Sondheim's brilliance lies in taking notes that should not be anywhere near each other and turning them into goosebumps. If you had to sing it without heart it would sound horrible, yet sing it with emotion and its beautiful. Thats why he is always and always my favourite musical composer.
I love the way you put it " notes that should not be near each other" I've tried to describe this song before " difficult to sing" " discordant, unexpected minor key" but you've got it right. This happens to be my favorite Sondheim song.
Whoever said this has a mother-daughter vibe - are you imagining Lucy (Sweeney's wife) singing this? 'Cause honestly, that puts a whole spin on it that's very sad...
One of the best songs, by one of the best songwriters, sung by one of the best singers. Stephen Sondheim rest in peace, you have given the world more than we deserve ❤️
I love this version, I was lucky enough to see her perform on Sunday night in Manchester, as part of her UK tour and she sung Joanna, It brought chills, it was that amazing :)
How lucky we are to be alive at the same time as Bernadette Peters! She’s an enormous talent, and yet, she radiates so much kindness and warmth! Absolutely love everything about her 😊💕
Have just had a fantasy come true. Saw the divine Ms Peters live in concert in Australia . She sung this stunning song and it transported me to a celestial place. Thank you dear Bernadette and the incomparable Mr Sondheim .
Reece Roberts, a woman can sing a love song about another woman and have it not be sexual - however, this song definitely is a sexual love song, but part of it is also a song sung by a father about his long lost daughter. Also, she's an actress, playing a part. And anyone can play straight or gay - it isn't who you love, it's that you love at all.
Bernadette Peters seems ageless. I just heard her on NPR being interviewed, and a clip of this song played. I had to hear the entire song. It's one of my favorite songs from Sweeney Todd. Thank goodness for CZcams and for you, Eric Martin.
never have cared for this song...at least when sung by a guy, seemed too creepy. but I cannot stop listening to this. It's so beautiful.I am just in love with this.
When i was little my dream was i would grow up and a boy would feel like this for me now that I'm older and have heard her sing this i have new found hope that someone will
This song is my most frequently played on my iPod. I find her version raw yet refined and completely beautiful. Gives me chills up and down. I too didn't like the song until I heard her version and here I am completely obsessed with it. Understand she added it back into her concert repertoire and hope to see her perform it live soon.
...incredible. i saw her live once... it was amazing. I listen to Sondheim, Etc. religiously and anyone who loves Bernadette should really but it. It's really incredible!
Spoilers? Maybe? Just assume yes This song being sung by a woman almost makes it a possible alternative to the "Beedle deedle dumpling" bit or the whole Beggar Woman's lullaby; as if she can sense that Johanna is there hiding in the trunk and she's singing to her, almost beckoning her to come out so she can embrace her long-lost daughter.
Uuuuuhhhh, I LOOOOVE THIS!! I saw her in concert and I just about broke down when I heard that opening music!! Just gorgeous. Thanks so much for the post!
i never liked this song...until I saw her do it in concert...and it stole my breath away...easily the most hushed silence in the theater that night...sublime
I am a firm believer that Sondheim's melodies are glorious and inspiring. And I gave you a thumbs-up. Because everyone is entitled to their opinion, and your opinion, right or left, is YOUR opinion. Nobody can understand that these days. But you, Wilson Dylan McCartnet, understand what you need to understand. Stay on your right path. -:})ave
WOW! It sounded really dark...so dark that it was absolutely beautiful! Especially the 15 second belt at the end... I don't know about you guys but I think, especially after watching this, that Bernadette would make a perfect Mrs. Lovett
@ScottJayMillerNY He means that sexuality doesn't matter in regards to the song. I'm gay, and it doesn't matter since it has nothing to do with the meaning of the song. Just listen to the lyrics, you'll find it. Absolutely breath-taking song, performed *perfectly* by the greatest Sondheim interpreter, Bernadette.
It wasn't until I heard this version that I liked this song. Before Bernadette, I just found the song creepy. But I get it now, its sweet. Thanks, Bernadette.
Not this one. There are two songs entitled "Johanna" in Sweeney Todd. The first is by Anthony singing about a girl he's just seen and decides he loves her. The second one is by Todd and Anthony. Anthony's still singing about the girl he loves, but Todd is singing about his daughter. This song that Bernadette's singing is the first one, Anthony's song. Therefore she's singing about a girl she's seen and how she loves her... But she still did a beautiful job with it so it doesn't matter.
Love her and love this song. Adding to the list of things I love, I do really like how having this song sung by a mature woman like Ms. Peters seems to shift the meaning from a romantic love song to that of a mother singing to/about her estranged daughter. I guess this may be what a non-crazed female Sweeney would have sung in the second act except for that whole being crazed and being male thing...
I had a great bisexual need after watching a local production where I wanted Antony to be a woman and was happy to find a rendition by my QUEEN
Sondheim's brilliance lies in taking notes that should not be anywhere near each other and turning them into goosebumps. If you had to sing it without heart it would sound horrible, yet sing it with emotion and its beautiful. Thats why he is always and always my favourite musical composer.
I love the way you put it " notes that should not be near each other" I've tried to describe this song before " difficult to sing" " discordant, unexpected minor key" but you've got it right. This happens to be my favorite Sondheim song.
Bernadette, when are you going to play Mrs Lovett?
I see it
Only if Mandy Patinkin is her Sweeney
I'm so used to Patti's alto Lovett that it's hard to imagine Bernadette in it, but I want it so bad
@gnilttbs to each his own, Langsbury was also great but Patti will always be my Lovett. 😊
stfu u dumb prick
. bonham carter is the best mrs lovett there could ever be... and shes super HOT
I hope she gets the girl in the end.
Me too ☺️
😁😁😁😁
Whoever said this has a mother-daughter vibe - are you imagining Lucy (Sweeney's wife) singing this? 'Cause honestly, that puts a whole spin on it that's very sad...
That tore me up.
Sublime
Alms alms
Well 13 years later my life is ruined and I can just rip my heart out of my chest now 😅😢😭
Oh my heart
She has held a warm place in my heart since I was 13...
I'm now 43...
she's still tremendous!
Me too!
And she still looks youthful! Probably she looks younger than you!
I love how she can just stand there and sing and still captivate us with absolutely no flashy movements. She is such a beast!!!
It must be scary to be that Talented and Beautiful!
And nice.
One of the best songs, by one of the best songwriters, sung by one of the best singers. Stephen Sondheim rest in peace, you have given the world more than we deserve ❤️
I'd love to hear Bernadette sing Memory from Cats. I think she could bring a lot of power to it.
YES
That would be epic!!! She's just so much Stephen Sondheim and not enough Andrew Lloyd Webber.
this is completely enchanting
I love this version, I was lucky enough to see her perform on Sunday night in Manchester, as part of her UK tour and she sung Joanna, It brought chills, it was that amazing :)
How lucky we are to be alive at the same time as Bernadette Peters! She’s an enormous talent, and yet, she radiates so much kindness and warmth! Absolutely love everything about her 😊💕
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. Her lovely voice combined with the genius of Sondheim is just perfection.
may his memory be a blessing #sondheim
Have just had a fantasy come true. Saw the divine Ms Peters live in concert in Australia . She sung this stunning song and it transported me to a celestial place. Thank you dear Bernadette and the incomparable Mr Sondheim .
Reece Roberts, a woman can sing a love song about another woman and have it not be sexual - however, this song definitely is a sexual love song, but part of it is also a song sung by a father about his long lost daughter. Also, she's an actress, playing a part. And anyone can play straight or gay - it isn't who you love, it's that you love at all.
You've put what I wanted to say into words for me ❤️👏
Agreed
It´s about loving a song and wanting to sing it and do it justice. Which she does 10000 times over
David65 And anyway, who composed this song & lyrics ?? Does it matter whether he loves men, women? No.
Bernadette, I love your voice and the songs of Sondheim. What a great pairing! Thanks to Eric Martin for posting these beautiful songs......
She's so beautiful, and she just walks onstage and simply performs one of the sweetest, gentlest sounding Johanna versions I've heard. So incredible.
all of her emotion and portrayal of the character is in her voice eyes and face it is amazing
that last note tho
I have now seen her perform this song live (last night) and it was even more incredible than I'd hoped. Bliss. Dream come true. Really.
Bernadette Peters seems ageless. I just heard her on NPR being interviewed, and a clip of this song played. I had to hear the entire song. It's one of my favorite songs from Sweeney Todd. Thank goodness for CZcams and for you, Eric Martin.
This is my new aesthetic
I like Bernadette Peters. She has a beautiful voice.
That last note!
This is one of the best Sondheim songs in my opinion, she performed it beautifully. Well done!!!😊❤
May your memory be a blessing, Stephen Sondheim :(
never have cared for this song...at least when sung by a guy, seemed too creepy. but I cannot stop listening to this. It's so beautiful.I am just in love with this.
Rosalyne Jane it's supposed to be a bit creepy.
To my ear this song is better suited to a male voice. Just an opinion, but my guess is Steve probably sees it that way too.
Simon Silicon Why is it stranger?
Every character in Sweeney Todd is complex - even the sweet ballad by the gallant young suitor has a touch of sinister.
funny the most passionate versions are sung by women. check out meghan mullally's version.
She is amazing
I just want her to be Mrs. Lovett so badly.
Sounds great with the quintessential Broadway female voice that Bernadette is blessed with. Almost a shame a male sings it in the Musical!
Wow, she's amazing.
Weirdly this feels full circle for me considering the fact that she was literally my gay awakening at the age of three
really great I love it
Wow, gorgeous.
her 2nd word I already had chills... amazing!
This song is so beautiful. It gives me the chills.
When i was little my dream was i would grow up and a boy would feel like this for me now that I'm older and have heard her sing this i have new found hope that someone will
This song is my most frequently played on my iPod. I find her version raw yet refined and completely beautiful. Gives me chills up and down. I too didn't like the song until I heard her version and here I am completely obsessed with it. Understand she added it back into her concert repertoire and hope to see her perform it live soon.
That was really really good. Song fits her voice perfectly.
RIP Stephen Sondheim. Thank you for the beauty you brought in the world. ❤️
So my name is Joanna(pronouced the same) and it give me chills to hear Bernadette to sing my name...
I'm such a broadway nerd
...incredible. i saw her live once... it was amazing. I listen to Sondheim, Etc. religiously and anyone who loves Bernadette should really but it. It's really incredible!
So amazing, I just adore it. She has always been one of my favorite performers and to hear her sing this song made me weep. Loved it.
She would make an incredible Mrs Lovett
This woman does not age. And her voice. Ohmygosh.
Supreme Diva! ♥️
It’s effortless.
Bernadette still has it..and she sings like an angel from Heaven.
You LUCKY person!!!! I'm envious.
That last note is just superb.
wow, another mesmerizing performance from Bernadette Peters
I can only pray I could look that good at 50. let alone at 60. She is amazing still. Everything she sings is just lovely to hear.
Ugh I love her so much!!! If she's going to be the one stealing, I WILL BE HER JOHANNA!!! Seriously, amazing.
I love her so much!
She is my total idol!
Bernadette Peters is a goddess!
WOW O.o
She is one of my idols singing a song from one of my favorite musicals- this is perfection.
I love the way she emotes this. Bernadette Peters is just so talented. I also loved her in The Jerk!
Brilliant, absolutely beautiful BEYOND words, just FANTASTIC!
Spoilers? Maybe? Just assume yes
This song being sung by a woman almost makes it a possible alternative to the "Beedle deedle dumpling" bit or the whole Beggar Woman's lullaby; as if she can sense that Johanna is there hiding in the trunk and she's singing to her, almost beckoning her to come out so she can embrace her long-lost daughter.
Aww I love this! If I ever direct Sweeney, this will happen.
This is amazing, I've been a fan of Bernadette Peters ever since watching Into the Woods over and over as a kid.
Now if only she'd do the whole soundtrack and put it on itunes.
Wonderful great
It almost made me cry...Beautiful.
Uuuuuhhhh, I LOOOOVE THIS!! I saw her in concert and I just about broke down when I heard that opening music!! Just gorgeous. Thanks so much for the post!
yay! I love Bernadette! She is so fantastic, and so is sondheim
i never liked this song...until I saw her do it in concert...and it stole my breath away...easily the most hushed silence in the theater that night...sublime
wonderful amazing great
I'm so jealous of her beautiful singing voice! I wish I was this good!
Her voice is amazing! xxx
I am a firm believer that Sondheim's melodies are glorious and inspiring. And I gave you a thumbs-up. Because everyone is entitled to their opinion, and your opinion, right or left, is YOUR opinion. Nobody can understand that these days. But you, Wilson Dylan McCartnet, understand what you need to understand. Stay on your right path. -:})ave
Oh my god.
So absolutely mesmerizing
Oh my world! Oh, I don't even know what to say! Too perfect for words!
This is amazing!
i second that!!!
She is so amazing.
OH MY! In class, we've watched this film of Oddyseus. And she played this goddess. She was great.
She crushes it!!!
She. Is. A. GODDESS.
@xXstaywithmeXx3 Amazing, amazing, amazing. Some talent never goes away, both vocally and physically.
Who wld have known she cld sing like this! Beautiful
WOW! It sounded really dark...so dark that it was absolutely beautiful! Especially the 15 second belt at the end...
I don't know about you guys but I think, especially after watching this, that Bernadette would make a perfect Mrs. Lovett
fantastic performance!
She has the voice of an angel.
Perfection!
I LOVE HER HEAR !!!!!!!!!
Beautiful beautiful voice :)
This concert is on CD
My god, this angel never ages.... I look older than you, yet i am a full generation younger than you
@ScottJayMillerNY He means that sexuality doesn't matter in regards to the song. I'm gay, and it doesn't matter since it has nothing to do with the meaning of the song. Just listen to the lyrics, you'll find it.
Absolutely breath-taking song, performed *perfectly* by the greatest Sondheim interpreter, Bernadette.
It wasn't until I heard this version that I liked this song. Before Bernadette, I just found the song creepy. But I get it now, its sweet. Thanks, Bernadette.
My goodness, this has power
amen!
Not this one. There are two songs entitled "Johanna" in Sweeney Todd. The first is by Anthony singing about a girl he's just seen and decides he loves her. The second one is by Todd and Anthony. Anthony's still singing about the girl he loves, but Todd is singing about his daughter.
This song that Bernadette's singing is the first one, Anthony's song. Therefore she's singing about a girl she's seen and how she loves her... But she still did a beautiful job with it so it doesn't matter.
看電影的時候聽到不想再聽，可是Bernadette Peters卻讓我想一直聽一直聽......
I love this song.
I love Sondheim.
I love Bernadette.
CONCERTCONCERTCONCERT.
Wooo!!! February 11th!!
Sondheim is enough to get me to pass out from musical bliss, but adding Bernadette Peters convinces me I've died and gone to Heaven.
Love her and love this song. Adding to the list of things I love, I do really like how having this song sung by a mature woman like Ms. Peters seems to shift the meaning from a romantic love song to that of a mother singing to/about her estranged daughter. I guess this may be what a non-crazed female Sweeney would have sung in the second act except for that whole being crazed and being male thing...
DAMN! That was good!