Earlier this year on NPR's Performance Today, host Fred Child spoke with Rob Kapilow about the musical complexity of Sondheim's masterpiece in Stephen Sondheim's Clever 'Clowns'. The story includes a clip of Millicent Martin's rendition of the piece.
A brilliant take away from Rob's analysis:
Great song composers, whether it's Schubert or Sondheim, do not really set words to music. What they set is the emotion that's behind the words.
3 comments:
SarahB,
Some time since when I was desirous to hear the great musicals composed and oftentimes written by Sondheim, I listened to the Original Broadway Cast Recording of "A Little Night Music." I had heard the song "Send In The Clowns" before this, courtesy of a "Live From Lincoln Center" broadcast, and I anxiously waited for that song to reveal itself, but when I heard Glynis Johns sing it, I thought it was terrible; indeed, it had not sounded like that when I had first heard it. The song sounded scratchy as if it were more spoken than sung. Do you have the same sentiment, or do you see a greater artistry at work here that I cannot? Also, how do you think this production will turn out? Will it be a worthy following to the original? Obviously, I do not expect you to answer necessarily yes or no, but I am merely wondering if the expectations we all have are merited.
-Tyler.
Tyler, You're missing the point of Sondheim. He writes for actors who sing. It is not terrible. In fact, Glynnis' performance is legendary and brilliant. It is not meant to be sung - it is acted. Every word and note is dripping with the pain that Desiree feels. Also check out renditions by Judi Dench, Millicent Martin, Angela Lansbury, and Betty Buckley. I know there are 100s of others, but when the phrases are held too long, it's pretty but the point is missed.
Please read Kari's post: http://www.lit-wit.com/litwit/2009/11/send-in-the-clowns.html
I have high hopes for this revival and believe it will be wonderful.
What a wonderful find this is! Thank you thank you thank you!
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