Sondheim Etc. Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall (The Rest of It)
What A Voice!
Bernadette Peterss Sondheim Etc. Etc. is, naturally, an addendum of additional material that was not included in Sondheim Etc., the initial recording of her December 9, 1997, Carnegie Hall concert to benefit the Gay Mens Health Crisis. We always figured there was more, especially considering that the original CD mirrored a lot of her 90-minute DVD, Bernadette Peters Live in Concert, which was recorded a year later at Londons Royal Festival Hall. And sure enough, a number of songs from London appear on Sondheim Etc. Etc., including her pig Latin rendition of Were in the Money (a device originated by Ginger Rogers), songs from her solo albums (the oldie If You Were the Only Boy and Peter Allens I Never Thought Id Break from Bernadette and the country standard Faithless Love from Ill Be Your Baby Tonight), and two beautiful and moving songs that would make anyones list of Bernadettes greatest hits, Andrew Lloyd
Webbers Unexpected Song (from Song and Dance) and Stephen Sondheims Children Will Listen (from Into the Woods). And because Sondheim is the prevailing theme of the evening, she also sings the gorgeous With So Little to Be Sure Of (also from the London DVD) and Later. The 52-minute program does include a lot of chatter, which will charm some listeners and bore others. But theres also a lovely encore of Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, after which Peters wishes her audience a good night. Even if the song selection isnt quite as strong as on the original CD, its great to have more of the concert available. --David Horiuchi
Personal Review: Sondheim Etc. Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall (The Rest of It)
Most of the songs included on this CD are superior to Peters' original 1997 CD of highlights from this benefit concert at Carnegie Hall. Given that that CD was superb, this one only enhances Ms. Peters reputation as a technically skilled and deeply interpretive singing actress. And her inner warmth toward her audience radiates throughout. Having seen her at the encore of the Broadway revival of "Gypsy", raising funds for Actor's Equity Fights Aids in the most genteel, warm and ingratiating style one can imagine, it's obvious this performer has respect for and appreciates her audience. Now. let's get to the music. Peters is in exceptional voice throughout and some of these lesser known songs display her uniquely personal yet humorous style of interpreting a song's meaning, always a special treat with this lady. Using Ginger Roger's pig-latin rendition of "We're in the Money" is a canny way to begin this CD, and it immediately warms listener to performer, but the best is yet to come. Her rendition of "Unexpected Song" from her Tony-winning role in "Song and Dance" surpasses the one on the original cast recording and is immediately followed buy an exquisitely reorchestrated version of "Faithless Love" from her mid-90s disc, a beautiful example of her growth as a mature vocalist. Stunning. And the surprises keep coming. Peter Allen's "I Never Thought I'd Break" from her late 70s solo debut is an unexpectedly moving and beautifully interpreted song that proves Allen was more than glitz and glamour. She also sings Stephen Sondheim's little known "(They Ask Me Why) I Believe in You" in such a stirring manner you think you've always known this atypical Sondheim song. Of special note, she renders the rarely sung "Later" from Sondheim's "A Little Night Music" in a manner that exposes both her vocal expertise (listen to that sustained high note!) and her instinctive humor. A real treat. Finally, she closes the concert with an audience participation rendition of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" because this concert originally occurred in December, 1996. It's so warmly delivered (by everyone) that even though I bought this CD in July, it immediately put me in the Christmas spirit.
The bottom line about this CD is that Bernadette Peters has never been presented on a recording in all of her facets as effectively as this disc does. One of the great ones.
For More 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest Price:
Sondheim Etc. Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall (The Rest of It) 5 Star Customer Reviews and Lowest Price!