Bernadette Peters- Page 2

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 12:35am

I treated myself to her concert here in Denver last year. I love her voice. It is showing signs of age but that was ok. (And I will admit that I wasn't crazy about her years ago) I sat in the upper ring of the concert hall with nobody near me and was swept away. I actually wept when she sang "Children Will Listen". And was a bit emotional when she sang the lullaby to the little girl in the front row who was clutching her children's book. She was so sweet with this girl. I would kill to attend the upcoming concert on Broadway.

[iWannaBEaSedaris]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 12:45am

This might be addressing a broader issue, but I think that some members of Broadway audiences are starting to expect the same old same old glorious CCM voice that can riff, belt, and sound thoroughly perfect, but has ZER0 individuality.

Maybe I am wrong, but were they around today, I doubt Ethel, Carol (well she just won't die), even Bea would be able to get a job were they in their 20's or 30's.

I would love to see more composers and casting directors championing voices with individuality and inherent character, like the cast of the recent Off-Broadway artistic coup ADDING MACHINE.

Bernadette has her own voice, it isn't 'pretty', it isn't always 'soothing' or god forbid 'healthy' (when did audiences turn into vocal coaches), but to me, it tells a story alot better than most of the vocally perfect casts of say "Hair" or "Shrek".

(I also know this is a broad generalization, but its late, I'm pissy, and need a latte)

[philly03]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 12:56am

It is muscle23ftl. Perhaps Brightman would get more respect if more people listened to her version - which is probably why I don't fully enjoy Bernadette's voice half the time.

iWannaBEaSedaris: I'm one of those people who love the voices usually over the acting or atleast together on par. While it isn't necessarily great fun for me anyway to listen to a recording of Bernadette's, seeing her live is really something different and the voice doesn't bother me.

THen again, msot composers aren't going strictly after a voice any more either - otherwise people like Linda Eder would be on Broadway all the time!

I think most are trying to find the balance - someone like Jill Paice. Great actress, great singer. Best actress ever? No; Best singer ever? No. but still excellent.

[uncageg]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 1:06am

I didn't see "Adding Machine" but own the recording. It is pretty brilliant.

[muscle23ftl]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 3:52pm

She's just so comfortable with the high notes at the end, it's really wonderful, listen to that youtube clip ya'all!

[aliceidinabernadette]

Posted: 9/3/09 at 4:09pm

I disagree, I think that her unique voice is what sets her apart and what inevitably made her a star. She is one of my biggest inspirations, but I can understand that her voice is an aquired taste.

[HorseTears]

Posted: 9/5/09 at 1:08am

I'm not trying to suggest we should all be monolithic in our opinions, but is this really up for discussion? Is there really a bigger living Broadway star than Bernadette? I think Ms. Peters has proved herself to be one of the greatest forces in this art form. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. To me, debating whether or not Bernadette is a great musical theatre vocalist and actress is like debating whether or not Usain Bolt can run fast.

And comparisons to Sarah Brightman? Really? Really? I mean, sure, there's no way that Peters could beat Brightman in a dazed chipmunk imitation contest. I kid, I kid. I actually recall seeing Brightman in a concert tour of her ex hubby's music when I was a kid. She actually had a lot of stage presence and was a charming hostess for the evening. This was before her ridiculous PBS Pledge Video/Classical-Lite bull**** career. BUT, I'd argue that Peters dwarfs her in terms of presence, acting chops and, yes, even in vocals. I find Peter's voice far more soulful, emotive, intelligent and unique. Whether or not Brightman has a wider range I'm not debating.

Anyway, here, I think is a classic example of *beautiful*, tender vocals from Peters matched with wonderful dramatic technique.



Stay With Me Updated On: 9/5/09 at 01:08 AM

[HorseTears]

Posted: 9/5/09 at 1:08am

sorry. duplicate post.



Updated On: 9/5/09 at 01:08 AM

[musikman]

Posted: 9/5/09 at 12:46pm

^ What he said.