983 I knew very little about G&S so wouldn't have been tempted to go watch it either. I've now performed in four or five G&S shows and really get their silly and witty humour.
Linda is more than a fabulous singer she also has the ability to bring a sense of fun and warmth to a performance. Everything comes from her heart. Pirates could be described as "Songs of Her Mother" who died two years before this Broadway performance. Her later Hispanic Stage Show "Canciones De Mi Padre" (Songs of My Father) in 1987 is exceptional.
Gorgeous gal, warm beautiful voice. She was stunning singing her original brand of torchy roots rock - when she took that voice to other realms, like this here operetta, she took many of us with her. Very special vocalist with great big brown eyes.
GLORIOUS. Hearing this live in NYC's Central Park was a thrilling experience. Renee Fleming, one of the great modern Opera singers, is a devoted Ronstadt fan. Simply because Linda had such a GORGEOUS voice. Singing this month's after her rock tour took some hardcore guts.
It is so wonderful that we have these recordings--Yes, Linda Ronstadt could and did sing any genre of music wonderfully and efforlessly!--Amazing that that little body had such a big voice.--I'm thankful I grew up in that era
I’ve always loved Gilbert & Sullivan’s works...Penzance, Pinafore, and above all, the Mikado. This song is my absolute fave from Penzance. When I was a kid (I’m now68) growing up in New York I actually got to go to the opera to see actual D’Oyly Carte productions of those above mentioned works. I used to play the music on the piano while my brother would sing.
Was looking for this comment. I think it may be the other way around given this musical is from a few years before the era that movie is set in and likely inspired that exchange with Mary and her reflection. But yes you’re totally right…
Linda is a poor wandering one because she can’t sing like this anymore and she didn’t want all of the popularity, she wanted to share her voice to the world and now she can’t do what she loved doing. So sad😢
Hear the difference between the film performance of this song and the Central Park performance. Here she had obviously had lessons and her voice was much more secure and her talent was fulfilled. A beautiful performance, and much more confident.
I suspect there were a lot of cuts & takes in the film performance. And that's perfectly fine with me because the end result we have here is a masterpiece.
I believe it ran for a little under 2 months when it was in Shakespeare in the park. Then the production moved to the Uris Theater on Broadway and she was in the stage production for a year. I saw her in both runs voice was as good as it was in the film
I love everything about this production other than the cheesy synth backup. I get it that it was performed outdoors in a park, and that setting up an orchestra and the associated sound system would have been complicated and expensive. But surely they could have come up with one for the movie. That said, though, Ronstadt is magnificent, Kline was at the peak of his powers, and everyone else was terrific (with special kudos to the guy who played the policeman, who is apparently made of rubber). And the little nods to "Ruddigore" and "Pinafore" are just delightful.
They were very faithful to the William Elliott orchestration that was used in the Central Park version. In those days, people were still very enamored of the 80s advances in musical synthesis and it was seen as rather cool and up to date to incorporate them with tradition instruments. A fair amount of serious contemporary orchestra music from the 80s used them as well. We are sadly used to hearing them substitute for acoustic instruments too often these days.
I thought she was a pretty good rock singer...now that I have heard sing like this all I can say is WOW!!! She is FANTASTIC with a super voice...she has hit some of the most beautiful notes I have ever heard.
For shame For shame For shame Poor wandering one Though thou hast surely strayed Take heart of grace, thy steps retrace Poor wandering one Poor wandering one If such poor love as mine Can help thee find true peace of mind Why, take it, it is thine Take heart, no danger lowers Take any heart but ours Take heart, fair days will shine Take any heart, take mine Take heart, no danger lowers Take any heart but ours Take heart, fair days will shine Take any heart, take mine Poor wandering one Though thou hast surely strayed Take heart of grace, thy steps retrace Poor wandering one Poor wandering one Poor wandering one Take heart, take heart Take any heart but ours Take heart, take heart Take heart, no danger lowers Take any heart but ours Take heart, take heart Take any heart but ours Take heart
Okay, actually I figured it out. The Joseph Papp arrangements here do some wicked modulations, so she starts out in a belt key then segue's after the chorus girls into the higher register. In the end, she arrives at Sullivan's original key, they just wanted to exploit some unique traits of the singer's voice quality here.
Wrong! There are absolutely no key changes in this entire number. Sorry. And PS- The arrangements/orchestrations are by my late friend, the brilliant William F. Elliott, who proceeded with this radically new version of a much-hallowed classic in spite of his expectation of being torn apart by the critics.
@@photo161 Johnathan is correct. The original Key is Ab THROUGHOUT, The For shames modulate to Her first verse in Eb. Then it modulates Ab for the girls entrance, then back to Eb for Mabel's second verse, then back to Ab for the end.
@@wayneablood Thank you. It's obvious if you LISTEN to it. They wanted the verses in her chest voice and the coloratura parts where they belonged. The last optional high note is actually quite spectacular, completely focused and ringing with spinning tone, despite it being a little small.
I saw a comment on a video reacting to Linda's Mexican ranchera exploits that she did opera as well. Well worth a listen. Linda's range and versatility is amazing.
More impressive to her her perfect voice in the live stage version, but thank you for the close ups of the beautiful face with those angel eyes and those sweet cupid’s bow lips.
Went to see this back in NY in the day. I was floored! Back then I was fortunate enough to go backstage and meet Rex, I didn't meet Linda, but I saw it again on Broadway and met Maureen Mcgovern!!! She was soooo sweet!!! Good Times!!!!
She is that lovely gal - a silent film star or a cartoon lovely (snow white, betty boop) come to life. Linda was a great singer because she loved the melody - rocking, crooning or this here high note trilling.
I was obsessed with this movie as a toddler and had the biggest crush on Linda Ronstadt. She looks incredible for her age here too. She does not look like someone who was born in the 1940s. She was almost 40 when filming this.
Impressive. For a rock singer to pull off a coloratura aria requires lots of work and vocal exercise. There’s a warmth to her voice that even some true coloratura sopranos don’t have.
Poor puckering pirate robbed of a kiss and all that bliss... such a sad miss... to almost have kissed.... with such a beautiful Miss I think this showcases her incredible voice more than anything she ever did. I had a very real dream of her and I sitting side by side watching a stage show, and used every charm I had to win her love but.......woke up DAMMIT She was just slightly showing Parkinson's symptoms. I saw her movie in San Rafael The Sound of My Voice its a MUST SEE!!!!
What a beautiful, operatic voice!!! Who knew?! Like Lynda Carter (Wonder Woman), who knew?! Like Rita Hayworth (Fred Astaire's best dance partner), who knew?! It's wonderful finding all these things out about our stars.
Omg I love Mabel. In my school play we are doing pirates of penzance and I am Mabel, and this is my favorite song that she sings and I just wanted to listen to it and sing along, one day when we preform it in my school, it will be me singing, not her
I miss her, as I'm sure the whole world does! I have never heard Linda sing opera before this, but she was so fabulous! I'm so sad that she does not sing anymore, but at least we have RU-vid to keep her singing alive.
Every time i watch any G&S shows, I recall this wonderful performance and wish that she could have gone on to sing in many more of them. There are 13 others. I realize that the audience would be much more limited for all but the three most popular: this one, HMS Pinafore, and The Mikado. But they are all worth hearing. And I also wish LR had done some Rodgers & Hammerstein.
