No-one sings this song like Dame Judi. Reduces me to tears every time I hear her sing it. 'No-one is there' has to be one of the saddest lines in musicals. Heartbreaking.
I saw on stage in 1991 in Amy's View @Aldwich Cout Theatre and she did have a real, payable but subtle connection to the audience like she knew and acted af if we are all in this together.Gracious and thankful to the audience and her Art.
To hold such a huge audience in the palm of your hand like that, no-one moving, hardly breathing: that is talent indeed. What a performer; what a performance.
Exactly! I firmly believe there is a way to convey emotion without topping The Who decibel-wise. I never got the emotion of the song with Judy Collins. Dame Judi Dench is such a treasure!
Back to this after hearing of Stephen Sondheim's death - what a massive loss to the musical world, and the world, in general. Thank you for this music Stephen
Sometimes we hear a song so often and by so many different artists we become indifferent to what the words once meant to us. This beautiful performance forces you to listen, feel, and understand what the great Stepen Sondheim so poetically wrote. Thank you, Dame Judi Dench for a most poignant rendition. You literally brought a tear to my eye.
That woman can do no wrong. Utterly spellbinding. I first saw Dame Judi way back in the 1960's when she was Sally Bowles in the original London production of "Cabaret". I knew then that she was a genius (no other word will do) and over nearly 50 years she has never disappointed me once. She is simply the best.
So emotionally draining! She transforms in front of our eyes and it feels as if she is singing about everything to herself, personally reflecting. Tearing at our hearts. Brava Dame Judy!
Dame Judi Dench's rendition of this song brought me to tears. She expresses, on her face, the pain and heartache we all feel at some point in our lives. A memorable and haunting performance. No other artist could top her version of this song. Encore, encore and encore again!
When the sad day comes that Dame Judy Dench 'shrugs off this mortal coil' ? I'll be coming back to this video to view it - yet again ! - and to be reminded of the real and honest talent of this incredible woman ! :)
After watching and listening to Dame Judi for about 50 times ,I noticed something that really shows just a bit of her personality and character.Although she knows very well that most admire and love her, she just does not want to bring big attention brought to her personally. You notice it as she calmly walks in, but after she sings, she can't walk fast enough to get away...no pompous , fancy bow after bow after bow. No...it's the message she brought that she wanted you to see and hear. BRAVA!
Wow!! Yes, I'm on a Sondheim kick and this version is magical. An actress singing and conveying the meaning of the song as well as, if not better than any singer.
The clarinetist at the beginning really brings out the emotion! I hear it throughout the song. It is unusual to pick out an instrument. You near it even at the end, a gentle voice in the orchestra holding up the poignancy of the song in a soft undercurrent as the other instruments float above it. It is like a soft hand holding hers, not changing the pain, but there is support. Amazing. I had to listen again, the second time to the clarinet. To the person/s playing that clarinet, thanks. Beautiful.
Dry eyes anyone in 2020?😧😢 THIS is how to sing this song, with a National Treasure putting the feeling into it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇬🇧 Amazing for someone one bumped into in Waitrose and gave us her autograph! A lot of celebs walk away or ignore you, she actually took time out (during her shopping) to chat to my wife and I, what a true GEM of a lady🤗 We never knew we lived about a mile away from her for 10 years!😳
There was a documentary on that production which showed Dame Judi in rehearsal for "Send in the Clowns". It was just exquisite and there were tears on her cheeks by the end. After the final note she glanced over at the director and said in a totally matter-of-fact way, "of course, I won't do it like that". Brilliant way to break the mood and made me laugh like a drain!!
The audience's reaction says it all - there is no movement in the audience during the performance - she dumbstruck every single person there - i think you could hear a pin drop during the song - and THAT is proof of a world class performer. BRAVO!
Phenomenal, once again. I never understood this song until I heard Judi Dench sing it. I believe that singing is for a lifetime. I love the character in children's voices and I am equally enamored of the aging voice. So much beauty in the individuality of the human voice. Of course, it is inspiring to hear a singer with great technique and vocal prowess, but I am equally inspired by purity and truth in singing.
What a wonderful comment. Singing is a healing relaxing pleasure. Not everyone has a loud rich voice. Dame Judi made this her own and it is her naturalness and purity that cone through for me. The expressive eyes tell it all.
Now..this is very difficult to imitate,the emotions, the passion, the life, the hurt and mostly the story telling of the lyrics which best and must be the way it should be...
Dame Judi would agree that she is not a singer and neither was Glynis Johns, but both received their deserved ovations for their rendering of Send in the Clowns. Glynis Johns's speaking voice alone always fascinated me - the tone or plummy pitch of it was so distinctly her. Thanks for showing.
This song was actually written for Glynis Johns to sing and that fact influenced how the song was written. Glynis Johns was not a singer and did not have the breath capacity to sustain long notes, so when Stephen Sondheim wrote the song, he gave her short 4-5 note phrases to sing throughout. That alone I think gives you more of a chance to act a song rather than just singing it.
So moving...The great Ms Dench acts the song better than anyone. But Ms John's, whom I saw twice in the original production, had such an ineffable radiance on stage that nothing can ever erase the memory of her incandescent performance.
This performance is absolutely spellbinding! Kudos to the cameraman for that perfectly timed, minute long zoom for the duration of the final verse, landing on that extreme close-up of the ultimate, consummate performer. Must’ve been one of the highlights of his or her career! Bravo!!!
One of my favorite song, I have been playing almost every other interpretation over and over for years by other famous singers and Dame Judy Dench is totally into it, she is the one suffering, she lives that part totally, there is so much emotion as other people mentioned that the audience is totally spellbound... Bravo Dame Judy Dench.
I heard Judi Dench perform A little night music at the national many years ago. Her singing of this song was memorable and the first time I felt I understood the meaning.
Yes, so right. A lesson in what real musical theatre is. Good singing isn't about the wailing and shrieking and lung-busting that passes for "talent" on those TV singing contest shows. Where being able to hold a note for a long time gets applauded on its own. It's about actually expressing an emotion.
Brilliant, moving, a performance so small in scale but so powerful in its impact--I have watched it dozens of times. Which is probably why I eventually noticed--that's the best chair that the Proms could come up with for her?!? It looks like someone forgot and had to run next door to a conference room at the very last minute...but Dame Judi triumphs even over bad office furniture....
This version you get to concentrate completely on the lyrics alone positively Brilliant performance
I loved this beautiful sad song
No-one sings this song like Dame Judi. Reduces me to tears every time I hear her sing it. 'No-one is there' has to be one of the saddest lines in musicals. Heartbreaking.
That smile at the beginning, appreciating her welcome to the stage,and then the breath... moving herself into character. Astounding!
I saw on stage in 1991 in Amy's View @Aldwich Cout Theatre and she did have a real, payable but subtle connection to the audience like she knew and acted af if we are all in this together.Gracious and thankful to the audience and her Art.
Perfect, wasn’t it!
Who is this lady?
That’s what a real Oscar winner looks and sounds like-such immense talent doesn’t require a powerful or operatic voice-Truly wonderful Dame Judy.
Seriously@@elefanny1106
To hold such a huge audience in the palm of your hand like that, no-one moving, hardly breathing: that is talent indeed. What a performer; what a performance.
Just the thought of the world loosing her puts tears in my eyes. I can't imagine life without her.
Not a song, a performance. Spine tingling and beautiful.
Simply shattering. Others may be able to belt louder or hit higher notes, but no once can convey the meaning and shear emotion of this song like her.
Exactly! I firmly believe there is a way to convey emotion without topping The Who decibel-wise. I never got the emotion of the song with Judy Collins. Dame Judi Dench is such a treasure!
I would say though, that Glenn Close also is amazing at conveying pure emotions! Much Similiar to this beautiful Dame
Shattering is the exact word I would use. Judy Dench just cracked open my soul.
I fully agree with you.
Yes, she gives a great rendition of this song, but I also like those of Judy Collins and Barbara Streisand
Back to this after hearing of Stephen Sondheim's death - what a massive loss to the musical world, and the world, in general. Thank you for this music Stephen
Same.
One of the most beautiful, and saddest, songs in the history of the world. RIP, Mr S Sondheim
Amen xx
(news flash: it is a prayer : ) )
@@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491 it most certainly is not
Of course it’s not a prayer but that does not take away the fact that this is the most brilliant interpretation of the song ever
Well said.
She deserved a standing ovation for that performance. There's nothing like a Dame. God bless you, Judi.
Did everyone see how she just slipped into character. Ugh I just love this woman!!!!
You can actually see it - amazing - She is 86 now.
@@dasistmick4273 We’re all the richer as humans for her being here
Sometimes we hear a song so often and by so many different artists we become indifferent to what the words once meant to us. This beautiful performance forces you to listen, feel, and understand what the great Stepen Sondheim so poetically wrote. Thank you, Dame Judi Dench for a most poignant rendition. You literally brought a tear to my eye.
Proof that musical theatre is not for crystal clear sounding voices.. it is for actors who capture the true emotion of the music.
Sondheim himself always said he preferred a true actor who could carry a tune over a polished singer who didn't understand words and acting
Listen to this everyday ! Very emotive…
That woman can do no wrong. Utterly spellbinding. I first saw Dame Judi way back in the 1960's when she was Sally Bowles in the original London production of "Cabaret". I knew then that she was a genius (no other word will do) and over nearly 50 years she has never disappointed me once. She is simply the best.
So emotionally draining! She transforms in front of our eyes and it feels as if she is singing about everything to herself, personally reflecting. Tearing at our hearts. Brava Dame Judy!
Always makes me think of her wonderful husband, Michael Williams. RIP.
She is nothing less than magnificent, definitely in the ranks of Piaf and Mabel Mercer. Brava indeed!
Dame Judi Dench's rendition of this song brought me to tears. She expresses, on her face, the pain and heartache we all feel at some point in our lives. A memorable and haunting performance. No other artist could top her version of this song. Encore, encore and encore again!
I’ve always loved this song and finally here is a version that delivers the emotion and heartbreak it needs 😍😢
When the sad day comes that Dame Judy Dench 'shrugs off this mortal coil' ? I'll be coming back to this video to view it - yet again ! - and to be reminded of the real and honest talent of this incredible woman ! :)
Such a great actress, she can even convey a character in two seconds. Of the song.❤❤❤❤❤
After watching and listening to Dame Judi for about 50 times ,I noticed something that really shows just a bit of her personality and character.Although she knows very well that most admire and love her, she just does not want to bring big attention brought to her personally. You notice it as she calmly walks in, but after she sings, she can't walk fast enough to get away...no pompous , fancy bow after bow after bow. No...it's the message she brought that she wanted you to see and hear. BRAVA!
And when the orchestra applaud...you are one with the music.
Such a beautiful song sung by one of the best actresses there will ever be on this earth is magic!
This makes me so moved I get tears in my eyes. What a grande Dame!
Just beautiful 💐🙏
No one can beat this rendition. I remember "A little Night Music" and the sadness of this moment, which she brings all back.
Wow!! Yes, I'm on a Sondheim kick and this version is magical. An actress singing and conveying the meaning of the song as well as, if not better than any singer.
I've been in love with this woman forever.
The clarinetist at the beginning really brings out the emotion! I hear it throughout the song. It is unusual to pick out an instrument. You near it even at the end, a gentle voice in the orchestra holding up the poignancy of the song in a soft undercurrent as the other instruments float above it. It is like a soft hand holding hers, not changing the pain, but there is support. Amazing. I had to listen again, the second time to the clarinet. To the person/s playing that clarinet, thanks. Beautiful.
Great Great Thanks for posting de France
I could listen to her version all day.
wish i'd have been there. she's wonderful.
The emotion she gives here is so compelling. It is heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. Amazing.
I am crying......she made me feel deeply..I loved this and I adore all of her works. Thank you.
She made me cry. Beautifully accompanied by the orchestra.
Definitive in the role. I want to hold the moment just before the final chord, where it's just clarinet and a broken heart, forever.
How can anyone simply not adore this beautiful woman? She is magnificent!!! What a stunning performance!!!
Dame Judi ranks with Mabel Mercer as the greatest interpreter of popular music. Her performance is breathtaking!
Dry eyes anyone in 2020?😧😢 THIS is how to sing this song, with a National Treasure putting the feeling into it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇬🇧 Amazing for someone one bumped into in Waitrose and gave us her autograph! A lot of celebs walk away or ignore you, she actually took time out (during her shopping) to chat to my wife and I, what a true GEM of a lady🤗 We never knew we lived about a mile away from her for 10 years!😳
This is a grand lady/diva in the best possible way,,,class,,,class,,talent talent talent,,,
She played this role in 1995, and it is fascinating to watch her drop into the role once the music starts. Truly the definitive version in my opinion
There was a documentary on that production which showed Dame Judi in rehearsal for "Send in the Clowns". It was just exquisite and there were tears on her cheeks by the end. After the final note she glanced over at the director and said in a totally matter-of-fact way, "of course, I won't do it like that". Brilliant way to break the mood and made me laugh like a drain!!
I'm in the process of directing a production of this. NOT with Dame Judi. Well, she had the Olympic recording to do, and ...
The audience's reaction says it all - there is no movement in the audience during the performance - she dumbstruck every single person there - i think you could hear a pin drop during the song - and THAT is proof of a world class performer. BRAVO!
Best version ever 😊
not really
We love you Dame Judi and the welcome she received supports that - outstanding talent.
The best version of this song. Brings tears to my eyes
Absolutely phenomenal rendition of the song with all the emotion it deserves!
Phenomenal, once again. I never understood this song until I heard Judi Dench sing it. I believe that singing is for a lifetime. I love the character in children's voices and I am equally enamored of the aging voice. So much beauty in the individuality of the human voice. Of course, it is inspiring to hear a singer with great technique and vocal prowess, but I am equally inspired by purity and truth in singing.
What a wonderful comment. Singing is a healing relaxing pleasure. Not everyone has a loud rich voice. Dame Judi made this her own and it is her naturalness and purity that cone through for me. The expressive eyes tell it all.
Now..this is very difficult to imitate,the emotions, the passion, the life, the hurt and mostly the story telling of the lyrics which best and must be the way it should be...
Perfection!
Brilliant! judy Dench! perfection!
Dame Judi would agree that she is not a singer and neither was Glynis Johns, but both received their deserved ovations for their rendering of Send in the Clowns. Glynis Johns's speaking voice alone always fascinated me - the tone or plummy pitch of it was so distinctly her. Thanks for showing.
This song was actually written for Glynis Johns to sing and that fact influenced how the song was written. Glynis Johns was not a singer and did not have the breath capacity to sustain long notes, so when Stephen Sondheim wrote the song, he gave her short 4-5 note phrases to sing throughout. That alone I think gives you more of a chance to act a song rather than just singing it.
I LOVE Sondheim. He was my favorite modern composer. I cry every time I hear this song.
Untouchable...
What an absolutely beautiful thing to happen in the world. 😭
A beautiful performance. Thank you Dame Judi, and nice to see our friend David Charles Abell conducting the orchestra.
This is the first time I listen to this song and realize it is actually quite a dramatic monologue set to music. It's an amazing piece of theater.
She comes in. Sits down. And wipes the floor with everyone's emotions in one stunning rendition.
Elvis has left the building......😇
still at awe with her.. her command in the stage is astounding.. now this is what you call a DAME
This is HER song. She's the only one I've ever seen that has been able to move me to tears.
Stunning performance, and so vibrant and gorgeous. A true treasure in every sense of the word.
A standing ovation from me as well !!! Judy isn't a singer, but awwww... she conveys all the passion and deep meaning... thank you!!
My partner and I after 47 years together. How sad.
Thank you Judy Dench, you are magical actress, a feeling singer.
Thumbs DOWN? REALLY!? 😱 The world is lost for sure... This is sò amazing... 🤗❤️😭
Beautiful Judi just Beautiful, such a awesome job.
Such a heartfelt and honest portrayal of this beautiful piece!! Never once did I think she was "acting"!! Amazing!
Thee epitome of ...grace 🌹
Flawless performance. A great actress.
Tremendous!
RIP Sondheim :(
Judy Dench is a national treasure. In a class all by herself. Gets more beautiful every year. She delivers this song perfectly.
I was there,and wonderful Judi was overcome by her (justified) reception,and the embrace from Stephen Sondheim later.
When the orchestra applaud they, & we, know something special has happened; at one with the music.
Great art is timeless. I am grateful.
One of the finest musical theater performances in the history of history. Breathtaking ...Sondheim's genius brought heartbreakingly to life
So moving...The great Ms Dench acts the song better than anyone. But Ms John's, whom I saw twice in the original production, had such an ineffable radiance on stage that nothing can ever erase the memory of her incandescent performance.
Isn't it marvelous that there's enough room in our hearts for both of them?
She sits there, her Hands do nothing and she's playing a whole, believable role. Awsome!
Beautiful version, perfectly acted and well sung.
Her expressions make a perfect and extra touching interpretation of this wonderful song. Wow.
Definitive. THE rendition of Sondheim"s classic. Brava, Dame Judy, Brava!
Amazing! A real and rare pleasure
Extraordinary talent. I had no idea she could sing...
This performance is absolutely spellbinding! Kudos to the cameraman for that perfectly timed, minute long zoom for the duration of the final verse, landing on that extreme close-up of the ultimate, consummate performer. Must’ve been one of the highlights of his or her career! Bravo!!!
I love the closeup at the beginning too when we can see her becoming the character before our eyes
One of my favorite song, I have been playing almost every other interpretation over and over for years by other famous singers and Dame Judy Dench is totally into it, she is the one suffering, she lives that part totally, there is so much emotion as other people mentioned that the audience is totally spellbound... Bravo Dame Judy Dench.
A very special song performed by a great performer
Epic!
I never knew she could sing she is a wonderful actress one of my absolute favorites
Восторг! Восторг!! Восторг!!!
When I saw this on television I was beyond captivated. Best rendition by far.
love the emotion on how she sung the song...love you!
Stellar performance - moves me to tears every time I watch this.
Perfection.
No more powerful image of despair can be felt than through this song and through her performance.
I'm left broken hearted and she smiles as she leaves the stage!
I heard Judi Dench perform A little night music at the national many years ago. Her singing of this song was memorable and the first time I felt I understood the meaning.
What an unbelievable performance... the 1600 people in the audience are silent as one person ... breathtaking ..
Pure perfection!
Beautifully done.
You know you deserve to be a Dame when you can deliver a tear rendering performance just sitting down. Wow.
Yes, so right. A lesson in what real musical theatre is. Good singing isn't about the wailing and shrieking and lung-busting that passes for "talent" on those TV singing contest shows. Where being able to hold a note for a long time gets applauded on its own. It's about actually expressing an emotion.
Brilliant, moving, a performance so small in scale but so powerful in its impact--I have watched it dozens of times. Which is probably why I eventually noticed--that's the best chair that the Proms could come up with for her?!? It looks like someone forgot and had to run next door to a conference room at the very last minute...but Dame Judi triumphs even over bad office furniture....
She is SO talented. I love her so much! 💕💕💕💕
I seem to love every version of this song. Judy, Judi, Glenn and Carol. Could it just be that Sondheim wrote a masterpiece?
And Glynis Johns