Audra McDonald - The Light in the Piazza

Audra McDonald singing The Light in the Piazza at Carnegie Hall in 2004

[@Singmyangel666]

Concept: Audra McDonald as Margaret Johnson

[@v0zbox]

Guettel's romantic score always makes me wax nostalgic (however begrudgingly), but Audra's pure, (seemingly) effortless rendition of this piece made me shed more than a few tears. Sometimes in my haste to critique, I forget that art, particularly good art, is at root a conduit for emotion, and no analysis, however inspired, can eclipse the haunting feeling--somewhere between arousal and melancholy--evoked by a few tell-tale chords, a half-remembered melody, a lucid moment of shared humanity.

[@tylercesario1427]

This is beautiful, don’t know who in their right mind could’ve possibly disliked this...like you type in light in the piazza and stumble across Audra singing it....how could you possibly have a bad time....???? Also for those people asking about the key, I’m pretty sure it’s just a half step down and I have a copy like that if you wanna know where to get it.

[@nathangraham1611]

I've long wanted to hear Audra doing this, "Fable," and "The Beauty Is." (She recorded "Dividing Day" some time ago.) Thanks so much for posting this!

[@lylecosmopolite]

"The Light in the Piazza" is a 21st century musical based on a novella by Elizabeth Spencer, with music & lyrics by Adam Guettel, grandson of Richard Rogers. The harmonies and melodies of the score are unusually rich for a contemporary musical, owing much to romantic classical music and opera. Many of the lyrics are in Italian, as many of the characters are Italian.

[@AvalonMorley]

Nope. Mr Guettel is the grandson of Richard Rodgers (gotta give it the 'd'), and of course, the son of Mary Rodgers (apparently she retained her original last name, and didn't take the names of either of her two husbands). And what I want to know is, WHEN do we get a new musical score from Mr. Guettel?! Or at least, a recording of some of his songs? His voice and musicianship is so lovely, I wish he'd put out a recording featuring his own singing, along with some of his wonderful colleagues.

[@Contrapuntalist]

AvalonMorley thos is actually incorrect. Mary Rodgers took the names of both her husbands, Julian ("Jerry") Beaty and Henry Guettel. She composed and wrote under her maiden name but especially later in her life was known as Mary Rodgers Guettel.

[@johnnauman347]

I know Adam, played the first Myths and Hymns in NorthHampton, MA. Audra is the finest human being I know. Adam is a rare bird, crossing over many genres. He inherited the family's gorgeous talent.

[@whatdoyousuppose]

Audra + Guettel = MAGIC!

[@KHobbies_cina]

Celia Keenan-Bolger was the first and she looked the part and amazing voice.

[@Thisismyusername227]

Um, this is bomb. Also I'm very here for this key.

[@feliciawatkinskimble1351]

I heard this and absolutely loved it in 2007. Bless you for putting it on, I'm eternally grateful

[@AvalonMorley]

So lovely hearing her singing this. Still one of my favorite scores from the long history of musical theater, & she does this song justice. WHEN do we get another Adam Guettel score?! Or at least some of the PRINCESS BRIDE songs recorded on their own.

[@jhc18823]

Be still my heart!

[@sford557]

Oh my God. I'm in love

[@johnnauman347]

Me too!

[@catherinealderman4448]

When my students seem to think that vibrato is not used used in MT, I point them to Audra McDonald! Just gorgeous and she is using her own voice - not trying to imitate! Good for Audra. But yes, Margaret Johnson would be perfect casting!

[@gracealvarez6749]

Anyone know where I can find sheet music for this song in this key? Audra is queen! 🎶

[@robynsrecs2183]

make her Margaret Jonson you cowards!