Sondheim teaches 'My Friends' from Sweeney Todd

Sondheim teaching Guildhall School students - Mrs Lovett is Jacqui Dankworth

[@BIGKountry4455]

Listening to Stephen Sondheim talk about his music is like listening to God explain the creation of the universe

[@arkantika3927]

Chris Brown totally agree

[@paulfinn8871]

What an excellent and wise observation....

[@rex3841]

Yeah only one is actually real! XD

[@GreeneMotionPictures]

I was just thinking that if there's a real Dumbledore with real magic, I just watched him teach.

[@samanthavettel4793]

yes!!!

[@littleshroom3274]

I love that look Sondheim gets when they're doing everything right. Where his eyes start to sparkle and he lifts his head up and he looks so proud, its really great seeing an artists work come to life.

[@crackerjack3762]

6:17

[@joshogden3105]

Ok when he started talking about how he purposely filled the lyrics with S’s to get that whisper quality and then had it open up later I got chills how do you think of a detail like that and have such a specific constraint and still have the lyrics fit and flow perfectly just amazing

[@harmoniabalanza]

it's called genius.

[@PhaedraDarwish]

Seriously

[@lionmuesli4321]

@alanvaytsman I reckon they have notes on how to sing this song the way he wanted

[@zebovazebova6691]

Ditto

[@Nitoyc]

One can actually see how the actor improves right before ones eyes...Genius!

[@NobleLuke]

That guy must have been shitting his pants. Stephen Sondheim was really patient with him though

[@InstrumentManiac]

"Make love to the razor" its great to see Sondheim again

[@raymbar]

Instrument maniac SIXTEEN years ago???

[@luizcadu]

"Don't be afraid of overacting" is quite an elegant way of saying "c'mon man, show some emotion, for God's sake"!

[@jkta97]

I think he was trying to tell the actor to commit to what he was doing and actually play an action and see if it lands on the other person.

[@BHAKTIBROPHY]

Sondheim deconstructing his work line by line...I could listen to him all day. Genius. Thanks for sharing. ;)

[@vampiregirl357]

It’s amazing to see Sondheim pick at his own work, piece by piece, making it better. If all literary analysis profs saw this, more ppl wouldn’t fair those classes.

[@yippedoodah]

It's cool because the actress playing Ms. Lovett originated the role of Cinderella in the original West End production of Into the Woods.

[@dauphinstreet]

Cleo Laine's daughter and a terrific artst in her own right.

[@melizmatea]

@@dauphinstreet Wow, I didn't know that! Those are some great genes right there...!

[@donaldallen1771]

@@melizmatea And Sir John Dankworth is her father.

[@BuryingBeetle]

"Make love to the razor."

[@jadenwaz9585]

F**k me gently with a chainsaw...

[@thatpinhead7543]

It aint gay if its a razor

[@AbcDef-st6et]

O u c h

[@daniellecozzetto5802]

Jaden Waz CORNUTS!

[@lillyrith]

@@daniellecozzetto5802 for a second i thought you were quoting heather chandler

[@annemarieclulow]

How incredibly valuable as a teaching resource, and also hear Sondheim's passion for his work, how clever the phrasing is, using the sibilance for the mania and whispering, opening into the vowel, creating the feel. Amazing to watch how the performance grows and the character emerges through direction. How very nervous those students must have felt, and how gracious Sondheim is with them.

[@paulmason1147]

No

[@queerqueen098]

​@@paulmason1147 yes

[@mike.marziliano24601]

I absolutely love how Sondheim doesn’t need to take any pauses to think. He knows precisely what to say at all times.

[@jimc5634]

I am reading the comments on here, and I hope people keep in mind this is a master class, and these are young university students, so please keep that in mind before the snarky comments...they are not professionals. This is a learning class.

[@kbucker13]

Jim C If he is good enough to be a conservatory student he should have more talent!

[@deerheart87]

He was bloody awful

[@lc1715]

People in these comments truly don't know what the purpose of a master class is.

[@susanballard1284]

@@deerheart87 This my have been four years ago, but I'm just seeing it now. Who the F are YOU to say he was "bloody awful"???? He was obviously good enough to get into this conservatory AND to work with Sondheim!! Judgmental jerk!

[@rfrolicarts]

Exactly. "What would Sondheim do?" Clearly not make fun of a clearly nervous young person. He would do exactly what he did in the video: gentle encouragement and constructive criticism.

[@jkta97]

Jacqui is absolutely wonderful in this scene. Even though she is not the primary singer here, she is completely immersed in the circumstances and is listening to Todd, trying to find a way into his heart. When she finally sings, she continuously tries different tactics to reach him, and her desperation increases, as each one of those tactics fails. It's just wonderful to watch.

[@harveyardman]

The detail of Sondheim's thinking about what he wants each word to convey is absolutely astounding...

[@kindnessfirst9670]

I love Sondheims story (not in this video) about when he, as a high school student, asked Oscar Hammerstein his opinion of a Musical Sondheim had just written. He was expecting profuse praise but Hammerstein told him it was the WORST thing he had ever read ... BUT, if Sondheim wanted him to, Hammerstein would explain to him everything that what was wrong with it. He proceeded to spend the rest of the day doing just that and Sondheim said he learned more about writing songs, and Broadway in general, that day than most learn in a lifetime.

[@iamloved223]

And the kindness of Hammerstein taking the time to mentor Sondheim trickled down into Sondheim happily doing the same for others, giving us the beauty of so many creations that may have never otherwise seen the stage.

[@jimmeskimen]

That's MY friend! The great Bryan Torfeh, back when he was just starting his brilliant career. He's only gotten better since this video.

[@amphetaminebunny]

Glad to hear he’s doing well!

[@Nitoyc]

Kudos to the pianist... Bravo!

[@gabrielhuff6969]

Sondheim's face at the end is just one of "god this never get's old"

[@micaelaroyocorrea5492]

I love that Sondheim never makes them feel inadequate because they couldn't get it at first. It's as if he's showing a song for the first time and is enjoying it as much as them!

[@gemmabusoni4107]

So, the actor was phenomenal. He was obviously still learning, but he definitely has salient talent. Perhaps the roll wasn't the best for him, but he's also not playing a live role, but merely singing the part--in class. At the same time, he's not meant to have much emotion; remember, he's meant to be in a trance. He reminds me of Ramin Karimloo, who was definitely not the top of his class in school and who has an entirely different singing style off-stage. However, this is obviously not the case when he's performing as the Phantom or Jean Valjean. This kid might be terribly nervous here, but there is absolutely no way he's lacking in talent.

[@anthonydelille100]

Gemma Busoni He wasn't acting at all. He had no emotions on his face whatsoever. I would be so bored as an audience member

[@rockabyebyebaby21]

Gemma Busoni Oh my goodness I never knew I needed Ramin as Sweeney until just now. That is a dream cast in I ever had one. Who would be his Mrs Lovett, I wonder?

[@daniellefregoe1467]

Maddy Chase Sierra Bogess ;) (Christine in POTO)

[@AvalonMorley]

+Danielle Fregoe Maybe in quite a few years. Sierra does have an off-kilter, whacko quality, which could help her develop into a creditable Nellie Lovett in time. It's a bit too soon now, though.

[@AvalonMorley]

***** Yes, but Sierra Bogess is not in this video, and she is still quite young for Mrs. Lovett. I'd love to see the girl in this do the role anytime.

[@RationalDischarge]

Some actors are born with the gift of emoting, and some just need a bit of a nudge in the right direction, but it can be done. This guy seemed a bit reserved from the beginning (maybe partly attributable to being in the presence of a theatrical legend), but in the end, those kernels of knowledge from Sondheim seemed to help a great deal to bring him out of his shell. Considering the circumstances, the improvements were pretty impressive.

[@Pepemarcaacme]

Boy, how can you not love Sondheim?

[@Pepemarcaacme]

Also Jacqui Dankworth, an amazing jazz singer

[@WhoIsAlotLikeGod]

This is an amazing video and I'm endlessly glad that I came across it. But still I have to say, Sondheim saying "Make love to the razor." is the most hilarious thing I have heard all day. Just think about that out of context for a second. It's the little things in life.

[@MattFawcett5432]

I really hate all the negativity that's being spewed over these coaching sessions. These people are students and they are still learning. Have any of you worked on Sondheim before? They are doing very well. Also, Sondheim is more concerned with the acting, he could give two shits about the actual sound of the vocal line as long as you get the rhythms. Half of the actors he uses in his work aren't singers first. Sondheim writes for the actor, not the singer. If he did everything would be pretty with no depth.

[@TomCatFromMA]

Clearly you have a point. What else could explain why a non-singer like J. Depp would be asked to play the part. I can't say that I agree with that reasoning, however. Depp was terrible as Sweeney Todd.

[@glucoseguardian6033]

uh such an articulate comment. i literally agree about he actor not the singer SOOO much

[@andrelavandero3041]

suckittomcat To you, you mean.

[@bennettschneider5164]

suckittomcat why do you think Johnny depp wasn’t good for Sweeney Todd i think he did a great job putting his own spin on the character but of course no one can beat Len cariou but j depp is like a great guitar player(he’s not actually a good guitar player) people like Stevie Ray Vaughn Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page you can tell who they are by the first not of their solos j depp put his own style on the character just the right amount and I thought it was really good

[@Frickalikaton]

I completely agree I feel that this is a problem with musical theatre nowadays. Broadway and other musical theatre institutions are now far too concerned with sounding and looking good in order to be popular I.e Heathers, Dear Evan Hansen, Be more chill, The Greatest Showman and to a lesser extent Hamilton. By not focusing primarily on the acting (or acting through song) the show has no soul, no heart - it becomes a clinical corporate husk of art. By not focusing on the emotion, the meaning or purpose of the show and instead focus on making it “good” on the surface, it’s the equivalent of waving keys in front of a toddler - there’s no thought into it, but hey it entertains them. I know this seems like the ramblings of a mad man, but I am just so passionate with the art form and infuriated that it is constantly being whored out and gutted of any emotion and meaning just to market to more people.

[@HermBidiots]

I hope those kids know that they were mentored by an all-time genius. Mandy Patinkin said once that he never knew Shakespeare, but he will always be able to say he knew and worked with Sondheim (paraphrasing).

[@dmoogle2006]

I think the best advice he gave the kid was "Make love to the razor".

[@Bluebuthappy182]

It's absolutely amazing how much thought went into this song from the rhythm of the song in the beginning reflecting Todd's mental state to the number of s sounds in a a lyric all driving the line of the story. It's a master class in story telling.

[@fransherrie8052]

“ The Razor is now the girl ... Make love to the Razor” ~ Stephen Sondheim

[@avxd7]

mrs. lovett highkey outshone Sweeney in this or me... she was full ass crazy lmao

[@track9music2007]

jacqui is GENIUS HERE! she obviousley studied the role

[@tharp42]

I noticed how good she was seconds into the video.

[@1gaia]

Sondheim had no notes for her :)

[@irinakermong1217]

Well, on this day that we lost a great man, first thing I did was to come here and watch one of my favorite moments I have of him, where he shows his passion for his work and how dedicated he is to art. May his memory be a blessing.

[@Splurge24]

Ok - These "Sondheim teaches" videos just confirm what a genius Sondheim is - he thinks of EVERYTHING. He's considered every word, note, movement. This Ms. Lovett in this peice is great. And the Sweeney guy has a BEAUTIFUL voice - kinda turned me on ;) You all should go watch the girl who does "Getting Married Today" - she's awesome!

[@SRLovesPandas1]

May his memory be a blessing. We’ll miss you and cherish your art forever, Mr. Sondheim.

[@michaelz7683]

Sondheim seems so entranced my his work it shows true dedication

[@Haileyishappy]

Sondheim's evil grins lol

[@tarotwitxena]

Ugh Sondheim is so daddy

[@adiksadiatabs]

3:52

[@harmoniabalanza]

WHAT?

[@juliao8428]

@@harmoniabalanza Hot older man.

[@lamburgerr]

Fr dude

[@gregsaltis1661]

The level of detail Sondheim goes into, why the open part of the phrase has so many S's and his detailed direction. I've always thought he was great but I see something like this and I realize I didn't really understand how great he is.

[@linhiril664]

Sondheim is completely charming and he makes me wish that HE had played this role! He is so *involved* and committed and open even though he is not the one singing it. I see him responding with his whole body, mouthing the words. He makes you crave his praise! What an amazing person!

[@pollymckie4054]

Thank you for posting. I had seen others in the series but not this. I think we should not be too harsh. These are young students in class. As for Jacqui Dankworth: he clearly loves her here. She went on to play Cinderella in "Into the Woods" and Beth (brilliantly) in "Merrily We Roll Along". Sondheim teaching is a joy to behold!

[@uglebeffus]

"Look at the razor. Speak to the razor. Make love to the razor." I love Sondheim so much oml I'm absolutely losing it

[@mcurt9]

Oh how i wish he filmed these kind of classes of all his songs. Just sureal to watch him teach...chills

[@honeybeebear360]

she was incredible...really felt the character come through and you could feel the ache she had when she was singing.

[@corgisrule21]

I can't imagine....what an honor to be coached by a master!

[@exitmusic88]

Silver's good enough for me Mr. T. RIP Stephen Sondheim.

[@rpeach18]

"Make love to the razor!" - probably the most painful thing one could do. Sondheim is priceless. You've gotta love the man. Done wonders for musical theatre

[@mb3938]

Sondheim has crazy eyes...hahaha the lady was awesome, she gave me the chills. the dude, well he can sing but man he really need acting classes. probably this people are like 50 now lol

[@JohnDoe33408]

"Make love to the razor" sorry Mr. Sondheim I'm already circumcised.

[@melizmatea]

I saw the original production when I was a teenager and my mother took me to NYC for the first time for a few days from our small city in Canada (we took the bus there!) and I remember sitting in the audience before the show, watching the gravediggers do their thing and being really intrigued by that. I was so impressed by the show - it was unlike anything I'd ever seen before. I don't know how we ended up seeing it (we only saw a couple of shows) but my mother picked well - she was very intelligent.

[@Jimsteinman]

"make love to the razor" oh my that must hurt.. I love this vid, Sonheim´s a genius!

[@concernedspectator]

When he knew what choices to make he became so much more expressive. The girl nailed it and I can't imagine a greater compliment than hearing the creator himself recognize your effort. By the end he had it, but I'm sad that last cry wasn't as elevated as I was hoping. Still leaves me with an incomplete feeling watching it after all these years.

[@harmoniabalanza]

he's in high school for heaven's sake. They wouldn't be in this school if they didn't have the real talent and potential.

[@chevydude658]

How exciting to receive instruction from Sondheim about his own masterwork! How could you not be a success with that kind of genius tutoring you?

[@monicarnsg]

This was great, to see how Sondheim wanted it sung! That guy was a great singer as well!

[@UltimateJoolsFan]

holy crap! his genius amazes me! sondhiem, the 's' principle, his understanding - each carefully thought out composition of the song. watching his glaze expression as he watched his work being performed. Gosh, I love him!

[@FozzyOverload]

He's such an insightful director. What an inspiration.

[@SokaRoxMySox]

I would kill to have him giving me pointers. Now, I haven't been in a production, but still...to know what it was written to sound like...golden opportunity right there!

[@danielkrueger8601]

and we learn -- as we are taught

[@Raven9940]

Don't you love the look sondheim does with his eyes when he's miming holding the razors!

[@wo3701]

5:42 I just love that. Kept rewinding it again and again.

[@ChivalrousBreeze]

I feel like the actor definitely improved the second time. It doesn't have to always be some blood-curdling shout of glory. Crazy comes in a lot of different forms, yo.

[@brettdevlin3441]

I’ve been understanding in these clips that a lot of the students are wonderful singers and Sondheim works mainly to pull a performance out of them- turn them into the actors of his vision. I thought this guy was doing alright granted it is a learning experience but then Lovett started singing and wowwww

[@rfrolicarts]

Watching such a kind, talented, supportive teacher at work is beautiful

[@psychomusicanana]

These vids are priceless! I love watching him work with young talent. I wish I had him to push me out of myself at that age.

[@aliisantetik880]

I Wish That Jacqui Dankworth Would Play Mrs Lovett Judging By This Clip She Would Be An Amazing Mrs Lovett

[@Historian212]

I was lucky to see the original Broadway cast of Sweeney Todd. It was bone-chilling, one of the most incredible performances I’ve ever seen. Angela Lansbury and Len Cariou were perfect. And Cariou’s portrayal was mad, indeed. Great to get a glimpse of how Sondheim wanted it played.

[@Weebusaurus]

Singing this piece for a recital. What a good resource! Sondheim is a genius.

[@zolluuu]

I think the guy is having a hard time tapping into the character's madness. Sweeney Todd is one of the most effed up characters in musical theater; you really have to let yourself go to a very dark place as an actor in order to convey the perversity. It's so hard to do in a workshop setting like this.

[@TomCatFromMA]

You unknowingly validated what I observed. The kid must have shit his pants because he's with Sondheim.

[@ZekeTheDCCat]

This lesson was truly fascinating to watch! I have a greater appreciation for the talented individuals, who sing this beautiful song and even more appreciation for Stephen Sondheim! He is amazing!

[@krishnashenoi93]

Rest in peace. He was the greatest.

[@heathers1025]

Wow! This is awesome! How lucky were those students to be there learning from Steven Sondheim! Thanks for sharing with us!

[@kirinrex]

I'm always in awe when I watch these videos and hear Stephen Sondheim talking about music. The man truly is a genius and he has such passion for music. It's inspiring.

[@richiejohnson]

An artist on the scale of a Renaissance master. How will we bear it when he is gone?

[@FozzyOverload]

It's really just magical to see how much the performance improves in a short space of time.

[@farsons]

At 4.50, Sondheim's face. Just a beautiful sight; an artist absorbed completely in his work. Great man.

[@xshowxstarx1]

It's called being in character love. You wouldn't expect someone like Mrs Lovett to sing nicely with a gorgeous tone. She needs that bit of rough in her voice.

[@pianoboyo]

Jaqui was really amazing - they both gel well. Was some really good coaching. Lifted the performance really fast!

[@stevefreedman470]

What an honor and a privilege to be taught by a Master...pure genious!! 😊👌♥️

[@mariah1764]

This was a beautiful watch. I'm happy it came up in my suggested videos. May Sondheim rest in peace.

[@JAMbannana]

As soon Sondheim started talking, I lost my cool!! HE'S JUST SO AMAZING!! Good teacher too!

[@erinmalone2669]

The creator process is so important to capture. Thank you.

[@celluloidjunkie13]

this is GOLDEN. to have such an artist explain the method and rhyme behind his creation is immeasurable.

[@TomCatFromMA]

Just read some of the Wiki bio on him. His mother. So sad. Amazing that he became so great.

[@profcommie]

I don't do a lot of musical theatre or auditioning, but when I do, this is my audition piece. The existence of this video is an absolute gift. I can follow the lessons he is imparting, and listen to this performer, who is very good, without being intimidated by Len Cariou or my favorite George Hearn. Nor do I feel the frustration of moving the piece to a tenor piece for Depp... I think I watch this video more often than I actually do auditions.

[@psychomusicanana]

These vids are priceless! I love watching him work with young talent. I wish I had him to push me out of myself at that age. And my father did a show with him. He's cray all right. Crazy like a fox.

[@ariana.m.lamark]

psychomusicana wow! Which show did he get to do with Sondheim?

[@michellemartinezvelasco4966]

The development of the student is truly incredible I could definitely feel the passion

[@guacamoleroxmysox]

its so incredible to hear Sondheim's resonig behind this song! There is so much meaning behind it that I could never imagine (the S's, the "square time," etc.) It's really fascinating and inspiring. What I would give for an hour with that man....

[@heathers.9740]

I watched this years ago but it's reflective to see this again, especially since his passing. Wonderful to see a wonderful teacher.

[@Shcreamingreen]

Sondheim's creepy as hell, yet his genius in undeniable

[@glenhumphries8277]

His mannerisms and expression and his language and positively ... well, Sweeney. As though Barker himself is in the room explaining it.

[@susanballard1284]

Seriously? "Creepy"???? Wow, I guess you don't really understand his genius. He's PASSIONATE. He's a master story teller, his lyrics are brilliant. I found him to be so nurturing, so unpretentious. so REAL. My God to have been a student of his!!

[@Shcreamingreen]

@@susanballard1284 He'd undobtedly give his lips a few passes with his tongue upon seeing the scale of your enthusiasm.

[@tjcoops]

I love getting a glimpse into Sondheim's genius here. Really gives you the perspective of how much thought went into his songwriting.

[@brth77]

The girl who is playing Mrs. Lovett is amazing

[@ClydeTolson]

The guy playing Sweeney has a quality to his voice that reminds me of Ian Curtis. And I really like it. Works very well for Sweeney and being hypnotic.

[@Pollo.a.la.crema.]

omg they are fabulous. terrific singers

[@andrewjones1143]

This girl is amazing!

[@logantrask888]

Forever the best

[@chinamason6294]

Watched this religiously during my time in the theater rest well Stephen...you gave us something special 😔

[@bennettschneider5164]

Omfg Sondheim is a genius everything he says is absolutely correct no matter what anyone says. Obviously I'm not a legendary writer or director but I would of said slow the tempo down just a bit. But since he thinks over wise I am wrong

[@thomasdequincey5811]

I love listening to Sondheim speak about his art. It seems to touch upon more than simple mechanics.

[@fkhang9223]

i love it, it is so true in the beginning that what sweeney todd sings that part it is to himself! i love this musical!

[@natattacc99]

What a genius. This is poetry..and music..I love it beyond anything

[@aleinalister3661]

The growth in under 9 minutes is astounding! The power of a great director!