Bernstein: West Side Story - 'Maria' - BBC Proms

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Watch the BBC first on iPlayer 👉 bbc.in/iPlayer-Home Sung by Julian Ovenden with the John Wilson Orchestra under John Wilson.
Watch the entire concert at:
www.bbc.co.uk/events/e89v2m#b0...
Available until 11 October 2015
#bbc
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[@cwbrooks5329]

Damn. The breathless silence of the audience, that first "bravo," the faces of the orchestra, his smile as he exits the stage -- must be nice to give the performance of a lifetime with the cameras rolling. Thanks BBC.

[@cwv710]

I was there amongst the prommers standing in the arena that day. I still recall that silence at the end of his performance. Everyone was transfixed.

[@cwbrooks5329]

@@cwv710 Oh man, I ENVY you. Once at the Met I saw Pavorotti and Kathleen Battle in L'elisir D'amore. The air was electric. When Pavorotti sang Una Furtiva Lagrima it was as if the whole audience was holding its collective breath. When he finished there was this second of silence, and then an EXPLOSION of applause and bravos. I get chills remembering it. I felt the same way when I saw this. It must have been thrilling for you to have been there in real life. You can't plan stuff like this, it's magic. You are one lucky bast*rd.

[@emmacasiraghi6201]

Oh my god

[@Wilbtube]

Not to mention the face of the conductor, which is pure admiration.

[@cliffworks748]

@@Wilbtube the conductor has no name?

[@LFD254]

You know its good when the orchestra applauds the singer

[@danielasalazar5289]

Yeah, I loved how even the director looks like he's still trying to figure out what just happened haha

[@deborahcoveney8846]

Classy performance. I listen to this this when I am feeling down

[@totesme14]

I've watched this version a few times, but I never thought about how exquisitely he held out that last note. To be able to carry the note so softly, but sustain it loud enough to hear over the orchestra's last entrance is quite a challenge.

[@kyliewalker6647]

Amazing, totally agree

[@Natasha-tu5qs]

I agree, except that he has a mic. So perhaps not the carrying bit. Still excellent singing technique though.

[@polyglot.basketer947]

I listen to him again several times because I find Julian Ovenden to be great (along with the orchestra, of course). He sings beautifully and accepts the celebration in such a modest way, which I find very sympathetic.

[@jacquelineleavold6354]

What a voice. Bernstein was surely looking down and clapping

[@CDB8939]

Bernstein's Daughter Jamie, was in the audience

[@sophieboatman1447]

Yes!

[@Lorenzo-be1nm]

If Mary Crawley would have known how incredibly beautifully this man can sing, she would have surely chosen him!... Probably the most compelling rendition of this so famous song.... and he looks wonderful!

[@patriciafeeney6124]

Julian's heart and soul was in that song Stunning version of a beautiful classic❤

[@jillpardoe8948]

His rendition is in a league of it's own; just beautiful

[@lisalovelace6784]

Never get old listening to the music from, 'West Side Story' I could listen to this all day long, so beautiful.

[@matthewsmith1571]

Insanely good performance. Still coming back to this 4 years after I found it. Bravo

[@sansone12]

So effortless. Insanely good indeed.

[@kristiLB93]

Oh. My. Word. His voice is out of this WORLD!!!! Such control. The richness. His facial expression and feeling. Wow. Stellar. ❤️

[@stevenwatson3973]

The best rendition of this song I've ever heard. Bravo.

[@deborahcoveney8846]

So agree

[@yourmove9057]

Try Vic Damone singing his version of this classic song.

[@yancodelangellopez8639]

También la de José Carreras es épica y siendo dirigido por el compositor

[@JohnR3214]

Check the looks from the orchestra, they knew that was a special performance.

[@911928944]

Absolutely this!

[@rolandgeorges960]

Julian made perfection a reality, I believed perfection was impossible. This rendition is in a league of its own.

[@loeshalberstadt9998]

This is not only perfect, it is Magical!

[@sandracristinadecarvalho2214]

Julian Ovenden is a perfect singer! What a voice!

[@Bluebell1962]

I didn’t imagine anyone could sound as good as the original but I have just listened to this breathtaking performance and what a joy I am overwhelmed, he really does justice to this masterpiece of composing by Bernstein 💙

[@Alfie198]

How on Earth can anyone give this the thumbs down? His control and intonation was superb; not to mention how heartfelt it was.

[@mlhodges9884]

Julian ovenden has a wonderful voice. I.have followed him from here in South Africa for many years

[@alansbinnie1446]

His voice is an acquired taste, sounds too forced for me. Too harsh, too strained, not really very pretty, not very natural sounding. Far better voices out there. But, I do appear to be in a minority.

[@NatasciaDiazDive]

OH. MY. GOD. I have spent the greater part of my life playing Anita and living this score. I have only heard a handful of men ever sing it so that it opens like this. Ever. And his tone isn't even pristine, it's got a grit and texture....yet his phrasing and feeling is THROUGH the music not on top of it. And it JUST DESTROYS me. The agony and ecstasy of Tony...is now ALL OF OURS. BRAVO

[@normakalberer8514]

What a joy to listen to a perfect performance of Julian Ovenden. ❤

[@lenesimonsen8799]

Fantastic. Simply the best version of this beautiful song. 🥰🌹

[@mariasutmiller]

I was named after Westside Story (my mother named me after hearing this beautiful song) 💗 I absolutely love this rendition, so beautifully done!

[@7alafawzy]

That, that brought tears to my eyes, such a beautiful powerful performance, his voice… 😮 the best I’ve ever heard that song performed, better than the best 💫

[@SmeagolTheBeagle]

He brings a rather unusual edge to the music. That middle section made me speechless, absolutely sublime.

[@Myohomoto]

That's the Irish tenor sound, it slips out of him when he just let's go. And it's like an angel

[@alansbinnie1446]

@@Myohomoto I think the unusual edge kills it dead. To me it is an ungainly, unnatural voice.

[@Carmenetta]

So gloriously poignant , a stunning performance. For my beloved Mama Ann Marie until we’re reunited again my darling . Love you and miss you Mom ❤

[@CarlosMario-ti3ns]

The most beautiful version I've ever heard

[@user-wp2su7xk2r]

Utterly captivating, Julian , the whole ensemble 👏👏👏. Thanks to the Proms /BBC for broadening my musical interest over the now many years ! Cheers folks .

[@sweetiepie7917]

This video finally got to 1 million views!! Absolutely love this version better than any of the other ones, always come back to hear Julian Ovenden sing this song :)

[@hannah.p.s9677]

I keep coming back , his performance is so special. Takes my breath away every time

[@mamandemeeka]

I love Julian Ovenden. Simply the best there is. The members of the orchestra were applauding and smiling too and they must hear a lot of singing. So, they knew Mr Ovenden had just treated us to something specail. BRAVO!

[@o.b.6103]

I loved him in Downton Abbey!! This however, is his amazing talent.

[@ittybitty304]

I'm still in shock that this beautiful man with an incredible voice is on Downton Abbey! Wow and wow, amazing performance!

[@ddabparis4369]

I just found this tonight and am now officially obsessed with Julian. I only knew him from Downton Abbey, had no idea he could sing!

[@tammys606]

Just found Mr. Ovenden on KZbin by chance. Gorgeous voice and a terrific actor. He’s the man!

[@tenorandguitar]

He has been around for quite a while...he used to do quite a lot of Gilbert and Sullivan tenor lead in London performances... :-)

[@jasminderpinder]

Do a search on here for his version of "Being Alive" performed in a very similar concert to this in a tribute to Stephen Sondheim. It is my favourite version of that song, and he gives a phenomenal performance of it. From roles on "The Royal" to "Foyles War" to "Downton Abbey" and lots more, he is a very talented man.

[@filmbyben2]

He's very much a singer that can act instead of an actor who can sing. So impressive

[@leojbramble]

First saw him on Foyle's War years ago, had no idea he was a singer until years later. And to be that good looking too. Disgusting.

[@janetlee6664]

Omg I was holding my breath this man is. Brilliant ❤

[@krabenaldt7605]

I have to come to listen to this 2 to 3 times daily, at least, for a pick me up in a troubled world. I appreciate this persons immense talent.

[@ngoctbui6061]

I listen to this may be 1000+ since the discovery of this clip few weeks back.

[@outercyberia]

K Rabenaldt - So true! His singing is as good as his acting, if not better. A beautiful version of “Maria.”

[@TheOceanMonarch]

Fighting back happy tears of emotion...what a voice! I can't stop watching over and over again!

[@ginadodds2695]

Your breath control is nothing short of AMAZING! Although I am now 78, in my youth I was a singer, mostly church work or in clubs. Of course, you have a wonderful background, starting at age 7, as you mentioned. Of course, the "Brits" are the greatest--at least, in my memory! God Bless. Gina Dodds

[@waynedaves9038]

I was working and listening and stumbled across this by random selection and thought, I better see what that was. Wow, to see it come out of a human mouth hole... so perfect. Every moment perfect. And not in a DULL way, but because it was so the opposite of dull. Just exquisitely perfect. The orchestra, the conductor, the singer. They know this was special. I love BBC Proms.

[@westminster860]

I can't help think that Leonard Bernstein would have been so pleased at Julian's treatment.

[@deborahlafleur8642]

I LOVE this! And, Lady Mary was a fool not to choose him (Charles Blake) in Downton Abbey!

[@tonirose6776]

Without a doubt, of six versions of this song, this one is the true article. Without discussing its many facets, and despite a musical education, I have a visceral and emotional reaction to Julian's performance that I didn't feel in any of the others: I was too busy analysing. With this version, I was swept along.

[@Endrit719]

4 years ago was the last time I was here, whenever I want to see a true musician singing with passion I come here

[@Tdesparza]

Easily one of the most songs ever written. This is also a wonderful rendition. Leonard Bernstein was a genius.

[@frankburns8946]

And Sondheim...

[@lazoolazoo3771]

Thank you Lenny, thank you Steve for writing such a masterpiece. God bless you wherever you are. ❤

[@FlowersInHisHair]

1:50 I thought my heart would burst

[@lovemusicissa]

SAME

[@Abby-km6vr]

YES ME TOO

[@outercyberia]

I’m still recovering ❣️💥

[@sophieboatman1447]

Yup

[@AndyEsVa]

If you thought your heart would burst with this performance, I highly recommend you to listen José Carreras performing it.

[@junepearce7405]

What a beautiful version of Maria. Outstanding!

[@ambervanhorn1361]

Wow, I never thought I would hear a version other then the original that would make me cry. This was amazing.

[@Bluebell1962]

Agree totally with your comment ❤️

[@doc2log]

Which original version? Stage or film?

[@wallymarcel1]

After reading the meh reviews of WSS at the Salzburg Festival I had to come back and watch this clip again. Notice how his eyes drift upward after he sings , "the most beautiful sound I've ever heard. " It's like he's acknowledging heaven for bringing Maria to him. Truly, a great singing actor here.

[@gandalfsbeard473]

wallymarcel1 , so what you were actually saying was that you weren't encapsulated the first time !

[@wallymarcel1]

No, I was definitely encapsulated the first time. I just had high hopes for Salzburg.

[@delstanley1349]

wallymarcel1> You say "notice how his eyes drift upward." You thought he was looking to heaven. I thought he was envisioning himself as Romeo serenading a Juliet on the balcony as a kind of method acting to singing this piece. Each to his own. Marlon Brando did this in a scene----looking up to the sky while delivering his lines. He got a lot of praise for his acting qualities and technique and this one in particular was cited. Brando later said however that while many thought his looking skyward was a poignant plea to the heavens and an appeal to the gods of the universe and all that kind of stuff, he was simply being practical. He was notorious for not bothering too much in learning his lines. So, in some scenes he just had pages of the script pasted on the ceiling and looked up just to read his lines! Sometimes these things aren't so graceful and sexy as they might appear. Just sayin.

[@sophieboatman1447]

Perfection x

[@johningram2153]

Yeah, the acting here is tremendous. The extended "Maria" before this phrase also, in which I see three distinct phases of him savoring the name in different ways, as he goes from full volume to cutoff, and the expression on his face shows all the joy he gets from the name. It's amazing.

[@hirokojames447]

Not many can WOW John Wilson and his orchestra. . . and Julian has sung many for John. I love the way Julian leaves the stage and the look on John. 😍 I love Julian's singing - to me any acting without songs is a waste of Julian's talent! And this is sublime!!! Love to watch the entire performance of this Prom. . .

[@Michaelbos]

Yup, he now owns this song. Beautifully done.

[@beverlyfiler1876]

Beautiful "Maria" sung By a Talented, Handsome Man! Awesome! Makes my Heart Sing! 🎶 ❤️

[@fabymontenegro]

I wish my name was Maria because of this song!!! 😂😍😍

[@funsmile7136]

Fabiana Montenegro my names is maria my teacher showed me this video and I fell in love with it

[@fabianamontenegro3292]

lucky gal

[@jamesreed7528]

I'm male, and I still got goosebumps from this. I can't get that performance out of my mind; but I don't want to. Absolutely incredible performance (my wife wasn't all that impressed with it). Strange how some people just aren't sensitive to music. If I had heard this in 1961, my first daughter would have been named Maria, rather than Allison Paige, so I could play it to her on birthdays, and other special occasions.

[@scarfhs1]

Keep your name and write your own song.

[@wendycorkery4597]

We named our daughter Maria after seeing West Side Story - beautiful rendition

[@HeyRay301]

I'm obsessed over this performance. Bravo Julian, you are the master of this song.

[@andrebbrito]

The most beautiful sound I ever heard: Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria. All the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word: Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria.Maria, I've just met a girl named Maria, and suddenly the name will never be the same to me. Maria! I've just kissed a girl named Maria. And suddenly I've found how wonderful a sound can be. Maria, say it loud and there's music playing. Say it soft and it's almost like praying, Maria, I never stop saying: "Maria!"

[@LaVFdeJL]

"and suddenly THAT name"

[@ThaSchwab]

0:50 This chord progression will always give me goosebumps

[@sansone12]

I've watched this dozens of times and never cease to be thrilled.

[@theuofc]

Julian Ovenden has a wonderful tenor voice and he brings his superb acting skills to presenting the lyrics of a song. We believe and feel what he is singing! Bravo!

[@trevordavey5760]

Utterly fantastic version, what a voice this lad has, can’t be performed better than this, Bravo indeed.

[@marywhite4857]

Gosh, Foyle would have been very proud of that performance! I never realised Julian Ovenden had such a fabulous voice.

[@connectingthedots5230]

Thank you, that is the most beautiful version of Maria❤

[@polyglot.basketer947]

I agree 100% because I am also Maria...

[@vfutrell2416]

Absolutely beautiful, my heart fell to my stomach.

[@LaurenOrion]

Still convinced this is the best version ever

[@necktieguy1]

One of the greatest versions of this song I have ever heard. What a voice this man has. Thanks for this post.

[@jonnapat3213]

+necktieguy1 /////Really agree with you, I only knew Julian from tv's Foyles War, a super series from the BBC.

[@tomyao1229]

He is the most good looking tenor in this world. I love his voice and his facial expression.

[@daveh2938]

amazing voice

[@sheenahallissy4380]

I can't stop listening to this,what an incredibly passionate performance!

[@princess.blumarine111]

I swear this is perfect. chills EVERY TIME.

[@DonVal86]

This bloke can sing anything.

[@davidallott492]

What a unique privilege to hear this song from this man

[@benbrunning]

Julian is just phenomenal. To sing like that with a beautiful orchestra in possibly the best concert venue in the world is just incredible. What I love about his technique and style is how relaxed it seems. I’m sure in his head there are all sorts of things going on but on the outside he makes it look effortless. So many musical theatre performers over do it and detract from the beauty of the music! Bravo indeed

[@matthewlamb5380]

This is the version of the song by which I measure all performances. He just crushes it. So beautiful. 🥹

[@tompardoe8061]

An absolutely brilliant rendition; never fails to raise the spirits

[@krabenaldt7605]

That is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard, especially at the end. What a talent!

[@stevehinnenkamp5625]

Good Lord, He sings the high note and still sounds like Tony. Bravo, you may the first to make a musical theatre aria sound breathtaking in its original key!

[@scottpedroley5851]

Such a Beautiful song! I remember when I first heard this... watching west side story as a kid. One of my mothers favorites and my wifes favorite song....may they both rest in peace. I still get chills when I hear this beautiful song from a very talented singer!

[@peterdennis63]

Love. Love. Love Julian’s sublime rendition of this classic. Brought me to tears.

[@jennychettle1119]

I have loved West Side Story since 1958 when my mum took me to see the musical in London!

[@jdgreenlantern]

Tremendous. Actually sung the way it was written and with the same heart.

[@ChloeDust]

Dig this guys performance of Maria, sings it with real feeling, especially love the last bit.

[@bccabernet]

breath-taking performance!

[@lobstermania4025]

If God had a Voice , this is it.!!. Holy Smokes.. So powerful, bringing this 58 year old man to tears.

[@cak8132]

This has never been a favourite song of mine but Julian brings something magical to it. What a magnificent performance. I can listen to it over and over. Bravo!!

[@robertleJaxon4667]

If Bernstein and Sondheim were trying to encapsulate what love is in one song Julian Ovenden surely nails it for them here. My 100th viewing at least. The orchestra fabulous too.

[@deborahcoveney8846]

Stunning beautiful voice.

[@eddiemontana4759]

Wow! What a good quality! This way, music's just more than a pleasure. Thank You

[@jjjj5452]

That bravo was perfectly timed

[@katyw3853]

I don't think I have ever heard a more beautiful performance of this song. Bravo!

[@crazypianolady]

If he stayed on stage for 5 minutes more they’d still be applauding

[@celticcheetah6371]

a well deserved 'Bravo!'

[@scottpedroley5851]

I have seen many versions of this song....including careeras ( who is one of the best singers around) but Julians version to me is the Best...for that one big reason "The Passion" he puts into it along with the "Voice" BEAUTIFUL!

[@lesliegordon2313]

Beautiful. Just beautiful.

[@hns397]

Lyrics The most beautiful sound I ever heard Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria All the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word Maria, Maria, Maria, Maria Maria, Maria Maria! I just met a girl named Maria And suddenly that name Will never be the same to me Maria! I just kissed a girl named Maria And suddenly I've found How wonderful a sound can be Maria! Say it loud and there's music playing Say it soft and it's almost like praying Maria I'll never stop saying "Maria" Maria! Maria! Maria! Maria! Maria! Maria! Maria! Maria! Maria! Say it loud and there's music playing Say it soft and it's almost like praying Maria I'll never stop saying "Maria" The most beautiful sound I ever heard Maria

[@Tracey..H]

"all the beautiful sounds of the world in a single word..." The best lyric I heard of late. Bliss

[@necktieguy1]

Mr. Ovenden is amazingly talented. What gifts he has. Thank you for this post. Don't ever take it away.

[@gpippind]

Sometimes KZbin makes these go away. I always download it to Realplayer so I never have to come back to something I love and find it gone

[@wallymarcel1]

I've listened to all the versions described below and this is the best version. He's also an amazing singing actor.

[@richardlevy6410]

Are there stronger words than sublime and perfection? If so, this song is it...

[@poetcomic1]

He 'filled out' the high note at the end - it was suspenseful, I was waiting for the slightest slackening but he held it to the end.

[@hibye3024]

Oh my gosh! He looked so relaxed going into that note that he’s even swaying. And did he even breathe before heading into that Bb? Bravo indeed!

[@JackGiblenSinger]

Cherisse Lagayan no he didn’t. It’s actually a really useful technique for singing high!

[@scottpedroley5851]

CHILLS! just CHILLS! man. I hear this song with a great voice! and great orchestra music!..... And I know there is a God that gives us this art! And I think of my mother also! Who Loved this song! R.I.P.

[@VicFlange]

All the best man, hope your mum is listening to this up there.......along with mine.

[@eisenjeisen6262]

that was very very beautiful