TBH i was thinking it’s one of the most beautiful passages of music I’ve EVER heard. Rufus has only gotten better with age. When you get a chance to hear more of his work you’ll come to know his skewed timing is part of his style. He comes in late, but then he’s actually a little ahead of her, then he falls back in sync with her. I’ve listened to this about 50 times and I just can’t believe what Rufus did. His tone, his clarity, the effortlessness, his upper register, lower, to falsetto, back to upper it was just mastery.
Can we compliment the audio mixer? I don’t think I’ve ever heard such a balanced duo mix. It absolutely highlighted Rufus’ choices and how he deferred to Sara and just held notes for her. It’s a masterclass of what experience brings.
I had the privilege of sitting in the audience during this and had full body chills the whole song. I also love how Sara looks at him when he’s singing. ❤
I had never heard this song sung. Never heard of Sarah. Little of Rufus. This sublime duo and this beautiful song once heard cannot be forgotten. I played it many times the first night I heard it a few weeks ago and it still moves me as it did that first time. Exquisite. I am now a resolute fan of both artists and I am having a great time discovering more of their music and collaborations.
I watched the event and didn't really know Rufus well. This interpretation blew me away! I feel his voice viscerally in my heart and can't withhold tears no matter how many times I've listened. And I'm listening almost daily! I've since explored more of his music and have fallen in love with his voice, performance and lyrical gifts. And Sarah! No one like her either. A beautiful pairing.
I'm glad I'm not the only one. I've been crying for 2 weeks since I heard this. I can barely even talk about it without crying. Even the memory of the beauty breaks me into little pieces. People will hate me for saying this but of course he's gay. There's not a straight man on this planet that fucking beautiful and I'm straight as they come. Slain by beauty is such an enjoyable pain.
The perfect comment. I literally can't stop bursting into tears when he sings!! It's crazy. I keep watching it over and over almost obsessed with how it makes me feel. They're both just so very perfect. I think it's the absolute perfection that brings out the emotion
Wow, stunning. I love Rufus Wainright's work - his elongated, lyrical phrasing is always so calming to listen to. The rubato they have between them, when he comes in slightly late on 'reckless' is just so incredibly musical. I think this is one of the best contemporary duets I've ever heard. HIs high harmonies are gorgeous and the way they dove-tail in and out of each other is chef's kiss.
Any mistake that man makes is perhaps even more of a stroke of genius. Even him missing his mark on the lyrics, "Reckless, just enough" - Perfect. Rufus is from legends, and is a legend himself.
So beautiful. Feel like both Rufus and Sara have incredibly warm voices, and they're both sensitive performers, so respectful of melody and lyric over showmanship, vocal tricks, etc. They have similar sensibilities, part of why this works so well.
Join the club!! Obsessed by this duet as are many music professional friends. Those harmonies!!!!! Now it’s the only version of this song I EVER need to hear (over and over and over. Soaking boxes of tissues!! You FEEL everything- every note. Every nuance. The way Rufus drifts effortlessly in and out of his falsetto. It’s just exquisite!! The piano player is so loving it and Sara looks enchanted. ❤)
I just found your channel, and this is the breakdown I was looking for. Somebody that understands and can articulate how brilliant this is not only technically, but artistically. Two gorgeous storytellers in a perfect moment. I have watched it so many times, and cried almost every time.
The timing in this didn’t bother me one bit, because the harmony was so amazing. Him going over the top of her was just stunning. Gorgeous arrangement.
Don’t feel bad… I cry like a baby every time I see this performance 😫 I don’t know if this makes sense, but I almost feel like Rufus sings like a cello. So many of the notes that he sustained with his vibrato sound to me like when you pull the bow across the strings of a cello. And I don’t know off the top of my mind any other voices that sound like that.
I found this duett a few weeks ago and I was blown away! Rufus is new to me as is the musical this song is from. I'm not sure how many times i have listened to this but I just cant help myself. How anyone Can listen to this performance and not be moved is a mystery to me. Absolute magic!
I cant stop crying watching this. Its crazy. The absolute perfection just kills me every time. His voice is heavenly then hers matches it. Almost too much to cope with for me😢
I am obsessed with way Rufus starts the 2-part harmony slightly behind Sarah’s count while singing the word “RECKLESS.” It is artistically BRILLIANT. The way he layers his voice and lets loose with RECKLESS ABANDON…🤯 I don’t know if the choice to do that was conscious or subconscious, but it is genius and perfect. I will never get tired of listening to this duet.
I come back and watch this performance frequently. Just unbelievably well thought out from the audio mixing and engineering, the way their voices blend together. I cannot help but catch my breath. Masterclass on how to duet, period. Unbelievable
How am I supposed to sing through my own tears?! Goodness. This gets me choked up to hear but when I actually sing it, I get EVEN MORE emotional. A glorious performance and I am overjoyed to see others have the same reaction to hearing it. Every person I have played this for has been absolutely gob-smacked. It really is one of those performances for the ages.
The same thing happens to me when singing Tim Minchin's "White Wine In the Sun". The emotion of the song+lyric overtake me and I'm just bawling my eyes out.
I love that they started in a key great for Rufus, then a change to a key to a great Sara, and then the duet portion. They both are amazing artists and the lack of ego on Sara’s part to be open to changing the key to fit him - it’s so amazing.
I have watched that video many, many times and it still punches me in the gut every single freaking time. I LOVED your analysis Zoe. You gave the performance a new depth of understanding and appreciation. I thank you for that.
Zoe I thought we were going to lose you on this one. And why not? This was stunning! Thank you for sharing this performance with us and breaking down the exceptional moments of these singers. Grreat!!!
I agree. This concert was on New Year’s Eve, and I was turning the channel when this song was on. I had no idea who this guy was. I saw the concert was on later on in the evening and taped it just to see who he was. I was mesmerized.
Was watching this concert New Years Eve and this performance of the two of them just blew me away, such perfection! Had to watch the replay of this concert again closer to midnight just for this! Have watched this many, many times!
Masterful, truly masterful. Bravo! It seemed like Rufus was late, but I think he was just following her lead. Rufus knows drama! Awesome and breathtaking. I enjoyed your breakdown. Thanks!
....I just recorded a 10-song, solo, acoustic/vocal album....this morning.....I'm glad I saw their recording about a week ago....I listened to it 20 times......so inspiring.....she is the star because she wrote the song and sings beautifully....but, he is really the star because of what he does in that first verse and chorus.....really artistic divine......I have a new favorite song......and, Zoe, I'm glad it made you cry.....yes, what an honor to hear this.......thanks alot......
Thanks for the video. What a stellar performance. One of the most connected emotional performances I've seen in an age. How have I never heard of Rufus before?!! Sara is a treasure.
your honest first impression was almost as beautiful as the performance was to me. i had a mental breakdown the first time i listened to them. i have never heard (or watched) anything so moving in my whole life. your reaction was healing for me to know there are kindred souls out there. all my love to you! and a million thanks to sara and rufus for this video. i will never be the same again. ❤️
Your heartfelt message truly touched me; knowing that my reaction resonated with you makes this journey all the more meaningful. Thank you for sharing your experience and love! ❤️
Big fan of her. Have heard Rufus a couple times but he is mesmerizing. Not just the singing, but the way he moves, floating through the performance. Magnificent
I was trying so hard to hold back tears listening to this song.. yeah nope couldn’t do it. I don’t know how someone could watch this and not have it touch part of their soul. Oof. There are no words that describe how beautiful and touching their performance is. So, so, so hauntingly beautiful. Thank you for your insights! You have a beautiful, beautiful voice!
The first time I heard Rufus was about ten years ago, he was singing Shakespeare's "Sonnet 29". It literally stopped me in my tracks.because there is something in his voice so unique (one commenter here said it's cello-like, I think that's true!) It's a knock-out beautiful voice.. Please, listen to his "Angus Dei", and "Vibrate" and "Sword of Damocles". Why is he not a more highly recognized and celebrated star?
Thank you Zoe another great analysis. I know nothing about singing techniques etc. I am not a singer but I enjoy your channel you make me smile every time. Loved this absolutely beautiful. This song touched me too ❤
The first time I heard this song, it was in my car and I was pulling up to a drive-through window -- burst into uncontrollable tears just as I rolled down the window to get my coffee. I know the lady thought I was insane -- sorry. No getting through this one without crying!
Thank you Zoe! Great reaction. I absolutely love this version of this song. I particularly like how they did not try to recreate the emotions of this moment in the show but rather, altered it to fit the concert setting with a full orchestra with a much more subtle but no less "heart and soul" and it flowed seamlessly that way from the show to the concert stage. Rufus W. is a force of nature. one of the most amazing things he did in his career was to recreate Judy Garland's Carnegie Hall Concert at Carnegie Hall replicating some of her costumes and using some of her orchestrations. it is truly a tour de force. I think you would enjoy giving it a listen. Thanks again for a GREAT reaction.
This absolutely floored me. I was kinda holding it together till they got to "and be scared", and then I fell apart. An extraordinary performance. P.S. Thanks for being sweary.
It’s one of my favourite songs! Lyrically it’s the most beautiful. I’ve never heard of Mr Wainwright but you better believe I’m about to listen to his catalog now. What a stunning collab.
@@C_J2091 listen to Kate and Anna McGarrigle - his Aunt & Mother. They are one of my all time favorites. Incredible song writers and beautiful voices. Rufus comes from musical royalty. ❤️
Thank you. I just encountered this version of this song and was deeply enchanted. I needed someone of wisdom and experience to validate my experience. You did that wonderfully. I've listened a dozen times, and I'm moved to tears each time.
through my tears...my first visit to your site, after watching the Sara/Rufus video; will be back for sure. see Rufus live if you possibly can; your life will not be the same afterward. if you want to hear more Rufus, I suggest you start with his first album (Rufus Wainwright: a 25th anniversary edition released in 2023). And for a treat and an interesting experience, I also suggest an album called The McGarrigle Hour - led by the musical heads of the family - The McGarrigle Sisters (Kate - Rufus' mom - and Anna), and including his dad - Louden Wainwright III, his sister Martha, and other family members an guests. (check out the album's Wikipedia page for details)
Rufus does something so subtle in this song that, as a speech-language pathologist, I absolutely love. I find the "p" in "pie" kind of jarring in this song. Where the word is placed in the melody, it sounds harsh. But when Rufus sings it, he softens the "p" considerably, it doesn't sound like a plosive anymore. It's such a smart choice.
I really hear how the harmony’s blend. Fascinating how you can’t tell where one ends and the other starts! Yes, I want to learn to sing like that lol. So emotional! I want to put the emotion in and feel confident I’m doing it well. Understand how my voice works and best ways to showcase emotion and technique😍 Excited!
On top of the emotions that this song brings out - it makes me think of my daughter in a sad and touching way. It’s almost more than I can bare- but I tell myself to feel the feelings and not be afraid.
I usually dislike these vocal coach reaction videos…. But I loved this one! 😍 This truly is one of the most stunning duets I’ve heard in so long, and i had the same reaction the first time I listened. 😭 The part I feel like is most underrated is Rufus’s vocals on “fight just a little”… I’m obsessed with the sprechgesang-esque delivery of that part. Makes it so punchy amidst the beautiful, languishing phrases.
I appreciate your video! Evidently, I live under a rock! I didn’t run across the PBS video until last month and I had not ever heard of Mr Wainwright. He is fabulous and their voices together are heavenly!!! SUCH feeling!!! I never heard this song until last night. I’ve asked myself numerous times, how is this possible? This song is one of the greatest songs of all times!! Oh my!!! I appreciate your diagnosis of what makes this version SO SPECIAL! I’m wondering what else I’ve been missing… I think life snuck in through my back door!
I adore this performance ... and adore you! So glad I discovered you through Sara and Rufus! I look forward to falling down a rabbit hole of your videos.
Thanks! I didn't need a mental breakdown today, but he we are! I don't know how many times I've heard this song but it's the same every time. Sobbing! Currently locked in the bathroom away from the kids! 😅😭 Loved Sara and Rufus for a long time. This one kills me.
Love your channel and your passion. Thanks for your posts. I find myself reacting similarly to you, minus the insight, knowledge and talent that you have. Thanks again, Zoe. You are a breath of fresh air.
Yes, please, listen to more Rufus. He's simply awesome. Listen to his covers of "Crown of love", "Je suis venu te dire que je m'en vais" or "La complainte de la butte" (with this particular song, I've read a comment from someone who said that it was the song and rendition that soothes his autistic brother). And as you said, he's an exquisite song writer. But the poignancy and pain in his voice is unbelievable. I cried every time I listen to him singing this song
He is our Canadian treasure ( although he is a dual citizen). His mother, Kate McGarrigle a Canadian singer/songwriter and father Loudon Wainwright , a US folksinger. Check out his 2004 Album "Want Two"- he is a master lyricist and storyteller. He will move you to tears
Would love it if you would react to more Rufus. His voice has changed over 20+ years. It's always been good, but it has gotten richer over the years, and he has talked about how he worked on ir a lot. I don't know if he took lessons or if he just made an effort to increase his range, etc. Also, I find it interesting that he's so effective singing from a woman's perspective, which shows a lot of empathy, IMO. He's written songs like The Art Teacher from a woman's perspective and covered his mother's songs as well. He's a huge opera fan and has said he identifies with the tragic stories of women of opera.
Me too. It feels it's intentional but even if it isn't, it sounds good, I like it very much. However, when he sings on his own, he is going too fast, and that doesn't sound good to me.
Rufus' album, Out Of The Game is an all-time favourite of mine. The record "Song of You" especially. I saw him on tour for that album 15 years ago and it changed my life. He is a treasure.
I've watched the TH-cam video of that little boy Adrian Matthew singing a stunning version of this song on stage about a million times. And I've loved Rufus since '99, so I'm thrilled to find out he covered this song! How beautiful. 😍
You are lovely and inspiring. I have always wanted to sing and now I'm going to try harder. I am an absolute novice but I have always sung on stage because I've been an actor and a dancer and performed internationally and I somehow squeak by with the help of musicians with far more experience and a massive amount of love and generosity. Rufus Wainwright grabs my Gayness and Canadian-ness by the scruff of it's basic-nasal tone. I love him.
My first time here and I've never heard of Rufus (although I had a cat named that). Goosebumps and tears over every detail of this entire performance. What a beautiful addition to my day-thank you!! BTW-you come across as beautiful and classy and then you drop the "f" bomb and cry and I like you even better...
Zoe, even if you don't react onscreen, you 100% need to watch Sara's live performance of "Once Upon Another Time" at The Kennedy Center. I promise you'll be amazed. Also... Sara doing "Someone Who Loves Me" live on the Live From Here TH-cam channel (now renamed "Radio Heartland"). One non-Sara recommendation (also on Live From Here/Radio Heartland) is Rachael Price singing Tom Waits "Take It With Me". If you've never heard Rachael Price (or her band Lake Street Dive) this performance is a wonderful intro to her. Her voice is... well words don't describe it easily. You have to hear her. But I know you love warm, rich-toned emotional singers and that's definitely where she's coming from. Plus "Take It With Me" is one of the most beautiful songs written in the past 30 years.
What kind of vocal training did he have? uh, his mother was Kate McGarrigle! How in the world did Sara keep it together and not just start bawling at his incredible interpretation?
Could you comment more on the harmony choices they make here? I found them, although pleasant, to be almost fighting the timing and through me. What are some rules, if any when singing harmonies. Harmonics 101, but I'm a novice, and finding your channel is really fun.
TBH i was thinking it’s one of the most beautiful passages of music I’ve EVER heard. Rufus has only gotten better with age. When you get a chance to hear more of his work you’ll come to know his skewed timing is part of his style. He comes in late, but then he’s actually a little ahead of her, then he falls back in sync with her. I’ve listened to this about 50 times and I just can’t believe what Rufus did. His tone, his clarity, the effortlessness, his upper register, lower, to falsetto, back to upper it was just mastery.
His phrasing (along with everything else) is...galactically exquisite.
His range just takes my breath away. His timing onto of that. Beautiful.
That part is magnificent!!
@@snidelywhiplashVery well said! I love that - galactically, exquisite!
Can we compliment the audio mixer? I don’t think I’ve ever heard such a balanced duo mix. It absolutely highlighted Rufus’ choices and how he deferred to Sara and just held notes for her. It’s a masterclass of what experience brings.
I had the privilege of sitting in the audience during this and had full body chills the whole song. I also love how Sara looks at him when he’s singing. ❤
OMG WERE YOU!????? This was just the best performance I have ever seen. How incredible to have been there!!!
So jealous!
I flew to DC for one night just for this show. Worth every penny.
OMG
You can tell she absolutely adores him. As she should. And as we should her.
Been a Rufus fan for 20+ years. I always describe him as singing like a calming wave, slowing back and forth. Just a beautiful harmony.
I am 100% obsessed with this recording. Obsessed!!! I have been listening for weeks, still can’t believe what I’m witnessing 💖💖💖
Everybody’s obsessed with this song… it’s hard to believe as of today, 2 February 2025, it only has 45,000 views
Hey Zoe.. you’ve gotta BONE UP on Rufus!!! Come on!!!!
I had never heard this song sung. Never heard of Sarah. Little of Rufus. This sublime duo and this beautiful song once heard cannot be forgotten. I played it many times the first night I heard it a few weeks ago and it still moves me as it did that first time. Exquisite. I am now a resolute fan of both artists and I am having a great time discovering more of their music and collaborations.
One of the most beautiful pieces of art I’ve heard and seen. Completely transcendent.
I watched the event and didn't really know Rufus well. This interpretation blew me away! I feel his voice viscerally in my heart and can't withhold tears no matter how many times I've listened. And I'm listening almost daily! I've since explored more of his music and have fallen in love with his voice, performance and lyrical gifts.
And Sarah! No one like her either. A beautiful pairing.
Have listened to this hundreds of times, still crying 😅
Me too
Rufus stole the show. Ran away with it and gave his soul to the performance. Breathtaking!
I'm glad I'm not the only one. I've been crying for 2 weeks since I heard this. I can barely even talk about it without crying. Even the memory of the beauty breaks me into little pieces. People will hate me for saying this but of course he's gay. There's not a straight man on this planet that fucking beautiful and I'm straight as they come. Slain by beauty is such an enjoyable pain.
The perfect comment. I literally can't stop bursting into tears when he sings!! It's crazy. I keep watching it over and over almost obsessed with how it makes me feel. They're both just so very perfect. I think it's the absolute perfection that brings out the emotion
Wow, stunning. I love Rufus Wainright's work - his elongated, lyrical phrasing is always so calming to listen to. The rubato they have between them, when he comes in slightly late on 'reckless' is just so incredibly musical. I think this is one of the best contemporary duets I've ever heard. HIs high harmonies are gorgeous and the way they dove-tail in and out of each other is chef's kiss.
Any mistake that man makes is perhaps even more of a stroke of genius. Even him missing his mark on the lyrics, "Reckless, just enough" - Perfect.
Rufus is from legends, and is a legend himself.
So beautiful. Feel like both Rufus and Sara have incredibly warm voices, and they're both sensitive performers, so respectful of melody and lyric over showmanship, vocal tricks, etc. They have similar sensibilities, part of why this works so well.
You nailed it in less, but it deserves 10,000 words.
Join the club!! Obsessed by this duet as are many music professional friends. Those harmonies!!!!! Now it’s the only version of this song I EVER need to hear (over and over and over. Soaking boxes of tissues!! You FEEL everything- every note. Every nuance. The way Rufus drifts effortlessly in and out of his falsetto. It’s just exquisite!! The piano player is so loving it and Sara looks enchanted. ❤)
I just found your channel, and this is the breakdown I was looking for. Somebody that understands and can articulate how brilliant this is not only technically, but artistically. Two gorgeous storytellers in a perfect moment. I have watched it so many times, and cried almost every time.
Glad it was helpful!
nice comments. I can't help shedding a tear over the shear beauty of the performance.
Rufus is the son & nephew of Kate & Anna McGarrigle an amazing Canadian duo and the son of Loudan Wainright - all musical royalty.
The timing in this didn’t bother me one bit, because the harmony was so amazing. Him going over the top of her was just stunning. Gorgeous arrangement.
I just need a collab album from these two incredible, breathtaking artists. Period. ❤
Don’t feel bad… I cry like a baby every time I see this performance 😫
I don’t know if this makes sense, but I almost feel like Rufus sings like a cello. So many of the notes that he sustained with his vibrato sound to me like when you pull the bow across the strings of a cello. And I don’t know off the top of my mind any other voices that sound like that.
Rufus is beyond. I have been such a fan for so many years. He is the soundtrack to my life.
I have watched this over and over So. many. Times. What a gorgeous duet.
Their connection is just perfection.
I found this duett a few weeks ago and I was blown away! Rufus is new to me as is the musical this song is from.
I'm not sure how many times i have listened to this but I just cant help myself.
How anyone Can listen to this performance and not be moved is a mystery to me. Absolute magic!
I cant stop crying watching this. Its crazy. The absolute perfection just kills me every time. His voice is heavenly then hers matches it. Almost too much to cope with for me😢
I am obsessed with way Rufus starts the 2-part harmony slightly behind Sarah’s count while singing the word “RECKLESS.” It is artistically BRILLIANT. The way he layers his voice and lets loose with RECKLESS ABANDON…🤯 I don’t know if the choice to do that was conscious or subconscious, but it is genius and perfect. I will never get tired of listening to this duet.
I come back and watch this performance frequently. Just unbelievably well thought out from the audio mixing and engineering, the way their voices blend together. I cannot help but catch my breath. Masterclass on how to duet, period. Unbelievable
How am I supposed to sing through my own tears?! Goodness. This gets me choked up to hear but when I actually sing it, I get EVEN MORE emotional. A glorious performance and I am overjoyed to see others have the same reaction to hearing it. Every person I have played this for has been absolutely gob-smacked. It really is one of those performances for the ages.
The same thing happens to me when singing Tim Minchin's "White Wine In the Sun". The emotion of the song+lyric overtake me and I'm just bawling my eyes out.
I love that they started in a key great for Rufus, then a change to a key to a great Sara, and then the duet portion. They both are amazing artists and the lack of ego on Sara’s part to be open to changing the key to fit him - it’s so amazing.
I have watched that video many, many times and it still punches me in the gut every single freaking time. I LOVED your analysis Zoe. You gave the performance a new depth of understanding and appreciation. I thank you for that.
Oh wow thank you so much Mike! It was just a stunning performance. As you saw I was just shook!
I have goosebumps, I'm crying, I had to take breaks & relisten. Damn, what mastery, artistry, what a Moment
Since I saw this performance, I’ve wanted to sing along, but I can’t get through the song without crying.
Zoe I thought we were going to lose you on this one. And why not? This was stunning! Thank you for sharing this performance with us and breaking down the exceptional moments of these singers. Grreat!!!
Thank you so much!!
I agree. This concert was on New Year’s Eve, and I was turning the channel when this song was on. I had no idea who this guy was. I saw the concert was on later on in the evening and taped it just to see who he was. I was mesmerized.
Was watching this concert New Years Eve and this performance of the two of them just blew me away, such perfection! Had to watch the replay of this concert again closer to midnight just for this! Have watched this many, many times!
Definitely explore more Rufus. Dinner at Eight is so beautiful
Masterful, truly masterful. Bravo! It seemed like Rufus was late, but I think he was just following her lead. Rufus knows drama! Awesome and breathtaking. I enjoyed your breakdown. Thanks!
Thank you very much!
....I just recorded a 10-song, solo, acoustic/vocal album....this morning.....I'm glad I saw their recording about a week ago....I listened to it 20 times......so inspiring.....she is the star because she wrote the song and sings beautifully....but, he is really the star because of what he does in that first verse and chorus.....really artistic divine......I have a new favorite song......and, Zoe, I'm glad it made you cry.....yes, what an honor to hear this.......thanks alot......
I listen to this almost everyday. It’s my favorite broadway song and this version is INCREDIBLE!!!!!
Thanks for the video. What a stellar performance. One of the most connected emotional performances I've seen in an age. How have I never heard of Rufus before?!! Sara is a treasure.
your honest first impression was almost as beautiful as the performance was to me. i had a mental breakdown the first time i listened to them. i have never heard (or watched) anything so moving in my whole life. your reaction was healing for me to know there are kindred souls out there. all my love to you! and a million thanks to sara and rufus for this video. i will never be the same again. ❤️
Your heartfelt message truly touched me; knowing that my reaction resonated with you makes this journey all the more meaningful. Thank you for sharing your experience and love! ❤️
Big fan of her. Have heard Rufus a couple times but he is mesmerizing. Not just the singing, but the way he moves, floating through the performance. Magnificent
I was trying so hard to hold back tears listening to this song.. yeah nope couldn’t do it. I don’t know how someone could watch this and not have it touch part of their soul. Oof. There are no words that describe how beautiful and touching their performance is. So, so, so hauntingly beautiful.
Thank you for your insights! You have a beautiful, beautiful voice!
Been a fan of both forever but together- this was a revelation!
The first time I heard Rufus was about ten years ago, he was singing Shakespeare's "Sonnet 29". It literally stopped me in my tracks.because there is something in his voice so unique (one commenter here said it's cello-like, I think that's true!) It's a knock-out beautiful voice.. Please, listen to his "Angus Dei", and "Vibrate" and "Sword of Damocles". Why is he not a more highly recognized and celebrated star?
Thank you Zoe another great analysis. I know nothing about singing techniques etc. I am not a singer but I enjoy your channel you make me smile every time. Loved this absolutely beautiful. This song touched me too ❤
You are so welcome!
The first time I heard this song, it was in my car and I was pulling up to a drive-through window -- burst into uncontrollable tears just as I rolled down the window to get my coffee. I know the lady thought I was insane -- sorry. No getting through this one without crying!
Such a beautiful song, and I love your take on it. Rufus is gold. Thank you! This one definitely brought me to tears.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you Zoe! Great reaction. I absolutely love this version of this song. I particularly like how they did not try to recreate the emotions of this moment in the show but rather, altered it to fit the concert setting with a full orchestra with a much more subtle but no less "heart and soul" and it flowed seamlessly that way from the show to the concert stage. Rufus W. is a force of nature. one of the most amazing things he did in his career was to recreate Judy Garland's Carnegie Hall Concert at Carnegie Hall replicating some of her costumes and using some of her orchestrations. it is truly a tour de force. I think you would enjoy giving it a listen. Thanks again for a GREAT reaction.
Music is an emotional experience and I appreciate your reaction.
I have listened to this a hundred times. And it’s touching each time. Maybe one of the best collabs ever!
This absolutely floored me. I was kinda holding it together till they got to "and be scared", and then I fell apart. An extraordinary performance.
P.S. Thanks for being sweary.
It’s one of my favourite songs! Lyrically it’s the most beautiful. I’ve never heard of Mr Wainwright but you better believe I’m about to listen to his catalog now. What a stunning collab.
@@C_J2091 listen to Kate and Anna McGarrigle - his Aunt & Mother. They are one of my all time favorites. Incredible song writers and beautiful voices. Rufus comes from musical royalty. ❤️
This showtune became a hymn. Oh, Rufus. ❤
Thank you. I just encountered this version of this song and was deeply enchanted. I needed someone of wisdom and experience to validate my experience. You did that wonderfully. I've listened a dozen times, and I'm moved to tears each time.
They have to record it in a Studio. 😍
through my tears...my first visit to your site, after watching the Sara/Rufus video; will be back for sure. see Rufus live if you possibly can; your life will not be the same afterward. if you want to hear more Rufus, I suggest you start with his first album (Rufus Wainwright: a 25th anniversary edition released in 2023). And for a treat and an interesting experience, I also suggest an album called The McGarrigle Hour - led by the musical heads of the family - The McGarrigle Sisters (Kate - Rufus' mom - and Anna), and including his dad - Louden Wainwright III, his sister Martha, and other family members an guests. (check out the album's Wikipedia page for details)
Rufus sounds like a Cello
This has to be one of Rufus' best performances EVER! ❤
I wish he'd go there more often.
Rufus does something so subtle in this song that, as a speech-language pathologist, I absolutely love. I find the "p" in "pie" kind of jarring in this song. Where the word is placed in the melody, it sounds harsh. But when Rufus sings it, he softens the "p" considerably, it doesn't sound like a plosive anymore. It's such a smart choice.
I really hear how the harmony’s blend. Fascinating how you can’t tell where one ends and the other starts! Yes, I want to learn to sing like that lol. So emotional! I want to put the emotion in and feel confident I’m doing it well. Understand how my voice works and best ways to showcase emotion and technique😍 Excited!
Thank you. This is such a beautiful performance and you described its beauty so well.
Yes, you do need to get caught up and listen to more of Rufus Wainwright.
On top of the emotions that this song brings out - it makes me think of my daughter in a sad and touching way. It’s almost more than I can bare- but I tell myself to feel the feelings and not be afraid.
I usually dislike these vocal coach reaction videos…. But I loved this one! 😍
This truly is one of the most stunning duets I’ve heard in so long, and i had the same reaction the first time I listened. 😭
The part I feel like is most underrated is Rufus’s vocals on “fight just a little”… I’m obsessed with the sprechgesang-esque delivery of that part. Makes it so punchy amidst the beautiful, languishing phrases.
I appreciate your video! Evidently, I live under a rock! I didn’t run across the PBS video until last month and I had not ever heard of Mr Wainwright. He is fabulous and their voices together are heavenly!!! SUCH feeling!!! I never heard this song until last night. I’ve asked myself numerous times, how is this possible? This song is one of the greatest songs of all times!! Oh my!!! I appreciate your diagnosis of what makes this version SO SPECIAL! I’m wondering what else I’ve been missing… I think life snuck in through my back door!
I adore this performance ... and adore you! So glad I discovered you through Sara and Rufus! I look forward to falling down a rabbit hole of your videos.
"I feel like I need to listen to more Rufus Wainwright." Yeah, I think a lot of us are feeling like that after this.
Watch Rufus sing who knows where the time goes…. Stellar. I mean incredible. He’s exceptional!
Thanks! I didn't need a mental breakdown today, but he we are! I don't know how many times I've heard this song but it's the same every time. Sobbing! Currently locked in the bathroom away from the kids! 😅😭
Loved Sara and Rufus for a long time. This one kills me.
Love your channel and your passion. Thanks for your posts. I find myself reacting similarly to you, minus the insight, knowledge and talent that you have. Thanks again, Zoe. You are a breath of fresh air.
Awesome! Thank you!
Yes, please, listen to more Rufus. He's simply awesome. Listen to his covers of "Crown of love", "Je suis venu te dire que je m'en vais" or "La complainte de la butte" (with this particular song, I've read a comment from someone who said that it was the song and rendition that soothes his autistic brother). And as you said, he's an exquisite song writer. But the poignancy and pain in his voice is unbelievable. I cried every time I listen to him singing this song
He is our Canadian treasure ( although he is a dual citizen). His mother, Kate McGarrigle a Canadian singer/songwriter and father Loudon Wainwright , a US folksinger. Check out his 2004 Album "Want Two"- he is a master lyricist and storyteller. He will move you to tears
Nepo baby
Would love it if you would react to more Rufus. His voice has changed over 20+ years. It's always been good, but it has gotten richer over the years, and he has talked about how he worked on ir a lot. I don't know if he took lessons or if he just made an effort to increase his range, etc. Also, I find it interesting that he's so effective singing from a woman's perspective, which shows a lot of empathy, IMO. He's written songs like The Art Teacher from a woman's perspective and covered his mother's songs as well. He's a huge opera fan and has said he identifies with the tragic stories of women of opera.
I relate so much. Really emotional & beautiful power in the song and the artists singing
I actually like their different time for the end. Works for the emotions of the song
Me too. It feels it's intentional but even if it isn't, it sounds good, I like it very much. However, when he sings on his own, he is going too fast, and that doesn't sound good to me.
You should also watch the video of Rufus and Brandi Carlile singing Who Knows Where the Time Goes. It’s stunning. I’ve watched it countless times.
Rufus' album, Out Of The Game is an all-time favourite of mine. The record "Song of You" especially. I saw him on tour for that album 15 years ago and it changed my life. He is a treasure.
I've watched the TH-cam video of that little boy Adrian Matthew singing a stunning version of this song on stage about a million times. And I've loved Rufus since '99, so I'm thrilled to find out he covered this song! How beautiful. 😍
You are lovely and inspiring. I have always wanted to sing and now I'm going to try harder. I am an absolute novice but I have always sung on stage because I've been an actor and a dancer and performed internationally and I somehow squeak by with the help of musicians with far more experience and a massive amount of love and generosity. Rufus Wainwright grabs my Gayness and Canadian-ness by the scruff of it's basic-nasal tone. I love him.
bawling too. thank you for sharing this! i love sara and i love your channel too!
You are so welcome!
My first time here and I've never heard of Rufus (although I had a cat named that). Goosebumps and tears over every detail of this entire performance. What a beautiful addition to my day-thank you!! BTW-you come across as beautiful and classy and then you drop the "f" bomb and cry and I like you even better...
His voice and a enchanting
Absolutely stunning
I cried hearing this
Love Sarah bareilles! ❤
Rufus Wainwright grew up in music. His dad, Leonard Cohen, his sister. One of the best voices.
I love your reactions to this remarkable performance. It validates mine. Just perfection!
So good! It really was amazing!
Zoe, even if you don't react onscreen, you 100% need to watch Sara's live performance of "Once Upon Another Time" at The Kennedy Center. I promise you'll be amazed.
Also... Sara doing "Someone Who Loves Me" live on the Live From Here TH-cam channel (now renamed "Radio Heartland").
One non-Sara recommendation (also on Live From Here/Radio Heartland) is Rachael Price singing Tom Waits "Take It With Me". If you've never heard Rachael Price (or her band Lake Street Dive) this performance is a wonderful intro to her. Her voice is... well words don't describe it easily. You have to hear her. But I know you love warm, rich-toned emotional singers and that's definitely where she's coming from. Plus "Take It With Me" is one of the most beautiful songs written in the past 30 years.
At your video roughly 19:05, it's almost like he hits high, then lowers to a wail of sadness, then climbs again
Yes! Such a lovely little moment
What kind of vocal training did he have? uh, his mother was Kate McGarrigle! How in the world did Sara keep it together and not just start bawling at his incredible interpretation?
Yes, I keep going back to that performance. I want to know who imagined this combo??!!
I've had to desensitize myself to this song. I still tear up, but I can actually get through it now.
RUFUSSSS!!! TT---TT Made me cry too
isn’t it absolutely beautiful? so much aroha
it was just the most stunning song. Absolutely the best performance I have seen in years
@@ZoeStibiVocalCoach I totally agree, but your analyses of it confirmed it for me, thank you (from Wellington 🙂)
This performance was a only month ago, and I've shared it with gfs - all deeply touched in the same way. Curious as to why. Thank you.
I’ve been listening to Rufus ever since this performance but I couldn’t find anything that comes close to this…🥹
I love watching your reactions. Rufus is a bard. My muse. Listen to Want One and “Memphis Skyline” from Want Two.
Could you comment more on the harmony choices they make here? I found them, although pleasant, to be almost fighting the timing and through me. What are some rules, if any when singing harmonies. Harmonics 101, but I'm a novice, and finding your channel is really fun.
you should check out lola youngs performance of messy on the tonight show!! its incredible!!
please, you have to listen to Camilo Sesto, getsemani, simply perfect