What an artist. How terrifying for us to realise that while Internet has preserved many great performances - nonetheless most are lost to us and we can only dream and imagine, or perhaps even remember, until we are gone too ...
The passing of Sondheim only adds to the richness of his work as exemplified in this towering performance. Simple, direct, heart-breaking. Thank God that his art will live Forever.
A performer's Life & Experiences shade, color and inform what they distinctly and uniquely bring to a character they portray. That is quite evident in Mr. McMartin's moving and authentic interpretation of this song. Each expression, each phrase of his helps us to understand Ben Stone and precisely what Sondheim intended to communicate through this character, this song, these lyrics. Certainly a bravura performance and why John McMartin will be solely missed and lovingly remembered, admired and appreciated. Exquisite and beautiful. Thank you Sir.
I 100% agree! The best Sondheim songs cannot merely be sung. They require some of the best acting imaginable. This is the only version I can find where Ben's clearly lying to himself.
Wonderful performance. By itself, the song packs an emotional punch, but with the orchestration it is a tour de force. Although the piece is somewhat character-specific, it resonates with anyone old enough to look back and wonder what could have been. Beautiful writing for the oboe & flute, and those mocking trombones ----
A terrible loss to the Theatre District. John McMartin was an incredible talented actor and a personable person. RIP. It was great watching you on stage and television: The Mary Tyler Moore Show episode "Mary Gets a Lawyer" and The Golden Girls as a priest .
What an artist. How terrifying for us to realise that while Internet has preserved many great performances - nonetheless most are lost to us and we can only dream and imagine, or perhaps even remember, until we are gone too ...
It's a wonderful song, and seems more seeing John McMartin sing it here. All us old guys knows what it means
He gives me goosebumps and makes me cry with this song…
The passing of Sondheim only adds to the richness of his work as exemplified in this towering performance. Simple, direct, heart-breaking. Thank God that his art will live Forever.
A consistently class act!
A performer's Life & Experiences shade, color and inform what they distinctly and uniquely bring to a character they portray. That is quite evident in Mr. McMartin's moving and authentic interpretation of this song. Each expression, each phrase of his helps us to understand Ben Stone and precisely what Sondheim intended to communicate through this character, this song, these lyrics. Certainly a bravura performance and why John McMartin will be solely missed and lovingly remembered, admired and appreciated. Exquisite and beautiful. Thank you Sir.
I 100% agree! The best Sondheim songs cannot merely be sung. They require some of the best acting imaginable.
This is the only version I can find where Ben's clearly lying to himself.
I saw this show with John McMartin about 25 times he was wonderful in it. A favorite performer of mine for many years !
Holy crap. He totally refined that song for me. The show should be set in the 2000's, not in the1970s.
Always enjoyed watching this talented Thespian on TV. Never had the opportunity to see him live like this.
RIP Mr. McMartin.
Wonderful performance. By itself, the song packs an emotional punch, but with the orchestration it is a tour de force. Although the piece is somewhat character-specific, it resonates with anyone old enough to look back and wonder what could have been.
Beautiful writing for the oboe & flute, and those mocking trombones ----
Absolutely agree that the orchestration makes this sublime. Tunics is a genius
A terrible loss to the Theatre District. John McMartin was an incredible talented actor and a personable person. RIP. It was great watching you on stage and television: The Mary Tyler Moore Show episode "Mary Gets a Lawyer" and The Golden Girls as a priest .
masterpiece. just a masterpiece.
Beautiful. Touching.
Rest in Peace, John McMartin
🎹 Incomparable
❤WOW❤