Shoshana and accompanist James Sampliner perform a stunning rendition of Lerner & Loewe's "If Ever I Would Leave You" from the musical Camelot and featured on her Spectrum album.
2:40-2:50 In those 10 seconds and single breathed phrasing, she managed to fit more dynamics and intent into that individual section than most of the chart topping “artists” have found within their entire careers...
If ever I would leave you It wouldn't be in summer. Seeing you in summer I never would go. Your hair streaked with sunlight, Your lips red as flame, Your face with a luster That puts gold to shame. But if I'd ever leave you, It couldn't be in autumn. How you look in autumn I never would go! I've seen how you sparkle When fall nips the air. I know you in autumn And I must be there. Or could I leave you Running merrily through the snow? Or on a wintry evening When you catch the fire's glow? If ever I would leave you, it couldn't be in springtime. Knowing how in spring I'm bewitched by you so Oh, no! Not in springtime! Summer, winter or fall! Never would I leave you at all! Leave you.. How could I leave? Leave, leave, leave ..
Love Shoshana and her vocal talent, but not a fan of this rendition. It's the first thing that I have heard of hers that wasn't a fave. That's the wonderful thing about the gift of music - what one person loves, another doesn't necessarily. She is still incredible, and I'm still a huge fan!
The song itself was done in the lovely way, reflective and sensitive. Then the closing: a destructive come up pointless vocal riff that to my ears contradicted the entire fondness of the song.
hey! i totally hear what you're saying, and i just wanted to offer up another perspective. throughout the song, the narrator keeps saying they would never leave the person in question, the "you" to whom the song is addressed. as out of place as the ending seems, i think it adds another layer to the song: not only that they wouldn't leave, but that they _can't_ for whatever reason. to me, it almost feels like that end bit is the speaker's inner turmoil as they reflect on the feeling of being somehow trapped in this irresistible relationship. i think that darker undertone gives the song more depth than the original, though it definitely comes across more clearly in the version of the song recorded for the album (here ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9329hkgnaQM.html&ab_channel=ShoshanaBean-Topic , if you're interested!). i don't know if this was intended, of course, but that's just my interpretation... just wanted to add my two cents here because i think my friends are getting tired of me sending them songs just so i can rant :) have a lovely day!
@@evenspookier thanks. Your reaction to the performance gives me pause. It is a pleasure to read, or to put words to, the feelings conveyed by music - whether with lyrics, or even not. I guess one could say that there is always that dimension of an overwhelming love . . . I have listened to many performances of this song over the years. I like to take it where it of course was not intended in the original -- to my own love affair with this life, this world in all its seasons. It may still be in the upcoming revision of my will, as the song for my funeral - the great love for this world and life that would not intentionally leave . . . Thanks for the rant. I am honored to be included in your outpouring.
