The New York Times reviewed Barbra's concert in New York last night. I agree so much with every word it is like I wrote the review.
Unlike her last two concert tours (1994 and 2000)where every moment was brilliant, this one did have a few missteps. Primarily the biggest two mistakes were Il Divo and the Bush impersanator. I would rather have heard Miss Barbra sing with just a piano the whole evening than to have sat through those painful moments.
Il Divo might be fine on their own, but cannot match the glorious splendor and brand of electricity that Barbra possesses. They were just so out of place, and their voices at the Garden did not blend. When they sang a few songs without Barbra, I just longed for her return (yes, much like Rosie has stated on the View).
And the Bush impersonator skit went on way too long. I don't like when a beautiful piece of art such as a Streisand concert is marred by a long interlude of politics.
All the negative being stated, when Streisand sang--she SANG. Her talent is really massively unfathomable. She may not be able to hold the notes as long, or belt as high as even ten years ago--but when she opens her mouth--Heaven Escapes. Her stage presence not only fills the Garden, but all of New York is overcome by it. She really is astounding, and so happy that I went.
Her voice sounded especially beautiful on the slower numbers--Have I stayed too long at the Fair?, Children will Listen, Unusual Way, What are you Doing for the Rest of your Life?, and Shining Hour were all so incredibly gorgeous. I liked these songs even more than the "belt" numbers. I love that she concentrated so much on her Funny Girl music--that was a true gift.
Anyway, here is the link to the New York Times article which basically states what I did above, but more eloquently:
Barbra New York Times
Updated On: 10/10/06 at 11:35 AM
