Favorite Sondheim song interpretations and performances — Page 2

I think the cover of Pretty Lady from Pacific Overtures where John Owen-Jones, Michael Ball and Bryn Terfel teamed up is God's gift to mankind. Its on John's album unmasked. All three are my favorite singers in their respective genres. Unlike some classically-influenced, Terfel is sensitive about how to sing musical theater. I think he covers it gorgeously.

I am surprised that J.O.J is not cast in Sondheim more often these days, though I he did get a break as Pirelli in Sweeney Todd. He naturally has such an ear for the most subtle of harmonies, which is perfect for the structure of Sondheim's music, I also feel he excels when he is acting characters in realistic settings, and he just has the voice of an angel, especially in lyric roles. And the musical intelligence to give every phrase he sings significance. I would like to hear him cover Johanna or Finishing the Hat, the latter would be nice especially as Mandy Patinkin is his idol. Speaking of which I think Hugh Panaro has a riveting interpretation of Finishing the Hat. It looks like he was an excellent George.

Other favorites of mine, Sarah Rice's voice for Johanna in the 1979 cast album, its like a street of velvet. Len Cariou is in my opinion the greatest Sweeney Todd of all. Michael Ball as Giorgio in Passion on the 1997 London cast album= melting caramel. Bernadette Peters is an immortal Dot for me. For Clara in Passion it is a toss-up between Rebecca Luker and Audra McDonald, both sound like heaven. John Bowe gave an electrifying rendition of the Judge's song if you have seen video of him, as did Michael Ball if you see him in the full show as Sweeney. I feel the same way about Walter Charles as the judge, I get chills just thinking about it.

Updated On: 3/9/15 at 01:11 AM

It's been mentioned, but Audra's "The Glamorous Life," particularly this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH-iArq5aew

The pain and sadness of this song never fully hit me until seeing this, and now it's one of my favorites.

---

Updated On: 3/9/15 at 07:50 AM

I'll second both Audra's Glamorous Life and Maureen Moore's Every Day a Little Death. Both of those songs are brilliant in their own right, but the performances somehow take them to an even higher level.

---

I've just re-discovered Charmain Carr's beautiful, gentle and heartfelt interpretation of "I Remember (Sky)" from "Evening Primrose." Her delivery, her expressions and the very song itself...everything about it is just beautiful.

wonkit said: "Raul Esparza singing "What Can You Lose" from DICK TRACEY, with Mary-Mitchell Campbell on the piano - at his American Songbook recital a few years back. Takes my breath away."



do you happen to have a link to this? I'd love to hear it.