Following a performance of Mahler/Resurrection conducted by Bernstein, an older gentleman in front of me dropped his umbrella, and I stooped down to pick it up for him. Recognizing Sondheim immediately, I said "Your parasol; so perfectly cocked!" (a lyrics from Sunday In The Park/Color & Light). He looked up, broke into a huge grin and nodded his head. A thrilling moment.
The hardest hitting celebrity death in my lifetime. I wept for this man. I sobbed like I'd lost a grandparent. This man and his music and lyrics changed my heart, my brain, and my life and there will never be another genius of his caliber in our lifetime. May your memory be a blessing, Steve. Thank you for everything.
I've tried to explain to people how, in spite of his being in his nineties, his death gutted me. Sometimes, nearly three years later, it still does. Here, I feel, I've found my people.
“Do not let it grieve you, no one leaves for good” - Stephen Sondheim, Into The Woods Artists like Sondheim come along only once every two or three hundred years. He can rightly be compared to Bach, Mozart, Rembrandt, Picasso and Shakespeare. Whilst we deeply mourn his passing, his work has left a lasting legacy on the world, and will forever continue to do so for all the generations to come. Farewell Stevie-my friend and teacher.
🎹 I remain heartbroken at the loss of Stephen Sondheim. He was my mentor in the 1970's and I deeply cherish the letters he has written me over the years. 🎹
When Sondheim's voice broke after Colbert telling the story of him reading Sondheim's lyrics to his mother :'( _"When I was 19 I read the lyrics of Putting it Together to my mother, to say that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Even though I had no idea of what 'this' might be. I couldn't sing like Mandy Patinkin. I couldn't compose like Sondheim. I couldn't write or direct like James Lapine. But like Seurat's hat, that play was a window from this world to that. And I will always be grateful to you for that. For laying out the desire, the beauty, of the act of creation itself. Regardless of where that may take you."_ R.I.P. Mr. Sondheim
"Musicals are plays, but the last collaborator is your audience, so you've got to wait 'til the last collaborator comes in before you can complete the collaboration." -Stephen Sondheim
@@Mason_____ , I mean, if you eat 5000 calories per day, no matter how talented you are you will probably be dead by 65 or at least have stroke by that time. Healthy diet is a necessary condition to die with clear mind. That's why I'm curious what he ate.
Give your heroes their flowers while they still have their mortal ears to hear them. I'm at least comforted that Sondheim knew how beloved he was, and is.
Thank you for the story about singing with Sondheim in the front row. And I love Sondheim's response. Anyone else could have made it about them but Sondheim wanted to see Stephen's experience with a full professional orchestra. You were the best of composers and the best of human beings. RIP, Maestro.
*Many people over the course of a lifetime will talk about "Legends". Stephen Sondheim IS the embodiment of what the definition of a "Legend" is. Many gifted theater people came before him and many have yet to come, but NONE will have the "goose bumps" effect that Sondheim gave us in every masterpiece he created. Heroes get remembered, but Legends Never Die.............*
This interview moved me too to tears. To see Sondheim get so emotional while listening to Colbert read the blurb from his book was omg so sweet. Made me fall in love with him all over again.
Thank you for giving a proper standing ovation to someone who truly deserved it. ❤❤❤ Isn't it weird that we crap our pants when someone we admire watches us perform while they just came in to enjoy the moment with us and honor us? ❤
What an absolute legend! Such a devastating loss! Celebrity passings don't usually affect me all that hard but man, this one felt like a punch to the gut and I shed some tears. 😥😔 They better do our man right at the Tony's this year!!!
@@vebesese5632 Don’t you have some MAGAt website or thread to crawl into?! Your comment was totally uncalled for & unacceptable. (Abusing your 1st Amendment Rights again, I can see. 🙄🖐🏼🎤)
It was beautiful that Colbert felt that way about Sondheim and was able to tell him directly. It's sad when people you care about pass away but it's very comfortable knowing you got to tell them exactly what they meant to you. Advice to everyone: make sure you tell people how you feel about them.
What a gift to the world. He remained so quick, funny and articulate - so kind and vital. No matter how much longer he had lived, his passing would have been too soon.
I didn’t really come to appreciate Sondheim until my 20s, and then it felt very much like I’d been missing something my whole life. His musical genius continues to ripple through the works of the composers who have followed him. What he gave us in harmonic dissonance, accompaniments that do NOTHING to help the singer, but add so much to the richness of the piece, subtly cheeky and clever lyrics, and commentary on the complex and darker parts of human nature, as well as our capacity to love... And now there’s a great, tall, terrible (wonderful) giant in the sky... how can you love and miss someone so much you have never met, except that they have touched your soul through art. Thank you Stephens both for this lovely moment.
I was in college---as a painting major---when I saw Sunday in the Park. It wrapped me in the truth about life, love, and the gift of creativity. Art isn't easy, but it endures. Lovely interview with the incomparable Stephen Sondheim. Big points to Stephen Colbert for making an old man cry. Seriously, so grateful for this interview.
Stephen Colbert was so respectful and humble in his comments. That he stood at the beginning I think was a personal and sincere gesture. How lucky he was to have been able to express his gratitude - as was I, though by letter which Sondheim very kindly responded to.
"Sometimes people leave you Halfway through the wood, Others may deceive you - You decide what's good, You decide alone, But no one is alone." Sondheim's music and lyrics have helped shape me into the music lover I am today. I've been lucky to perform his work for many years, and it's some of my favourite music I ever do. Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you have given the performing arts community over many decades of creating wonderful art, Maestro - you will be missed.
ART ISNT EASY. the amazing paradox is how easy the gifted make it seem. We can only know that by enduring the less-gifted trying. I actually appreciate both. It takes a lot of courage to try, knowing only some soar.
never thought I'd hear a song from assassins as intro music but it made me giddy, thank you Jon batiste, and thank you Stephen Sondheim!! RIP to the master
I started out in musical theater. My favorite show ever was Sondheim's COMPANY. I played the role of Kathy in my university's production. From the beginning to end, I loved every second of it. Big thanks to Mr. Sondheim.
Can you imagine any of that scenario of Colberts’ and not dying inside.. 1) singing on Broadway with a legit cast of players 2) singing in a Sondheim production. 3)being able to do or say a single thing after the man himself enters the theatre.. Oh god I would probably die from the pure anxiety..
What an awesome interview ! Couldn’t look away . The respect and admiration of Stephen towards the Maestro was so sincere and palpable. I have rewatched this clip many times and copied the link to cherish it forever 👌👍
If he wasn't the kind of artist you noticed before now, please notice him right now, even as he is no longer with us. Rest in Power Forever, Stephen Sondheim. #LateShow #ExtendedInterview #NoticeHimNOW!!! #ThankYouStephenSondheim. #AnEffectOnUsAll.
In a world where hyperboles are used too often, I would never hesitate to label Sondheim as a genius. An utter genius. His musical and lyrical material can withstand rigorous analysis without losing emotional power, and, with very few exceptions, most contemporary musical theatre pieces completely pale by comparison. He's on par with many of history's best composers. A most profoundly heartbreaking loss. Rest easy, Stephen Sondheim... unfortunately, even giants are mortal.
Sharp as a knife, a show about to open on Broadway, a movie release, and new work in the making. There's something very moving about a creative talent that endures into old age; Verdi and Picasso are his brethren.
I'm a Hollywood kid and have met and interacted with lots of famous people all my life. I never had a problem with going up and having a chat with Leonard Berstein, Richard Nixon, Martha Graham et al. but once a friend was working on a concert version of Sweeney and he brought me to the theatre early and I sat in the empty theatre and waited for the show to start. Then the great man himself, Sondheim, came in and sat down to wait about 25 feet from me. I tried and I tried but I couldn't make myself go up and talk to him. I was just too awed. It is one of the big regrets in my life that I didn't thank him personally for all his great work and how much it has meant to me.
I will always remember where I was the first time I heard his music and I will always remember where I was when I heard about his death. I had no clue what musical theater even was, or how it would change my life until I heard the Into The Woods soundtrack. Then it was Company, then A Little Night Music and so on... I'm very proud to say that I have performed in 5 different productions of his shows. Even though they ranged from cheap and local to fully produced regional and touring productions. Stephen Sondheim changed my life. He changed my life. I have never cried for a celebrity I didn't know. But I cried and had to leave dinner, out with my dad and brother, when I read that he had passed.
As a kid, I couldn't recall one line of Shakespeare. But I'm pretty sure I was the only Marine Boot who knew every word to West Side Story - including Rita Moreno's, "America!" I had to explain things to a fellow recruit from San Juan :). Will really miss the elder Stephen and hope I'm still doing shower karaoke to "Cool" and "Something's Coming" if I reach those 90's. We'll dim the lights for a minute.
Stephen Sondheim. Will we ever see another like him? "Iconic" falls short of describing his legacy to the world theatre. May his memory be a blessing, and his art--like the rest of the masters--live on forever.
I will be working at the premiere of Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" in a couple of days from now and even though Steven himself is one of the main reasons I moved to Los Angeles to be in the movie business, I'm absolutely heartbroken that I won't have the opportunity to meet Mr. Sondheim if only for a brief couple of seconds to shake his hand and say how much his art has inspired me over the years. I haven't seen the film yet, but after hearing Sondheim himself give the seal of approval, I'm a bit more optimistic about seeing it than I was before, and yes I absolutely loved the original film adaptation!
If it isn't the sun, it's the songbird. If it isn't the air, it's the view. I am completely undone By the endless abundance of life Aren't you? - Stephen Sondheim, lyric found on his piano after he passed 2021 I could have sworn I posted this here, but now it's missing. Last lyric (or one of) found on his piano after he passed, from the Bunuel musical he was working on (although I'm finding articles from April that say he stopped working on it):
Following a performance of Mahler/Resurrection conducted by Bernstein, an older gentleman in front of me dropped his umbrella, and I stooped down to pick it up for him. Recognizing Sondheim immediately, I said "Your parasol; so perfectly cocked!" (a lyrics from Sunday In The Park/Color & Light). He looked up, broke into a huge grin and nodded his head. A thrilling moment.
That's a lovely story. And kudos for you for having the presence of mind to think of those lines :-)
Well played:)
The hardest hitting celebrity death in my lifetime. I wept for this man. I sobbed like I'd lost a grandparent. This man and his music and lyrics changed my heart, my brain, and my life and there will never be another genius of his caliber in our lifetime.
May your memory be a blessing, Steve. Thank you for everything.
This was truly a beautiful tribute, Erika.
@eirikastokes9652n He was NOT a celebrity. He was a brilliant artist, composer, lyricist, genius, BUT NOT a celebrity.
I've tried to explain to people how, in spite of his being in his nineties, his death gutted me. Sometimes, nearly three years later, it still does. Here, I feel, I've found my people.
“Do not let it grieve you, no one leaves for good” - Stephen Sondheim, Into The Woods
Artists like Sondheim come along only once every two or three hundred years. He can rightly be compared to Bach, Mozart, Rembrandt, Picasso and Shakespeare. Whilst we deeply mourn his passing, his work has left a lasting legacy on the world, and will forever continue to do so for all the generations to come.
Farewell Stevie-my friend and teacher.
🎹 I remain heartbroken at the loss of Stephen Sondheim. He was my mentor in the 1970's and I deeply cherish the letters he has written me over the years. 🎹
There must be some real chestnuts in those letters 🥰
You are to be envied, Sir.
When Sondheim's voice broke after Colbert telling the story of him reading Sondheim's lyrics to his mother :'(
_"When I was 19 I read the lyrics of Putting it Together to my mother, to say that this is what I wanted to do with my life. Even though I had no idea of what 'this' might be. I couldn't sing like Mandy Patinkin. I couldn't compose like Sondheim. I couldn't write or direct like James Lapine. But like Seurat's hat, that play was a window from this world to that. And I will always be grateful to you for that. For laying out the desire, the beauty, of the act of creation itself. Regardless of where that may take you."_
R.I.P. Mr. Sondheim
In parenthesis could be Seurat's hat...no?
@@dougimmel
Ah, yes! I didn't understand it.
Thanks! I'll add it.
No parentheses needed around Seurat’s hat. But you could change “into” to “ from” as in, window from this world to that.
Most civilized discourse I have ever read on the internet, appropriate Sondheim inspired it.
Even Colbert was emotional. He was trying his best to hold it in.
"Musicals are plays, but the last collaborator is your audience, so you've got to wait 'til the last collaborator comes in before you can complete the collaboration." -Stephen Sondheim
“Work is what you do for others, liebchen. Art is what you do for yourself.”
― Stephen Sondheim, Sunday in the Park with George
Nice rip old dude I know none of your work but the cut of you gib is appreciated. Stay safe folks.
I use this quote often.
Mr. Sondheim had a sharp mind, was still learning & trying new things; a wonderful example for us all. I hope I'm that lucky.
I am 62 years old today, and I'm still not half as sharp as this great man was at 91. R.I.P. to a man who defines the word legend.
Hbd!
Yeah. I wonder what his diet was. This man was definitely sharp.
Happy Birthday!!
@@solderbuff music. His mind was always sharp because he was always creating. His mind was special. RIP
@@Mason_____ , I mean, if you eat 5000 calories per day, no matter how talented you are you will probably be dead by 65 or at least have stroke by that time. Healthy diet is a necessary condition to die with clear mind. That's why I'm curious what he ate.
Give your heroes their flowers while they still have their mortal ears to hear them. I'm at least comforted that Sondheim knew how beloved he was, and is.
Thank you for the story about singing with Sondheim in the front row. And I love Sondheim's response. Anyone else could have made it about them but Sondheim wanted to see Stephen's experience with a full professional orchestra. You were the best of composers and the best of human beings. RIP, Maestro.
*Many people over the course of a lifetime will talk about "Legends". Stephen Sondheim IS the embodiment of what the definition of a "Legend" is. Many gifted theater people came before him and many have yet to come, but NONE will have the "goose bumps" effect that Sondheim gave us in every masterpiece he created. Heroes get remembered, but Legends Never Die.............*
Incredibly put! Thank you for putting these feelings into words.
This interview moved me too to tears. To see Sondheim get so emotional while listening to Colbert read the blurb from his book was omg so sweet. Made me fall in love with him all over again.
Thank you for giving a proper standing ovation to someone who truly deserved it. ❤❤❤
Isn't it weird that we crap our pants when someone we admire watches us perform while they just came in to enjoy the moment with us and honor us? ❤
What an absolute legend! Such a devastating loss! Celebrity passings don't usually affect me all that hard but man, this one felt like a punch to the gut and I shed some tears. 😥😔 They better do our man right at the Tony's this year!!!
You have the same name as my dog.
He was 90. "Devastating"? I bet you're American. And one who's done nothing to make poor people live so long. We know your sort.
@@vebesese5632
Don’t you have some MAGAt website or thread to crawl into?! Your comment was totally uncalled for & unacceptable. (Abusing your 1st Amendment Rights again, I can see. 🙄🖐🏼🎤)
He was NOT a celebrity. He was a brilliant artist, composer, lyricist, genius, BUT NOT a celebrity.
May his memory be a blessing
He died doing what he loved. May we all be so lucky.
What a genuinely authentic, humble and charming human being.... 😥
It was beautiful that Colbert felt that way about Sondheim and was able to tell him directly. It's sad when people you care about pass away but it's very comfortable knowing you got to tell them exactly what they meant to you. Advice to everyone: make sure you tell people how you feel about them.
What a gift to the world. He remained so quick, funny and articulate - so kind and vital. No matter how much longer he had lived, his passing would have been too soon.
I rarely cry at an interview. I’m crying now. What a touching moment
RIP Stephen Sondheim (March 22, 1930 - November 26, 2021), aged 91
You will always be remembered as a legend.
I didn’t really come to appreciate Sondheim until my 20s, and then it felt very much like I’d been missing something my whole life. His musical genius continues to ripple through the works of the composers who have followed him. What he gave us in harmonic dissonance, accompaniments that do NOTHING to help the singer, but add so much to the richness of the piece, subtly cheeky and clever lyrics, and commentary on the complex and darker parts of human nature, as well as our capacity to love...
And now there’s a great, tall, terrible (wonderful) giant in the sky...
how can you love and miss someone so much you have never met, except that they have touched your soul through art. Thank you Stephens both for this lovely moment.
What an honor to have had Sondheim on your show this year, and what an honor to have given his last standing ovation.
A meeting between two class acts, two respected gentlemen.
R. I. P. Legend Stephen Sondheim, R. I. P.
I really hope Sondheim’s “Square One” is finished enough that it can still presented in 2022,
I was in college---as a painting major---when I saw Sunday in the Park. It wrapped me in the truth about life, love, and the gift of creativity. Art isn't easy, but it endures. Lovely interview with the incomparable Stephen Sondheim. Big points to Stephen Colbert for making an old man cry. Seriously, so grateful for this interview.
Stephen Colbert was so respectful and humble in his comments. That he stood at the beginning I think was a personal and sincere gesture. How lucky he was to have been able to express his gratitude - as was I, though by letter which Sondheim very kindly responded to.
Was deeply touched by his passing. To be missed for sure but what he left behind, omg.
"Sometimes people leave you
Halfway through the wood,
Others may deceive you -
You decide what's good,
You decide alone,
But no one is alone."
Sondheim's music and lyrics have helped shape me into the music lover I am today. I've been lucky to perform his work for many years, and it's some of my favourite music I ever do.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you have given the performing arts community over many decades of creating wonderful art, Maestro - you will be missed.
ART ISNT EASY. the amazing paradox is how easy the gifted make it seem. We can only know that by enduring the less-gifted trying. I actually appreciate both. It takes a lot of courage to try, knowing only some soar.
What a lovely man.
Such a lovely and well spkoen man. He certainly left behind quite a legacy.
never thought I'd hear a song from assassins as intro music but it made me giddy, thank you Jon batiste, and thank you Stephen Sondheim!! RIP to the master
I think this is the most comfortable and happy I've ever seen him in an interview. Crazy to believe this was only 3 months ago.
A national treasure.
The man is gone. We are left in the forever embrace of his words and music.
What a legend! Thanks for re-playing this interview, Stephen.
Thank you for introducing viewers to an incredible, talented human being. 🕊
Thank you for this wonderful interview with this great artist!
I agree
God I already miss him so much.
Played my disk of "Into The Woods" as a tribute when I heard he was gone. Always in tears at the end, and of course this time was no exception.
Same here. I immediately had to listen to that show. It's a masterpiece
I have that DVD too!!! In fact I did a musical of Into the Woods and yeah when I heard of his passing I cried
I started out in musical theater. My favorite show ever was Sondheim's COMPANY. I played the role of Kathy in my university's production. From the beginning to end, I loved every second of it. Big thanks to Mr. Sondheim.
Thank you for sharing this extended interview. I immediately thought of this interview when they announced his passing last week.
RIP to a true music legend. He was still sharp as a tack here. Thanks for posting
Can you imagine any of that scenario of Colberts’ and not dying inside..
1) singing on Broadway with a legit cast of players
2) singing in a Sondheim production.
3)being able to do or say a single thing after the man himself enters the theatre..
Oh god I would probably die from the pure anxiety..
Pianist is on point, playing that poignant and most memorable passage from 'Assassins when Colbert introduces Sondheim.
Thankyou Stephen ... and many many many thanks to YOU ... Stephen S. R.I.P. Seeds planted during this conversation. You can count on it.
What an awesome interview !
Couldn’t look away .
The respect and admiration of Stephen towards the Maestro was so sincere and palpable.
I have rewatched this clip many times and copied the link to cherish it forever 👌👍
If he wasn't the kind of artist you noticed before now, please notice him right now, even as he is no longer with us.
Rest in Power Forever, Stephen Sondheim.
#LateShow
#ExtendedInterview
#NoticeHimNOW!!!
#ThankYouStephenSondheim.
#AnEffectOnUsAll.
Cherish elders
not the assholes, but people like Sondheim definitely.
4:50 - 5:33 That explains everything. No more words needed. Thank you Mr. Sondheim. RIP
So very very nice man!!! Thank you for sharing this...
What a gentleman, What an artist, What a sweetheart.thank-you for all your music and lyrics rest in peace sir.
I’m sorry grateful, regretful happy. Thank you Mr. Sondheim.
In a world where hyperboles are used too often, I would never hesitate to label Sondheim as a genius. An utter genius. His musical and lyrical material can withstand rigorous analysis without losing emotional power, and, with very few exceptions, most contemporary musical theatre pieces completely pale by comparison. He's on par with many of history's best composers. A most profoundly heartbreaking loss. Rest easy, Stephen Sondheim... unfortunately, even giants are mortal.
Amazing talent
This man saved my life. His music and lyrics gave me a purpose to go on and a reason to enjoy the voyage. Thank you for everything.
Could be a musical song in Heaven RIP Mr. Sondheim and Dad Bob.
Absolutely brilliant.😘
That was great thank you
Thank you Stephen, rest in paradise GOAT. 🎭🎶
Colbert's "Sorry, Grateful" is just lovely.
Sharp as a knife, a show about to open on Broadway, a movie release, and new work in the making. There's something very moving about a creative talent that endures into old age; Verdi and Picasso are his brethren.
I'm a Hollywood kid and have met and interacted with lots of famous people all my life. I never had a problem with going up and having a chat with Leonard Berstein, Richard Nixon, Martha Graham et al. but once a friend was working on a concert version of Sweeney and he brought me to the theatre early and I sat in the empty theatre and waited for the show to start. Then the great man himself, Sondheim, came in and sat down to wait about 25 feet from me. I tried and I tried but I couldn't make myself go up and talk to him. I was just too awed. It is one of the big regrets in my life that I didn't thank him personally for all his great work and how much it has meant to me.
I will always remember where I was the first time I heard his music and I will always remember where I was when I heard about his death. I had no clue what musical theater even was, or how it would change my life until I heard the Into The Woods soundtrack. Then it was Company, then A Little Night Music and so on... I'm very proud to say that I have performed in 5 different productions of his shows. Even though they ranged from cheap and local to fully produced regional and touring productions. Stephen Sondheim changed my life. He changed my life. I have never cried for a celebrity I didn't know. But I cried and had to leave dinner, out with my dad and brother, when I read that he had passed.
Wonderful.
Absolutely beautiful.
Awesome
Thank you again
simply beautiful. thank you for this.
As a kid, I couldn't recall one line of Shakespeare. But I'm pretty sure I was the only Marine Boot who knew every word to West Side Story - including Rita Moreno's, "America!" I had to explain things to a fellow recruit from San Juan :). Will really miss the elder Stephen and hope I'm still doing shower karaoke to "Cool" and "Something's Coming" if I reach those 90's. We'll dim the lights for a minute.
Love this man.
I don't care one bit about musicals, but it's such a shame that we lost him, specially because his mind was still in amazing shape.
The Great One 💖
Now that was a man that I would stand up for, a musical genius.
If you want to make magic, if you want to make eternal life...Make music.
I watched you in Company yesterday on TH-cam. You were awesome. My life dream...
Wow. Just wow.
Thank you for this, Stephen.
Both of you.
❤
Stephen Sondheim. Will we ever see another like him? "Iconic" falls short of describing his legacy to the world theatre. May his memory be a blessing, and his art--like the rest of the masters--live on forever.
Thank you for putting this up!
RIP legend 🙏
Really nice, thanks for posting.
For a 90something year-old, he was still incredibly sharp.
We are all alive at this man’s genius
Sondheim is immortal! You can bet your life on that!
What a beautiful interview!😍
Brilliant legend....
It amazes me to see how alert and present Sondheim is, even at this ripe an age. So sad to see him go.
RIP
I will be working at the premiere of Steven Spielberg's "West Side Story" in a couple of days from now and even though Steven himself is one of the main reasons I moved to Los Angeles to be in the movie business, I'm absolutely heartbroken that I won't have the opportunity to meet Mr. Sondheim if only for a brief couple of seconds to shake his hand and say how much his art has inspired me over the years. I haven't seen the film yet, but after hearing Sondheim himself give the seal of approval, I'm a bit more optimistic about seeing it than I was before, and yes I absolutely loved the original film adaptation!
Off-topic but thank you, you've made me realize that in this interview we've had Stephen Colbert, Stephen Sondheim and Steven Spielberg.
Thank you!
I was expecting this!
Here come the tears again
If it isn't the sun, it's the songbird.
If it isn't the air, it's the view.
I am completely undone
By the endless abundance of life
Aren't you?
- Stephen Sondheim, lyric found on his piano after he passed 2021
I could have sworn I posted this here, but now it's missing. Last lyric (or one of) found on his piano after he passed, from the Bunuel musical he was working on (although I'm finding articles from April that say he stopped working on it):
Thanks for posting this.
He will never get to see Square One on Broadway I’m actually sobbing
Hw is so humble
Stephen Sondheim & Betty White give me hope for my future, hope I look half as good as either of them.