For those who know the history of Martha and Thomas Jefferson, the phrase that starts, "Say I died, loving bride, loving wife, loving life...." is particularly pertinent. Martha, Jefferson's only wife, weakened from childbirth, died very young. It was a month before her 35th birthday.
Martha Jefferson died in 1782, six years after 1776. 5 of her 7 children (including her first child from her first husband, Bathurst Skelton (1744-1768)) died within infancy/toddler’s years.
I am with you, I am a bit obsessed with 1776. About 1 year ago I ran into William Daniels and just about lost my natural mind. He was so kind when I practically slobbered at him I was so happy to meet him. LUV this show.
first off, saw Concert for America in Seattle. terrific night. a note about 1776. it's the show that introduced me to live theatre. i went with a high school group in Portland. we had the cheapo tickets in the 3rd balcony. before it started, we stretched our necks and peered over the railing and saw some seats open in the front row on the floor. we snuck downstairs, sat in those seats and it began. Patrick Bedford, a Brit, played Adams in the national tour. He came out, said his bit, and BOOM! "Sit Down John" We were shocked into submission and didn't make a sound for the rest of the show. We were amazed that the people onstage kept in character. We thought, like us, they might look out at the audience and wave or crack up or lose concentration. But no! They WERE the Continental Congress. At the end (and it still makes me tear up to think of it) they struck that pose as the document was signed and the bell rang. The orchestra hit a crescendo--and the white scrim curtain fell to capture the pose as a painting...and THEN the Declaration of Independence was superimposed on top of that. We jumped to our feet, applauded and cried at the same time. STILL one of the top 5 theatre/entertainment experiences of my life.
When Blythe Danner played Martha in the film -- with a tiny little voice (perfect for the character but not so much for the song), the camera cranes up to an overhead shot at the final "High" when she modulates half step up solo. In other words, it took an overhead shot to achieve cinematically for "1776" what Betty Buckley did with just her voice on stage.
Are you related to the disgraced movie Weinstein? You know, the one who sexually assaulted women and said it was consensual? Your statement is an assault on the intelligence of people who follow this channel and it’s not consensual. Blythe Danner was/is no singer but her voice was fine and the director using camera movement to mask her voice is extremely trivial. If you can’t contribute something of value, display your ignorance and trivial pursuit elsewhere. What Rudensky did fail to include was that Howard di Silva, the original “Ben Franklin” had a heart attack between opening night and the cast recording was made. His understudy, Rex Everhart record the role but di Silva did the movie. Both his performance and not a tiny voice were more than adequate. BRAVA!
1776 with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards who was a pianist, songwriter and history teacher who wrote only this one work for the musical theater. A monumental achievement.
This guy, Seth, amazes me. I’ve have male leads in musicals and never thought of the things he hears in these songs. I bet he has no trouble falling asleep at night!
Nice job as always, Seth. The only amusing detail you missed is the hilarious juxtaposition, at the end, of the coloratura voice of Betty with the croaks of Rex Everhart & William Daniels! Perfectly in synch with their characters...
This song surely is thrilling. But, a couple years ago I heard Betty Lynn sing "Mama Look Sharp" from the same show. Perfectly suited her mature voice. Haunting
I got cast as Abigail Adams with a local company, and I love this show. I won't be singing this song, obvi, but it's so good!!! This show is so underrated by the theatre community. I'm so excited to open with our amazing cast and show people how beautiful this show is.
Hi, Anna. Back in college a LONG time ago, I was in the production of "1776". Actually, it was the original Abigail Adams, Virginia Vestoff, whom I absolutely loved the texture & clarity of her voice. The tales I have been told is the producers did have another actress already in the role of Martha but decided against her because the two female voices had too much similarity in style. Definitely, Betty's belting is an enormous contrast to Virginia's head tone singing. Sadly, Virginia Vestoff passed away when she was only 40 years old. The director of our show had worked on the original Broadway production as well as the movie. According to him, the producers were wanting Tammy Grimes as Abigail but she turned it down or whatever. I am so glad they chose Virginia to be in the movie. I hope your show went well and I bet you were a great Abigail! :)
one of my favorite shows! saw it live -the road show when i was in high school-so i am 67-that tells you how old it is-love Betty Buckley-also love the movie-watch it every 4th of July-have the blu-ray-amazing!
Thank you so much for bringing me on a journey through the performance of this song. "He Plays The Violin" is by far my favorite musical song ever! I cannot listen to it without being brought to tears. You have helped me to see tiny little facets that I hadn't considered and I have fallen in love with this song all over again! As unlikely as it would ever be, I hope to someday get to speak with you about 1776 and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers!
Seth, I remember being knocked out of my seat when I saw this show in 1969 and La B belted that D. Astonishing. One of my favorite musicals, saw it so many times in its original run, even went to Philly to see the 1st National. In later years, many friends made who played in the pit or where in that show. A character actor's dream. Thank you for doing this.
I understand the dull perception of this show, not seen. I had the misfortune/fortune of having a friend in the play! Was blown away!! LOVE every song in it!! We have great theater talent in the Detroit area! Thanks for breaking this performance down!! Glad in at my time; this will not be lost due to the internet. Geeks like me only have to be exposed to appreciate!
OMG, I just discovered your series and this is one of my favorite songs of all time! Our whole family loves this show, my brothers have been onstage in it, we owned a VHS of the movie (which sadly did not have Betty in it, which is one of the crimes of the 20th century, IMO -- who is Blythe Danner, anyway?) and we sang along with it and the OBCR many, many times. I knew it was brilliant, but thanks to your deconstruct, I now know WHY. Thanks!
I love this song so much! I was able to like this song better herring what you have to say! 1776 is like a history lesson in a show and I actually learned a lot! I want Seth to be my friend! He is amazing! His piano playing is simply wonderful! Amazing!
Oh my word!!! I think this is the best thing I've EVER watched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE He Plays the Violin! I'm currently obsessed with it!!! Betty Buckley & Blythe Danner - this song (and the show) is ah-MAYzing! Altho, yes, Danner is NOT as vocally accomplished as Buckley! The clip from the film is very interesting, though, especially the moment where Martha starts dancing with Adams...that got me thinking as the tone of the scene changes so dramatically.
1776 is a Masterpiece, and Seth is amahzing every time. Thank you for this incredible deconstruction. I am now obsessed with trying to find out who the pit violinist was.
Seth, I'm loving your deconstructions of Betty Buckley singing. I learn a lot and also laugh a lot. You seem like a very smart and very sweet and loveable fellow. Just wanted to write to you and sign it: Jew from Texas (really)!
The original production was the first Broadway show I ever saw. My grandmother took me and we sat in the dark in the balcony of the 46th St. Theatre. I suppose it was a long-ish production, but I was rapt. Until the page boy ran up to the day calendar on the set, and ripped off the date revealing “July 2,” met by my grandmother’s voice, competing with the best of any Broadway actors’: JESUS CHRIST, two more days of this??
My Texan heart swells with pride listening to Miss Betty Lynn Buckley from Big Spring. Why on earth did they cast Blythe Danner in the movie instead of her???? Blythe can't hold a candle to Betty!! I'm currently in a production of 1776 playing The Reverend Witherspoon - I don't' have to sing a note in character, but do sing in the wings for "Sit Down, John", so it was so timely to find this on TH-cam.
I appreciate the choice of French Horns :) I understand feeling it steels the Violin Thunder, but the instruments are -all- secondary to the Character, Martha here, :) The Violin is really Tom, anyway, so Horns and Bells can represent Her. :)
I feel like the horns are coming in to sort of back up the male voices. Also, to me it sort of signifies being brought back to reality? If only for a moment, because both Adams and Franklin are sucked into the fantasy, but their presence sort of jars her out of it.
Love this video on so many levels, even though I think the orchestration is great. You have to add the brass to a crescendo: the orchestrator kept adding instruments all along, so it wouldn't have sounded as organically complete to save the timbre at the expense of a dynamic high point. I love Broadway musicals, but most of my playing is in the R&B idiom. Since I do occasionally get calls to play shows, I try to find any hints I can as to what what musical choices are made and why. Watching this has made me a better musician. Thanks!
WHERE have you been all these years I've been on TH-cam, looking for someone to discuss and, yes, deconstruct, the old Broadway musicals--most of which I actually remember from back in the day? Am I old? YEP.
Hmmm. I have never seen any of your videos. I think I will go ahead and subscribe. (I am the only special forces soldier that I know that loves musicals!)
As great as the violins are here, i can't hate an opportunity for my people to play some sick notes. Also, this musical is the quintessential better-than-it-sounds Broadway play.
Just a thought, Seth, perhaps the change by the arranger to French Horns is because, for the first time, Adams and Franklin begin to sing in the piece. May have some merit.
Seth, you say that Betty Buckley brought the high-note to broadway, but you go on about Barbara Cook's higher, earlier, and more prolific high-notes in Candide. Love the vids. PS Anything about 1961 How To Succeed would be great.
Cook in Candide definitely went higher with her gorgeous, bell-like coloratura soprano--but here Seth was talking about Buckley introducing the *belted* high-note to Broadway. :)
Thnax Seth! I saw the film in 2nd grade and couldn't STOP singing Blythe's part for shit (almost as bad as West Side Story). Her outfit was banging as well!
That’s why the new recording ver is a bit disappointing at least to me. All the beautiful vi. solo is either sounds like punching into the face, or smudged into other instruments...
Doesn't like the French Horns. Let me tell you something you already know... Orchestrations aint all strings and rainbows! Music composition is a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permantly if you let it! ;)
For those who know the history of Martha and Thomas Jefferson, the phrase that starts, "Say I died, loving bride, loving wife, loving life...." is particularly pertinent. Martha, Jefferson's only wife, weakened from childbirth, died very young. It was a month before her 35th birthday.
Martha Jefferson died in 1782, six years after 1776. 5 of her 7 children (including her first child from her first husband, Bathurst Skelton (1744-1768)) died within infancy/toddler’s years.
@@bcdside My God. I'd have died at 34 if I'd lost five children. How could you possibly go on? My God.
@@elizabeth5985, people do not understand - or unwilling to understand - what the world was like before childhood vaccinations.
I am with you, I am a bit obsessed with 1776. About 1 year ago I ran into William Daniels and just about lost my natural mind. He was so kind when I practically slobbered at him I was so happy to meet him. LUV this show.
I. AM. SO. JEALOUS. I would KILL for the chance to meet William Daniels!
This is literally me when I show friends this song. I geek out about all the musicality and orchestrations lol
This is me showing my friends any song (mostly from a musicals but not always) honestly. 🙈 They're so annoyed by me, I swear.
first off, saw Concert for America in Seattle. terrific night. a note about 1776. it's the show that introduced me to live theatre. i went with a high school group in Portland. we had the cheapo tickets in the 3rd balcony. before it started, we stretched our necks and peered over the railing and saw some seats open in the front row on the floor. we snuck downstairs, sat in those seats and it began. Patrick Bedford, a Brit, played Adams in the national tour. He came out, said his bit, and BOOM! "Sit Down John" We were shocked into submission and didn't make a sound for the rest of the show. We were amazed that the people onstage kept in character. We thought, like us, they might look out at the audience and wave or crack up or lose concentration. But no! They WERE the Continental Congress. At the end (and it still makes me tear up to think of it) they struck that pose as the document was signed and the bell rang. The orchestra hit a crescendo--and the white scrim curtain fell to capture the pose as a painting...and THEN the Declaration of Independence was superimposed on top of that. We jumped to our feet, applauded and cried at the same time. STILL one of the top 5 theatre/entertainment experiences of my life.
wow! Thanks for sharing that!
When Blythe Danner played Martha in the film -- with a tiny little voice (perfect for the character but not so much for the song), the camera cranes up to an overhead shot at the final "High" when she modulates half step up solo. In other words, it took an overhead shot to achieve cinematically for "1776" what Betty Buckley did with just her voice on stage.
Such an amazing trivia tidbit.
Are you related to the disgraced movie Weinstein? You know, the one who sexually assaulted women and said it was consensual? Your statement is an assault on the intelligence of people who follow this channel and it’s not consensual. Blythe Danner was/is no singer but her voice was fine and the director using camera movement to mask her voice is extremely trivial. If you can’t contribute something of value, display your ignorance and trivial pursuit elsewhere.
What Rudensky did fail to include was that Howard di Silva, the original “Ben Franklin” had a heart attack between opening night and the cast recording was made. His understudy, Rex Everhart record the role but di Silva did the movie. Both his performance and not a tiny voice were more than adequate. BRAVA!
@@johnpickford4222 You're a mess.
@@johnpickford4222 what in the world is wrong with you?
1776 with music and lyrics by Sherman Edwards who was a pianist, songwriter and history teacher who wrote only this one work for the musical theater. A monumental achievement.
Good to see someone else finds the musical awesome
This guy, Seth, amazes me. I’ve have male leads in musicals and never thought of the things he hears in these songs.
I bet he has no trouble falling asleep at night!
Nice job as always, Seth. The only amusing detail you missed is the hilarious juxtaposition, at the end, of the coloratura voice of Betty with the croaks of Rex Everhart & William Daniels! Perfectly in synch with their characters...
Yes -- and that's what the (blasphemous!) French horns lead into -- the male voices! That's what they're a harbinger of!
Really good and funny too, "French Horns," it did sound wrong there. Beautiful voice, Betty Buckley, wish there was a taped version of this.
I wonder if the french horns represent the male voices joining her in her admiration of Thomas Jefferson?
This song surely is thrilling. But, a couple years ago I heard Betty Lynn sing "Mama Look Sharp" from the same show. Perfectly suited her mature voice. Haunting
I got cast as Abigail Adams with a local company, and I love this show. I won't be singing this song, obvi, but it's so good!!! This show is so underrated by the theatre community. I'm so excited to open with our amazing cast and show people how beautiful this show is.
Hi, Anna. Back in college a LONG time ago, I was in the production of "1776". Actually, it was the original Abigail Adams, Virginia Vestoff, whom I absolutely loved the texture & clarity of her voice. The tales I have been told is the producers did have another actress already in the role of Martha but decided against her because the two female voices had too much similarity in style. Definitely, Betty's belting is an enormous contrast to Virginia's head tone singing. Sadly, Virginia Vestoff passed away when she was only 40 years old. The director of our show had worked on the original Broadway production as well as the movie. According to him, the producers were wanting Tammy Grimes as Abigail but she turned it down or whatever. I am so glad they chose Virginia to be in the movie. I hope your show went well and I bet you were a great Abigail! :)
Heartfelt Joy! Voice of Broadway! Thsnk you! Betty and Seth! ♥️Xxxooo
I really do love 1776. Some of the most enjoyable/sad/disturbing/lovely music and moments in musicaldom. #musicaldomisnotaword
1776 is my favorite musical! I got Brent Spiner to sign my CD last week, and I cannot wait for the new production.
one of my favorite shows! saw it live -the road show when i was in high school-so i am 67-that tells you how old it is-love Betty Buckley-also love the movie-watch it every 4th of July-have the blu-ray-amazing!
Thank you so much for bringing me on a journey through the performance of this song. "He Plays The Violin" is by far my favorite musical song ever! I cannot listen to it without being brought to tears. You have helped me to see tiny little facets that I hadn't considered and I have fallen in love with this song all over again! As unlikely as it would ever be, I hope to someday get to speak with you about 1776 and Seven Brides For Seven Brothers!
Seth, I remember being knocked out of my seat when I saw this show in 1969 and La B belted that D. Astonishing. One of my favorite musicals, saw it so many times in its original run, even went to Philly to see the 1st National. In later years, many friends made who played in the pit or where in that show. A character actor's dream. Thank you for doing this.
I understand the dull perception of this show, not seen. I had the misfortune/fortune of having a friend in the play! Was blown away!! LOVE every song in it!! We have great theater talent in the Detroit area! Thanks for breaking this performance down!! Glad in at my time; this will not be lost due to the internet. Geeks like me only have to be exposed to appreciate!
OMG, I just discovered your series and this is one of my favorite songs of all time! Our whole family loves this show, my brothers have been onstage in it, we owned a VHS of the movie (which sadly did not have Betty in it, which is one of the crimes of the 20th century, IMO -- who is Blythe Danner, anyway?) and we sang along with it and the OBCR many, many times. I knew it was brilliant, but thanks to your deconstruct, I now know WHY. Thanks!
Thanks for doing this. I LOVE this musical.
I love this song so much! I was able to like this song better herring what you have to say! 1776 is like a history lesson in a show and I actually learned a lot! I want Seth to be my friend! He is amazing! His piano playing is simply wonderful! Amazing!
This is great. Love Seth. Work borne of such a pure love of Broadway music. That's true love, to dork out THAT much. You go, man. xoox
your expressions when you mime the song are absolutely priceless!!! i keep watching this just to watch YOU (the song is great too)
This is one of my all time favorite Musical Movies
Oh my word!!! I think this is the best thing I've EVER watched!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE He Plays the Violin! I'm currently obsessed with it!!! Betty Buckley & Blythe Danner - this song (and the show) is ah-MAYzing! Altho, yes, Danner is NOT as vocally accomplished as Buckley! The clip from the film is very interesting, though, especially the moment where Martha starts dancing with Adams...that got me thinking as the tone of the scene changes so dramatically.
great fun! love this song. And a big thank you for mentioning Barry Manilow.
1776 is a Masterpiece,
and Seth is amahzing
every time.
Thank you for this
incredible deconstruction.
I am now obsessed with trying to find out who the
pit violinist was.
I just got into the pit orchestra for this show in a summer theater program. I'm a violinst. I am truly terrified.
How did it go? You wrote this two years ago. Tell us an update! :)
Brilliant breakdown of a great song!
Seth, I'm loving your deconstructions of Betty Buckley singing. I learn a lot and also laugh a lot. You seem like a very smart and very sweet and loveable fellow. Just wanted to write to you and sign it: Jew from Texas (really)!
You had me at "Brady Bunch Variety Hour"
The original production was the first Broadway show I ever saw. My grandmother took me and we sat in the dark in the balcony of the 46th St. Theatre. I suppose it was a long-ish production, but I was rapt. Until the page boy ran up to the day calendar on the set, and ripped off the date revealing “July 2,” met by my grandmother’s voice, competing with the best of any Broadway actors’:
JESUS CHRIST, two more days of this??
Thank you for this video. One of my favorite songs from my favorite musical of all time.
This popped up on the Masterworks Broadway site this am. I very much enjoyed the walk down memory lane. Kim Terry Kramer
I LOVE this show!
My Texan heart swells with pride listening to Miss Betty Lynn Buckley from Big Spring. Why on earth did they cast Blythe Danner in the movie instead of her???? Blythe can't hold a candle to Betty!!
I'm currently in a production of 1776 playing The Reverend Witherspoon - I don't' have to sing a note in character, but do sing in the wings for "Sit Down, John", so it was so timely to find this on TH-cam.
Because Blythe was more well known at the time.
Thank you for posting this. I adore this show and the performances.
Outstanding analysis and commentary - thank you soooo much for sharing! marc
This was the first b'way show I ever saw, my 8th birthday!
Love this show!
I appreciate the choice of French Horns :)
I understand feeling it steels the Violin Thunder, but the instruments are -all- secondary to the Character, Martha here, :)
The Violin is really Tom, anyway, so Horns and Bells can represent Her. :)
I feel like the horns are coming in to sort of back up the male voices. Also, to me it sort of signifies being brought back to reality? If only for a moment, because both Adams and Franklin are sucked into the fantasy, but their presence sort of jars her out of it.
I am so obsessed with this play
Love this video on so many levels, even though I think the orchestration is great. You have to add the brass to a crescendo: the orchestrator kept adding instruments all along, so it wouldn't have sounded as organically complete to save the timbre at the expense of a dynamic high point. I love Broadway musicals, but most of my playing is in the R&B idiom. Since I do occasionally get calls to play shows, I try to find any hints I can as to what what musical choices are made and why. Watching this has made me a better musician. Thanks!
WHERE have you been all these years I've been on TH-cam, looking for someone to discuss and, yes, deconstruct, the old Broadway musicals--most of which I actually remember from back in the day? Am I old? YEP.
I have always loved this show - thanks for this.
I can not tell you how much I love you; golly you are great!
absolutely amazing work by you
I appreciate the walk through. But, I actually did enjoy the French Horns. see you on Sirius Radio!
this is my new favorite channel
Hmmm. I have never seen any of your videos. I think I will go ahead and subscribe. (I am the only special forces soldier that I know that loves musicals!)
The violinist(s) is(are) amazing.
The violin solo starts out so sweet and innocent
Thank you for defending 1776.
i love this so much! I wish you would do more from 1776!
tina duong
Would love to see Seth do The Lees of Ole Virginia and its reprise!
Love her and this song and this musical
I LOVE THIS!!! LOL! And I LOVE Betty! She is EPIC in this song!
Nice breakdown.
loved this! My husband and I used to make fun of this song and now we love it. You are so fun!!!
As great as the violins are here, i can't hate an opportunity for my people to play some sick notes. Also, this musical is the quintessential better-than-it-sounds Broadway play.
Happy birthday Betty Buckley! And Happy 4th of July!
WOW!
Love her "twill be" but it should be said that it's not a pure e vowel, she's singing "ih" as in Ithaca. Around 8:00.
I wonder why she wasn't cast to be in the 1972 film adaptation. I've seen this film more times than I can count.
love you!
Best drinking game ever! Every time Seth says "Obsessed!" Drink!!!
Seth Rudetsky is actually my favorite.
"I STILL GOT IT!!!!" LOL
Seth, how could you not mention orchestrator Eddie Sauter!!!
I don't know if it's in his wheelhouse, but keep an ear out for the almost jazzy syncopation that the cymbal does during the very last section.
Just a thought, Seth, perhaps the change by the arranger to French Horns is because, for the first time, Adams and Franklin begin to sing in the piece. May have some merit.
oh those french horns
I love 1776!
“It’s, totally Brenda Vacarro” 🥰
Any idea why Betty didn’t recreate the role for the movie?
I love 1776
hey i love the violin i play it also
not high notes but like soft
can i hear with out the voice????
Seth, you say that Betty Buckley brought the high-note to broadway, but you go on about Barbara Cook's higher, earlier, and more prolific high-notes in Candide. Love the vids. PS Anything about 1961 How To Succeed would be great.
Cook in Candide definitely went higher with her gorgeous, bell-like coloratura soprano--but here Seth was talking about Buckley introducing the *belted* high-note to Broadway. :)
seth. I am you. I'm the only person I know who loves 1776. Just please teach me everything you know.
Thnax Seth! I saw the film in 2nd grade and couldn't STOP singing Blythe's part for shit (almost as bad as West Side Story). Her outfit was banging as well!
That’s why the new recording ver is a bit disappointing at least to me. All the beautiful vi. solo is either sounds like punching into the face, or smudged into other instruments...
You don't know enough people.
o.o
Doesn't like the French Horns. Let me tell you something you already know... Orchestrations aint all strings and rainbows! Music composition is a very mean and nasty place, and I don't care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permantly if you let it! ;)
BETTY BUCKLY!!!!!!!!!!!
JEEZ... Can this dude talk any faster? Have no idea half what he s saying.