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!
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.❤
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.
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!
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.
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!
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
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
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
@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!
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!
@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!
@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!
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!
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.
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!!
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.
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!
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.❤
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.
This song is so sad and beautiful at the same time.
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!
What magnificent diction this woman had and a voice so intact after a career in opera just goes to show what a fantastic technique she possessed.
Few like these two will ever come this way again! Thank you! I'm very grateful.
Thank you very much for posting this, at age 63 I can relate more than ever to the lyrics.
Amen to that. Coming up on 67 here
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.
I feel as you do; it's a thrill every time! Their love and respect for one another is truly palpable. So grateful to hear from you!
A very fine interpretive and lyrical voice. I have heard her old recordings, but she is even better here.
Wow! I wasn't expecting the maestro to croon basso profundo style! Bravi tutti !!!
One of the finest voices of the last century. GLORIOUS. Thank you for posting.
Even a lifetime isn't enough! Classic and heartbreaking.
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!
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
dollartwenty she is just the best opera singer who can adjust her vocals to do standards... ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I saw a recent production (well, before covid) of On the Town, and fell in love with this song.
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
She is such a versatile singer...amazing talent!
One of those rare singers that kept their voice n later years.
I'm the poster, and I agree! This is only one example of her amazing talent! Thank You!
She was absolutely and American treasure!
3 dontlikes? How can you not like this? You must love it. It is so touching!
wonderful
A keeper! I'm so pleased to see them do this at an age when the song seems to have even more pertinence.
Can watch and listen to these two superb artists many more times, and still would treasure this performance.
Bernstein and Farrell together...SO FANTASTIC!
I had no idea the opening chords were what inspired Bill Evans famous Flamenco Sketches with Miles Davis.
Heard this just now on S3 E2 of 6ft under...very nice tune.
My goodness, how wonderful... thank you so much... had me in tears too!
Two brilliant artist singing one of the best songs ever written for a musical.
Diva !!
My heart broke.
Timeless, moving and marvellous.
what talents!
And she could sing Brunhhilde and Salome (Herodias) and Magda from the Consul, also Elvira in Ernani. What a gifted woman.
Our world DESPERATELY needs another Lenny, Comden and Green.
"Oh well...so many words are still unspoken...some other time."
Thank you so much for sharing this very touching performance. It is comforting to see that there are some intelligent videos on RUclips! ;)
Thanks a million for sharing this, varadero. I've never heard this. Gadz00kers, we need another Lenny! The world was soooo much better back then. Oy!
Wonderful. And from what I know about both of them, I'm sure the banter at rehearsals and backstage would have been hysterical.
@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!
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!
The world needs another Leonard.
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.
this is truly an exceptional posting -thanx again
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.
Along with "I Can Cook Too", this is one of the gems from the Broadway musical that were not in the movie. Ah, well...
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.
And to keep me here, all the wonderful lpieces showing up on the left.
Che maestria! La signora Farrell era magnifica!
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!
@therealstevegray Thank you! They're 2 amazing figures. Grateful to hear from you, and Happy New Year!
THANK YOU so much for posting this!!!
Love it completely!
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!
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
Also, I suggest another Eileen! Tragedy is we're not likely to ever see 2 superb performers like this again. Thanks so much for your comment.
Wow! So moving, and so rare!
Have always loved "opera singers" who actually catch the meaning of the song without trying to show off their range!
Thanks so much for your comment! We're in precise agreement, and I miss them both.
so very moving --thank you so much for posting
marvellous
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.
Truly wonderful. Thanks for the post.
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
ArtichokeV Hi! I'm off to do your bidding! They were a brilliant pair indeed! Will update the post now.Thank you,
varadero
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.
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.
What a gem!
Perfect.
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
Vraiment Unforgettable!
I subscribed to your playlist. Lots of great stuff there! :)
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.
Still got it..!
@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!
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!
Superb
Dear Lenny, happy birthday on your 100th... we'll always be glad for your love and music-well, I guess we'll catch up some other time!
Hi Bas,
Sorry to be so late in replying. Happy that you liked this one with Lenny and Eileen! Thank you!
varadero
❤ Straordinari
@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!
Bill Evans' Peace Piece brought me here.
Same here!
歌曲溫暖，Bernstein 偉大。
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!
Happy Birthday Lenny
@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!
The jazz pianist Bill Evans was very fond of this song.
When and where was this recorded?
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!
Hi zzzut! I'm honored to hear from you, and thanks for having subscribed! Hope you'll keep "taking a look!" Thinking of you,
varadero
@leprincebeaumont Sei così il benvenuto! Si tratta di due artisti incredibili, e non sarà mai ripetuto!
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.
I miss you, KK. I'm so sorry you died.
True, but not likely to happen. There is no other like him
Simply perfect ! When and were was this filmed ?
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍❤️👍
This was wonderful. I'm looking for Maureen McGovern's cover of this song. Anyone have it?
I was looking for Fixing the Flibuster and got this. Oh well...
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!!
This is so beautiful. Did Comden and Green write the lyrics?
When and where was this filmed?
Thank you so much.
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
mine too
The world without Lenny isn't more the same.....
sopraan E. Farrell (geb. 1920): 1940 CBS Radio(koor)-show/1947 concert-zanger/1955 zangstem in speelfilm/1956 opera-rollen in VSA/1960 blues-LP (Columbia: 4 pop.-albums)/1971 hoogleraar muziek nl. zang/1983 idem/1986 podium-afscheid/1987 pop.-albums/1999 memoires [resume: English wicky]
Maybe this was a TV show? Concert? None of the above?
Public television 1987
good shiz my negro
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.
The Ethel Merman emoting makes me wanna hurl.
Your mama