I had a spectacular moment in 1996 in San Diego with Barbara Cook. She was giving a concert and only about 10 people showed up. I had a seat in the back and quickly moved up to the front. Barbara was on a stool for many of the songs. She sat on the chair, and sang “Losing My Mind” to me. Staring directly at me. There was barely a soul in the house and she thanked me after she sang for focusing on me (because I was right in front of her). I was embarrassed that San Diego had not come out to hear that voice, but then I was glad because I’ll never forget that moment with Barbara Cook.
That's once in a life experience. Brilliant. 😊 I can't say the same, in fact I can't recall when, maybe 45 years ago I saw her perform in a Manhattan venue, once. Beautiful voice!!
Two of the greats. Singers need to listen to how Barbara interprets lyrics. Too many contemporary younger performers think just hitting and belting the high notes is what it's about. It's about the emotions of the words and music combined. She will always be perfection. And then Mr.Sondheim--well, what more can be said of his genius. And a nice man--I met him years ago.
Peter I'm so happy for you mentioning that Sondheim was a nice man. It's so nice to know that not only was he the master musical innovator but also a really good person, down to earth, humble and kind. All of the true greats have these same qualities.
it can also be about belting. People like Aretha Franklin,Etta James and Lisa Stanfield have used it very effectively to emote. People always like to act like it has no artistic value.0
Thank you so much for this rare gem. I had no idea these two genius artists were interviewed together; so rich, personal, informational, and deep. Both Barbara and Steven are in a class by themselves and have given us such a treasure trove of both emotional and artistic beauty. And both are so intelligent and articulate which isn't always true of great artists.
Wonderful talk front to back, with Cook's rendition of Loving You the heart stopping cherry on top. With Julie Andrews, Cook is arguably the most beautiful voice of my lifetime. Loved her mentioning Esparza and Foster though was momentarily distressed she didn't include Groff until I realized Spring Awakening wouldn't premiere until two years after this interview. Groff has, over the last months, loomed large as a voice/interpretive artist coming to rival the best of the best.
How wonderful to hear these brilliant people speaking such good sense and making intelligent comments and giving us insights. Absolutely fascinating. Barbara Cook and Stephen Sonheim - what brilliant talented artists.
What's so marvellous about this interview is that two artists like these don't bullshit each other so we know we're hearing total truth and those no varnish by the interviewer or a PR person.
I'm distracted by the fact she wasn't given a chair that was right for her height. Even a footstool would have meant she didn't have to struggle to stay on her chair. The discussion itself is wonderful and informative
@@jotaeme7436 he means that ALW is clogging up the flow in the UK. With his overblown productions and ordinary scores and mostly forgettable lyrics ever since he unwisely ditched the genius Tim Rice theatre-goers think they don't get their money's worth if there isn't a 5 million pound set. Sondheim was punting for that rare genius that can stand alone with just a piano and a bare set and touch the heart, mind and soul with lyrics that chime with the human condition. ALW has ruined UK theatre for the emerging musical theatre writers who can't afford to "dress up" their work. Hopefully with the passing of the great SS there will be a renewed appreciation and demand for true genius in musical theatre without all the special effects.
Sondheim basically stated Barbara COOK is superior to STREISAND. Personally.. I think STREISAND has more Versatility in her Style BUT COOK is more genuine and real when she's performing on stage..Cook is in the moment. STREISAND is a bit detached when performing LIVE (and Barbra always states she Dislikes singing Live in concert).
Love them both but I have to admit I’ve never understood Sondheim’s dismissive attitude towards opera. He clarifies this in his books later on and admits it’s his problem and no one else’s. But it’s odd the hear a man who is so intelligent basically state that opera is all about people going “look, I can sing” when it’s so not that. And given how much of his music (not his lyrics so much ) so clearly is indebted to advances in classical music (more so than advances in musicals I would argue) it’s a little puzzling.
