I was there singing in the chorus as a young singer in the Tanglewood summer program. I remember how emotional the experience was--especially during the a cappella choral section. I am so happy there is a record of this most magnificent musical moment in time.
Hadley is in absolute top form and in Upshaw, he has a great partner. The orchestra and chorus is conducted brilliantly by Ozawa. All of this makes for the best rendition ever of this piece. BRAVI!
I want to say something in praise of Jerry Hadley, but I don't know exactly how to go about it. You see, all the words I know and have used so many times to describe a beautiful singing performance seem inadequate. And just adding more and more of them together in my attempt would only serve to cheapen what I feel. Instead, I'll try to express myself by saying how simple and pure the words and music seemed to flow from his mouth. Nothing he did drew attention away from the profound, pristine beauty I beheld. Like it was coming from a place so deep inside that any attempt to make it more meaningful would destroy its overwhelmingly delicate power. I'll end by confessing, I would consider all the troubles of my life to have been justified if I could say, "One time, I was able to do such a thing." I think I was in good company. Look at Bernstein's reaction at 2:27, as if to staunch a geyser of tears.
This is my favorite finale especially when the orchestra drops out and it is sung accapela. Bernstein allows himself to have his feelings and it means so much. I am moved every time I hear it. I agree that this and "Somewhere" are some of the most moving pieces he wrote. The overture to Candide is the best!
One of the most gorgeous compositions by Bernstein or anyone. Fun Historical Fact: Standing directly behind lead vocalist Jerry Hadley (over his right shoulder, our left) is West Side Story's original Tony, Larry Kert.
One of the most moving things about this piece is the expressions on the faces of the singers - this is their gift to Lenny, someone they love and honor deeply.
I had the privilege of singing this concert as a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. (I can even see myself in this video!) Such a thrilling event. The normally tranquil Tanglewood grounds had star trailers lined up out back, because there's no way the backstage area of the shed could accommodate this enormous cast of celebrities. The stage was jammed, hence Seiji's enormous gestures. But it was filled with love for Lenny.
I see some comments about spotting celebrated performers in the ensemble, and how big Seiji's conducting is. I was in the chorus for this event. This was the finale, and just about everyone who had performed all evening joined us onstage. So that's why you see well-known people who were generally soloists and conductors singing in the ensemble. As @barbaraclemens7728 commented, it was an enormous cast. And it was a huge stage. The conducting had to be big to be seen at all. In addition to Upshaw and Hadley, John Williams, John Mauceri, Mstislav Rostropovich, Victor Borge, YoYo Ma, Quincy Jones, Frederica von Stade, Barbara Hendricks, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Kitty Carlisle, Michael Tilson-Thomas, Seiji Ozawa, Larry Kert, Patti Austin, Bobby McFerrin, Midori, and Bernstein's kids and son in law performed. Beverly Sills hosted. Lauren Bacall sang a parody of Weill's Jenny, written by Stephen Sondheim. Christa Ludwig was adorable, singing I Am Easily Assimilated, dancing and playing the castanets. And I'm probably forgetting a few people. Most of it can be found on CZcams, in bits and pieces. When I teach my piano students about 7/8 meter, I show them the opening number, the first movement of the Chichester Psalms, and help them feel the beat. I also let them make fun of my 1980s hair when they spot me. 😁 Oh, and if they or any of their siblings play the drums, I point out the man whose name is probably on their drumsticks, Vic Firth.
What a wonderful tribute to the glorious voice of Jerry Hadley and the brilliance of Bernstein. These final moments in Candide strike an emotional chord. Thank you You Tube for making it possible for us to relive this moment.
Yea, I think that's a good interpretation of what the Maestro was feeling. Bernstein was supremely gifted and thanl God he shared that gift with us for decades.
I'm about to sing this piece with the Georgia All State Chorus in a few hours... it's the last piece of our selection and also my favorite out of them all. It'll be one of the most passionate performances I've ever done throughout my high school Chorus career... I can't wait to sing this and nail the final note
What an amazing thing to give the world this music, and then sit and listen to a company like this perform it. It's no wonder he was so overcome with emotion at the end.
By far , this is the only version on CZcams that comes close to meeting my impossible standards for this song. The chord at 3:26...orgasmic. Well done.
Thank you so much for posting this. I remember this program vividly and it still gets me every time-- particularly this gorgeous song that ends the show. Not a dry eye in the house, I would think.
Thank you so much for posting this. I remember watching this as a kid when I barely understood who Leonard Bernstein was but instinctively realized how important he was. Even then, the sight of him overcome with emotion at this wonderful and wonderfully appropriate piece of music played in his owner was profoundly moving.
You are so right... My former voice teacher was friends with him (they dated in college), and tells wonderful stories of her last trip to Paris and how Jerry , who happened to be there with Paris Opera, was so gracious to she and her husband.. Such a loss..
I saw this performance on PBS when it first ran...the part I like was chopped off at the beginning of this piece...where Ozawa says.."..an' tahnk you Rennald Belnsteen fall makin Tanger Wood galden glow"
You guys commenting about Hadley have no idea what you are talking about. This was in 88 towards the height if his career. It wasnt until around 94 that the voice changed when he stopped using the technique that brought him success. He had NO issue getting roles!! None. And even after this he started singing a lot with Sutherland and her husband. He had the roles but was influenced to sing differently... Wow. Go listen to the recording from80 to 93 ...
i'm agreed with dbrel... i like dawn upshaw's performace more than the others of thispiece on youtube. but her voice is my favorite in a lot of categories!
@kateholli My old voice teacher was friends with Jerry ( had dated him in college), and had just seen him in Paris a few months before. He was apparently depressed as the "aging" tenor that wasn't getting the roles he wanted any longer, and also financial issues. It was a very sad day for the music world to lose such a beautiful voice...
Fabulous piece. Mr. Bernstein knew how to write a finale. But it looked to me like he was working really hard to keep from running up on the stage and stealing the baton from Ozawa.
@tommieboy1657 Unfortunately, it's not that uncommon for an ageing opera singer's voice to "change" -- age does that. Many stop singing as this is happening, so as to only leave their youthful voice in the ear of listeners. Beverly Sills was a perfect example. She stopped singing when she felt her voice could no longer handle the roles. Jerry Hadley, unfortunately, could not make the switch mentally into older characters with slightly lower, heavier voices.. As for the money, just poor decisions
That’s Robert Osbourne. I believe he sang the ‘To What You Said’ from Songfest with Yo Yo Ma on cello & the Tanglewood Festival Chorus/TMC Vocal Fellows.
@@williamevans9426 He also sang Bernardo in the West Side Story selections, including the Quintet. I was in the chorus in the back row, audience left. Dark blond hair with glasses & always out of focus. :-)
If he would have stayed the course and bit swayed by other people's opinions he wouldn't have had vocal troubles. He was told/influenced to stop singing "big" he even says so. Look up the 94 Maria Stuarda recording and read the about section.
What the hell was up with that showboating conductor? Upstaging the singers or what?! Besides him, gorgeous performance of my favorite Bernstein piece.
I was there singing in the chorus as a young singer in the Tanglewood summer program. I remember how emotional the experience was--especially during the a cappella choral section. I am so happy there is a record of this most magnificent musical moment in time.
That is enviable - how lucky you were.
How amazing an occasion and how lucky you were. Spine tingling. Thank you very muc
Bravo to you, Tess.
Hadley is in absolute top form and in Upshaw, he has a great partner. The orchestra and chorus is conducted brilliantly by Ozawa. All of this makes for the best rendition ever of this piece. BRAVI!
Jerry Hadley, my god what a voice, what a tragedy... Rest in peace
Imagine sitting there thinking "I wrote that". Yeah, I think I'd be a bit emotional too.
An American masterpiece. Dawn Upshaw and Jerry Hadley sing beautifully. Bernstein's emotional reaction is completely stirring.
When I'm gloomy, I turn to this performance. It gives me the courage to live another day.
I want to say something in praise of Jerry Hadley, but I don't know exactly how to go about it. You see, all the words I know and have used so many times to describe a beautiful singing performance seem inadequate. And just adding more and more of them together in my attempt would only serve to cheapen what I feel.
Instead, I'll try to express myself by saying how simple and pure the words and music seemed to flow from his mouth. Nothing he did drew attention away from the profound, pristine beauty I beheld. Like it was coming from a place so deep inside that any attempt to make it more meaningful would destroy its overwhelmingly delicate power. I'll end by confessing, I would consider all the troubles of my life to have been justified if I could say, "One time, I was able to do such a thing."
I think I was in good company. Look at Bernstein's reaction at 2:27, as if to staunch a geyser of tears.
This is my favorite finale especially when the orchestra drops out and it is sung accapela. Bernstein allows himself to have his feelings and it means so much. I am moved every time I hear it. I agree that this and "Somewhere" are some of the most moving pieces he wrote. The overture to Candide is the best!
I agree. So many of the tunes from West Side Story are gems, Tonight,
America, Maria. I Feel Pretty from Candide too is invigorating.
One of the most gorgeous compositions by Bernstein or anyone. Fun Historical Fact: Standing directly behind lead vocalist Jerry Hadley (over his right shoulder, our left) is West Side Story's original Tony, Larry Kert.
A star-filled occasion indeed - Larry Kert, John Williams, Roddy McDowall, Frederica von Stade, MTT, et al!
One of the most moving things about this piece is the expressions on the faces of the singers - this is their gift to Lenny, someone they love and honor deeply.
Jerry Hadley's death was an absolute tragedy. I realize that everytime I hear this piece.
One can wonder why and ho he shot himself in the head with an airgun.
@@metteholm4833how terrible
I had the privilege of singing this concert as a member of the Tanglewood Festival Chorus. (I can even see myself in this video!) Such a thrilling event. The normally tranquil Tanglewood grounds had star trailers lined up out back, because there's no way the backstage area of the shed could accommodate this enormous cast of celebrities. The stage was jammed, hence Seiji's enormous gestures. But it was filled with love for Lenny.
Right there with you Barbara! Back row right (audience left). Was it about 1 AM? Janice
No one else gets the climax like Ozawa.
Watching this, I forgot how much I miss him.
My band director showed this to us yesterday, and many of us were left in tears.
Bernstein how beautiful you are to write so close to the skin. So honest and true, simple and bare. Thank you for dreaming us home.
I think this must be the fourth time, at least, that I've seen Flicka singing this song, in the chorus, with Jerry Hadley. Go Flicka.
I see some comments about spotting celebrated performers in the ensemble, and how big Seiji's conducting is.
I was in the chorus for this event. This was the finale, and just about everyone who had performed all evening joined us onstage. So that's why you see well-known people who were generally soloists and conductors singing in the ensemble.
As @barbaraclemens7728 commented, it was an enormous cast. And it was a huge stage. The conducting had to be big to be seen at all.
In addition to Upshaw and Hadley, John Williams, John Mauceri, Mstislav Rostropovich, Victor Borge, YoYo Ma, Quincy Jones, Frederica von Stade, Barbara Hendricks, Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Kitty Carlisle, Michael Tilson-Thomas, Seiji Ozawa, Larry Kert, Patti Austin, Bobby McFerrin, Midori, and Bernstein's kids and son in law performed. Beverly Sills hosted.
Lauren Bacall sang a parody of Weill's Jenny, written by Stephen Sondheim. Christa Ludwig was adorable, singing I Am Easily Assimilated, dancing and playing the castanets.
And I'm probably forgetting a few people.
Most of it can be found on CZcams, in bits and pieces. When I teach my piano students about 7/8 meter, I show them the opening number, the first movement of the Chichester Psalms, and help them feel the beat. I also let them make fun of my 1980s hair when they spot me. 😁
Oh, and if they or any of their siblings play the drums, I point out the man whose name is probably on their drumsticks, Vic Firth.
What a wonderful tribute to the glorious voice of Jerry Hadley and the brilliance of Bernstein. These final moments in Candide strike an emotional chord. Thank you You Tube for making it possible for us to relive this moment.
Yea, I think that's a good interpretation of what the Maestro was feeling. Bernstein was supremely gifted and thanl God he shared that gift with us for decades.
I'm about to sing this piece with the Georgia All State Chorus in a few hours... it's the last piece of our selection and also my favorite out of them all. It'll be one of the most passionate performances I've ever done throughout my high school Chorus career... I can't wait to sing this and nail the final note
this brings back such beautiful memories as my wife and I were privileged to be in the audience at Tanglewood that night.
I think I prefer Dawn's performance of this to any other on CZcams.. She has such a pure sound...
What an amazing thing to give the world this music, and then sit and listen to a company like this perform it. It's no wonder he was so overcome with emotion at the end.
o, so, so beautiful,it fills me up every time. A stunning performance, Bernstein...the man...the legend..
By far , this is the only version on CZcams that comes close to meeting my impossible standards for this song. The chord at 3:26...orgasmic. Well done.
Bernstein's three children are in the chorus.
God rest his soul. Such an amazing musician.
Forget it, the tears just came out of my eyes
absolutely gorgeous....gives me chills every time.
I want to cry😥... so beautiful ❤️
I Swear, i'm gonna play this at my wedding... if I ever get a girl.
How is that going for you?
I was there and got to meet Lenny afterthe concert.
Nice to see this on CZcams -- I was in the chorus that day!
Hail to you Leonard Bernstein, your likes will not be seen again. Bravissimo.
Thank you so much for posting this. I remember this program vividly and it still gets me every time-- particularly this gorgeous song that ends the show. Not a dry eye in the house, I would think.
Perfect.
Beautiful.
Alongside "Somewhere", this is the closest we'll ever get to Eden on Earth.
Thank you so much for posting this. I remember watching this as a kid when I barely understood who Leonard Bernstein was but instinctively realized how important he was. Even then, the sight of him overcome with emotion at this wonderful and wonderfully appropriate piece of music played in his owner was profoundly moving.
There is no better version.
Truth!!!!!
I totally concur. Jerry Hadley was the best in this role.
RIP, Maestro Seiji Ozawa...
I'd make it our national anthem.
You can't beat this!
You are so right... My former voice teacher was friends with him (they dated in college), and tells wonderful stories of her last trip to Paris and how Jerry , who happened to be there with Paris Opera, was so gracious to she and her husband.. Such a loss..
I saw this performance on PBS when it first ran...the part I like was chopped off at the beginning of this piece...where Ozawa says.."..an' tahnk you Rennald Belnsteen fall makin Tanger Wood galden glow"
....and Michael Tilson Thomas on stage amongst the Ensemble.
Ultimate
Bernstein seems vey moved!
You guys commenting about Hadley have no idea what you are talking about. This was in 88 towards the height if his career. It wasnt until around 94 that the voice changed when he stopped using the technique that brought him success. He had NO issue getting roles!! None. And even after this he started singing a lot with Sutherland and her husband. He had the roles but was influenced to sing differently... Wow. Go listen to the recording from80 to 93 ...
i'm agreed with dbrel... i like dawn upshaw's performace more than the others of thispiece on youtube. but her voice is my favorite in a lot of categories!
Michael Tilson Thomas in the Choir is a surprise for me!
Genial final,una bella melodia coral,culmina la fábula,el mundo era puro sueño...Any questions?
@soaringvulture I was totally thinking the same thing! I would LOVE to know what was going through his mind at that moment!
@kateholli My old voice teacher was friends with Jerry ( had dated him in college), and had just seen him in Paris a few months before. He was apparently depressed as the "aging" tenor that wasn't getting the roles he wanted any longer, and also financial issues. It was a very sad day for the music world to lose such a beautiful voice...
Fabulous piece. Mr. Bernstein knew how to write a finale. But it looked to me like he was working really hard to keep from running up on the stage and stealing the baton from Ozawa.
lol they cut out the part where he says....tank you Renard...full makin tanga wooll gall den glow
@IfYourMomWereATaco There is no "boo boo" at the beginning; that is what Bernstein wrote.
Look it's Hyacinth Bucket !!!!!
Does anyone know who is the smiling woman over Hadley's left shoulder? She's so sparkling and obviously emotional in the moment.
Frederika von Stade- great American mezzo-soprano.
so sad LB died so young...
so sad Jerry Hadley killed himself...
Was that Gwyneth Jones next to Christa Ludwig?
I was looking for Barbara Cook. Could it have been her in that gold dress?
I think so. She could out-sing the entire ensemble!
@tommieboy1657 Unfortunately, it's not that uncommon for an ageing opera singer's voice to "change" -- age does that. Many stop singing as this is happening, so as to only leave their youthful voice in the ear of listeners. Beverly Sills was a perfect example. She stopped singing when she felt her voice could no longer handle the roles. Jerry Hadley, unfortunately, could not make the switch mentally into older characters with slightly lower, heavier voices.. As for the money, just poor decisions
Who's the man standing between Larry Kert and MTT?
That’s Robert Osbourne. I believe he sang the ‘To What You Said’ from Songfest with Yo Yo Ma on cello & the Tanglewood Festival Chorus/TMC Vocal Fellows.
@@jhegeman1 Many thanks, Ms Hegeman; your most kind response solves the 'mystery'! With best wishes from Oxford, UK.
@@williamevans9426 He also sang Bernardo in the West Side Story selections, including the Quintet. I was in the chorus in the back row, audience left. Dark blond hair with glasses & always out of focus. :-)
@@jhegeman1 I'll check out the recording again, especially for the 'in cognito' blonde! 😉
Conductor very distracting lol
If he would have stayed the course and bit swayed by other people's opinions he wouldn't have had vocal troubles. He was told/influenced to stop singing "big" he even says so. Look up the 94 Maria Stuarda recording and read the about section.
What the hell was up with that showboating conductor? Upstaging the singers or what?! Besides him, gorgeous performance of my favorite Bernstein piece.
Seiji was always a dramatic conductor. This is normal, it didn't bother people.
I should have added, there were enormous forces on that stage and the chorus was far higher than the conductor was. He had to conduct big
@IfYourMomWereATaco yeah no kidding lol
Oh, and trumpet who fracked the note at the end, shame on you!
Probably Charley Schlueter, you aren't going to find anyone better to play it so meh.