Green Finch and Linnet Bird - Harolyn Blackwell - Sweeney Todd

A wonderful concert performance of "Green Finch and Linnett Bird" from Stephen Sondheim's "Sweeney Todd" - sung by Harolyn Blackwell. Ms. Blackwell is a lyric coloratura soprano who has graced many of the world's finest opera houses, concert halls, and theaters in operas, oratorios, recitals, and Broadway musicals.
Available on the highly recommended 1993 DVD "Sondheim: A Celebration at Carnegie Hall". View excerpts easily at www.thebestarts...
Browse our website at www.theBestArts... for more great dance, music and musical theatre performances.

[@sonnylira2846]

Also, keep in mind, she's singing in Carnegie Hall... a gigantic venue.... without a mic.

[@Shroder98]

She’s actually wearing a microphone (in her cleavage) 😬

[@drakenheart51]

@@Shroder98 yeah but she’s not singing to the microphone she’s singing to the audience. That’s the difference.

[@ryanwatt6706]

Floor mics were a thing back then. You can sneak a mike in alot of places actually

[@dharmallars]

@@ryanwatt6706 yeah not to be a dick but she’s absolutely miced. Otherwise they couldn’t have recorded this.

[@beats5701]

@@ryanwatt6706 she's an opera singer, they rarely use mics because it's part of their craft to be able to sing without one. I should know, I am classically trained. Def not as good and not a professional, but just to clear things up it's normal for a skilled opera singer like her :)

[@itsalyssa222]

The "beckoning beckoning" is just pure perfection

[@rockchick12issa]

Yes!!!

[@hannahlomara6517]

I've never heard anyone do it better

[@kaylanavithoulkas5511]

Genuine flawless beautiful emotional singing 😭

[@harperwells3264]

This is absolutely beautiful but I feel like nobody is appreciating her diction with this operatic type song. Even on the highest notes you can tell what she’s saying!

[@shells500tutubo]

Well, she IS an opera singer who happens to be singing a song from a musical.

[@creatrixinc]

Yeah, she's wonderful!

[@Rosannasfriend]

You’re right, not everyone does this so well.

[@cherub6303]

Much better than the singer they chose for the film-no “wobble.”

[@waldolydecker8118]

what's amazing here is her singing of the last three words "let me sing." Its written as a three step down from, "If I cannot fly..." Instead of going down, she daringly goes the opposite direction, up. Its a risk I've seen no one else take, because you better have the chops to pull it off if you do. Attempting this on the Carnegie stage at this gala is gutsy and pulling it off flawlessly makes this a minor masterpiece. It's an epic performance.

[@TheSimpleMindz]

everyone complaining it's too powerful and strong.. johanna is meant to be almost driven insane by her lifelong entrapment (my favourite portrayal being betsy joslyn) - in harolyn's voice i can hear that desperation yet the beauty and bird-like qualities still remain. not to mention that ending... one i haven't heard before but so perfectly sung, it's given me goosebumps!

[@CTForrester]

Exactly.

[@bryalien3764]

Right? Have they never seen the original musical? Harolyn, I felt, did a very good job of being between the original interpretation of the character (being angry and on the verge of insanity) and the Tim Burton interpretation of Johanna being a frail, helpless, caged... well, bird. such a talented woman!

[@natashascheuble8925]

Johanna is a frustrated maddened character but your vocal technique and vocal quality shouldn't suffer to make the character come out. When shes trying to be expressive and forceful she puts too much weight on her voice and it can be damaging. When she backs off it is simply beautiful sounding.

[@jondelosarcos5983]

Yup. Joslyn originated the role an she sung it like a maniac. And it worked so well. I also liked the extremely sweet and tender version in the movie-but this one is just stunning. It's got everything.

[@michaelwilliamybarra2409]

Jon de Los Arcos Actually Sarah Rice is the Original Johanna from the original Broadway cast(with Len Cariou as Sweeney and Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Lovett), and here’s her interpretation: m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGKqgYWtp5qVpa8 Betsy Joslyn only replaced Rice on Broadway and went on to the national tour(and televised special) with Cris Groenendaal(who also replaced Victor Garber, the Original Anthony) and George Hearn(Who replaced Cariou), and with original cast members Lansbury, Edmund Lyndeck(Judge Turpin) and Ken Jennings(Tobias Ragg).

[@imanibranch3046]

2:30 ARE YOU KIDDING THE CONTROL IS BREATHTAKING. I LITERALLY GASPED.

[@singsongeric]

Me too!! I revisit this video again and again for that one moment.

[@natalieneighh5953]

Wow I love how soft the high notes are, so easy on the ears

[@LeBasfondMusic]

I WAS THINKING THE SAME THING.

[@ejmcguinness6875]

My favorite moment is the empathy and shock in her face when you can SEE the thought occur to her that the birds' singing could be screaming, like her.

[@PeterMcDowellArts]

yes! one of the highlights of this interpretation!

[@volleyballgurl101508]

Harolyn was my voice teacher a few weeks ago. Absolutely the most amazing experience of my life

[@marialagattuta5438]

What?! 😍

[@anaihilator]

I knew her as a child in the 80s on NYC. She was close to my late Aunt

[@michelleesposito8694]

the way she can hit her highest notes with such a soft dynamic ad crescendo into the next verse shows such good control

[@anaihilator]

Thats because she had had an operq career before this recital

[@alexandriacollins7488]

Frr

[@LiyahLova]

those who said she sang this song too loud not only dont know she has an operatic background, she has no mic, and its open to the interpretation of the musician. are you a musician? no need to answer lol. LOVE YOU BLACKWELL! SANG IT GIRL!

[@whatatrip_]

people commenting she's "too loud" obviously didn't hear her gorgeous pianissimo, um WOW!

[@anthonydixon4636]

She sings this BEAUTIFULLY.

[@anaihilator]

She actually started in musical theater ans transitioned to Opera. This song is her coming full circle

[@Kaylee2012]

2:36 - 2:47 literally felt like I had ascended into heaven. Absolutely stunning vocals.

[@RizzoTheRat215]

That last note is the aural equivalent of seeing the Grand Canyon in person for the first time. Damn.

[@mezzoly]

This version is great. Johanna is not weak; she is, after all, the one that kills Mr. Fogg because Anthony can't do it.

[@spreest9537]

Thank you! People keep forgetting about that.

[@xx_rai510_xx3]

I see where she gets it from...

[@cary1056]

Anthony took Johanna, the other girls in bedlam killed Fogg

[@OlivettiLinea98TypeWriter]

Yeah, the movie just went pass that.

[@lorde_spooky]

@@spreest9537 it's cause they cut it out in the movie version, so people who aren't huge Broadway fans often don't know the original version

[@Klm49]

Who gave this magical song and performance a thumbs down?? WHO are these people and how many times did their mothers drop them on their heads as babies????

[@WildFlameGame]

I've lost count of the amount of times I've listened to this. By far the best version/cover of this song I've heard to date. Her voice is pure perfection; the way she effortlessly hits those high notes in such a soft dynamic is simply stunning.

[@janehavergal4537]

I totally agree. The most sensitive performance online by far...

[@bronxboy47]

There are many other performances of this song on KZbin, but this is the one I return to again and again.

[@Mayssoun3121]

👌

[@OctagonalGolbat]

Full-body shivers from the first few notes. She added an intensity to Johanna's suffering that gives an extra pull not found in most recorded versions of the song. Such a great performance.

[@trab49]

OH that floating pianissimi at the end!!!

[@tess4483]

Her technique is absolutely breathtaking…and the ending?! What the actual HECK! TEACH ME PLEASEEEE

[@ShaM3fullyCha0tic]

Her vibrato is so powerful yet delicate at the same time!! Those trills on those highest of high notes? Now *that’s* coloratura!

[@bell9930]

this is my favorite musical and this is my favorite song in this musical.. and to see a black woman singing this song is so incredibly beautifying to my world. thank you for this

[@linettero]

Here because of the current COVID-19 pandemic. I’m a soprano who used to sing this song years ago, and I just realized that these lyrics are so appropriate for our current situation. Can’t believe I haven’t heard this version until now! Her high notes at the end just glisten and float! Stunning.

[@peerah]

It's so nice to see materials like this sung with a full operatic voice with all the classical techniques. I got chills.

[@Batzy8]

This made me cry. Bravo!

[@jamplatform3429]

I never thought there was a "perfect" rendition of this song until just now. My God, that was beautiful

[@osheyana]

I Worked With Harolyn This Past Week, And She Really Is Just As Amazing As She Seems.

[@3shguitars819]

Jesus Christ. What an absolute unit. Beautiful composition and this lady is just floating.

[@hawkpeterson]

You’ve GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!!!!! Goddddd those dynamics

[@pookywooky42]

She's amazing at singing this, and her outfit also beautiful.

[@Barettone89]

The issues I'm seeing people have are similar to those that I've heard people have with certain Michaela's in Carmen. Personally, I like this interpretation. It gives the character more depth, more power. She's growing, yearning, and a little angry about her "bitter, bitter, circumstance(sorry- couldn't resist)". And it's like she's at a turning point where she's thinking, "Tell me, how is it you sing? Because I certainly can't. I can't live this way. It's in my hands now." It empowers the character to be something more than a wilting flower waiting for someone to save her. But then again- I could have just created an entirely different character altogether. It depends on perception.

[@xRileyGoesRawrx]

This is the most beautiful voice i have ever heard. No lie. I love this woman.

[@SageCypher]

The best version of this song that I have ever heard. I tip my hat off to that magnificent woman and that last note.....amazing

[@damechipo]

best version i have EVER HEARD!!!

[@bellatrixryddle1731]

God!!! This girl just killed it!!!!👌🏻💕 Amazing voice!!! So strong and beautiful

[@emilybuckmaster7391]

This is my favorite version of this, she is perfection!

[@YatesNYC]

No matter how many times I listen to this, I get goosebumps, a chill up my spine and a tear in my eye when I hear Ms. Blackwell's exquisite ending of the song. Such a beautiful rendition which stands firmly by itself and out of context of the larger work.

[@anthonydixon4636]

I’ve often loved this song for more operatic trained singer. It had beautiful lines

[@LilNYMama]

I so love Harolyn. She was superb as Cunegonda. God the last note in this song went right down my spine! sweetness.

[@robertamamft9014]

Harolyn sings this sssooooo beautiful. I repeatedly listen and practice singing 🎤 with her! Bravo 👏

[@macavitymacavity]

One of THE BEST renditions of this song I have EVER heard! Those last 2 notes brought tears to my eyes

[@nursegrace7492]

THIS is the rendition that actually made me like this song. I always thought it wasn't up to the rest of the score, but this performance finally made me appreciate it. (And even whistle it!)

[@ivaerwin]

chills. just chills.

[@Musicandcatsmeow]

Gorgeous voice! I remember listening to her when I was studying this song

[@madisunwhite8713]

She did that!!! Brava 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@showchoir2056]

Green finch, and linnet bird, Nightingale, blackbird, How is it you sing? How can you jubilate sitting in cages never taking wing? Outside the sky waits beckoning! Beckoning! Just beyond the bars... How can you remain staring at the rain maddened by the stars? How is it you sing anything? How is it you sing? Green finch. and linnet bird, nightingale, blackbird How is it you sing? Whence comes this melody constantly floating? Is it rejoicing or merely aloaming? Are you discussing? Or fussing? Or simply dreaming? Are you crowing? Are you screaming? Ringdove and robinet is it for wages? Singing to be sold? Have you decided it's safer in cages singing when you're told? My cage has many rooms damask and dark... Nothing there sings, not even my lark. Larks never will, you know, when they're captive. Teach me to be more adaptive. Ah... Green Finch, and Linnet Bird, nightingale, blackbird, teach me how to sing. If I cannot fly... Let me sing.

[@angelinaperez226]

Show Choir thanks for the lyrics I need this for my technique class

[@charliehorse8112]

You knew I would need this lol

[@judahlovesephrahim]

The most beautiful version i have ever heard.

[@colleenr8874]

Absolutely an amazing voice!

[@shayconley4143]

*listening* This is amazing. 2:35 comes arounddd.. *jaw drops to floor* Those last three notes were just stupendous!!!

[@feliciastuhan6718]

Angelic perfection in every note. 💜

[@lakehayden]

She must surely represent the highest artistic level for this music, totally assured vocally, and the drama written into the voice to the point you forget it’s a concert

[@CTForrester]

Best interpretation I have ever heard. I'm weeping. Unbelievable.

[@kisseddd]

I got chills listening to this... Gorgeous. Especially the high notes. I was searching up covers for green bird and linnet bird and this is definitely the best.

[@dianastamos4439]

Wow this is amazing 👏🏻 I’ve only ever heard the movie version. I’m dying to see this live!!! 😩

[@cutiecatblondie]

I think she sounds wonderful. Probably the best voice singing this I have heard.

[@yippedoodah]

This is absolutely enchanting. I've only seen the DVD of the stage production with George Hearn and Angela Lansbury, so I can appreciate this and won't have to defend Johanna being a "weak and frail creature" like all those Tim Burton fans so believe. In many of the live recordings I've seen of Sweeny Todd, the girl sung very operatic and Harolyn does it justice :)

[@hugbiugugiwb]

Wow!! This is AMAZING! Her interpretation and voice are both just so original and really interesting. Love her higher register, especially when she takes the end up! Fantastic.

[@ur1radycalchic]

she sings this better than anyone else!

[@sazzy6264]

Holy WOW this woman's got pipes!

[@songstolistento6632]

I remember my professor played this video for us once years ago. I always wanted to track it down again. Such a challenging song to sing even when I was young.

[@Batzy8]

I love this. This woman's voice is amazing, I wish I could sing that high

[@hyramesshiramess1035]

Very very lovely! Absolutely beautiful in every way.

[@nursegrace7492]

Extremely elegant and accomplished (I would almost say, revolutionary) interpretation. She actually makes me like this song....which has always been the only sequence I choose to skip over in an otherwise amazing score.

[@AliceMay6]

That was amazing. Gave me goosebumps.

[@KarthRevived]

Gorgeous voice, one of the best renditions of the song I've heard. Sweeney is practically an English opera, and in my opinion it's most appropriate to perform it with voices as marvelous and rich as Blackwell's. While the film with Depp was entertaining, and opened the eyes of many new fans to the genius of Sondheim, it's saddening to me that those who discovered Sweeney through the film often prefer the film's singers to masterful voices like this. Anyway, gorgeous piece - when it's done right.

[@ElSings]

Her projection and control is just AHHH

[@misskarimuyes]

Yes, yes, a thousand times YES!

[@Sara-hz9zk]

Wow. First time I’ve ever appreciated the lyrics and depth on this song. What technique. Lovely.

[@harperfisak]

I would pay good money to see an entire production with her as Johanna.

[@hellzbellz272]

This is so so beautiful! My favorite version on the KZbin so far

[@JayToGo]

The ending is pure magic. Almost too good to be true.

[@Liztonicedtea]

beautiful! I like how she took the ending up an octave, it sounded gorgeous

[@bugsysoc]

I started crying. IDK why but this is so beatiful!!

[@LuisDiaz-eo3lb]

Best interpretation of this song hands down

[@LoriJoachimFredrics]

This is simply outstanding. @ Strangelittlebeing -she is never"out of kilter" with the orchestra they are always exactly together. She,the maestro and the orch are simply employing the rubato exactly as indicated in the score

[@tylercesario1427]

She sounds freaking amazing. I need more from her!!! This is the best I have ever heard this song.

[@christinedaae1986]

What a stunning voice!

[@22babebee]

ive never heard anyone do that with the ending absolutely spectacular!

[@evistotch7496]

i rewatch this everytime i sing this song :)))) an amazing rendition shes so skilled

[@istolemyownhandle_sadface]

I think that this is absolutely amazing. I needed the full song to practice for an audition, and this was the only non-movie version out there! Thank you!

[@saralbruno]

this is truly marvelous. this woman has a tremendous voice

[@jeremiahdearagon1676]

Now that's a great piece of bel canto!

[@xTylerxCx]

Incredible.

[@broadwaybabe1305]

stunning.

[@dararahming9858]

Gorgeous!!!❤

[@makebelievezz]

only the best to showcase Sondheims work...awesome..

[@kellyr1403]

Ya know I kinda like how she put some power in it. I some points she was really soft and others she sounded almost angry. Really interesting, I loved it.

[@BeccaSuskauer]

So amazing. Some of the most beautiful vocal technique I've ever heard OMG

[@laurinwhitfield6457]

simply amazing

[@anamarialeao3300]

Belíssima performance!

[@ghoff29]

oh my god. that was so beautiful.

[@xMicheSpade]

Wow, the last line. She has an amazing voice!

[@Andyyy444]

Beautiful

[@olinwilliams]

So very excellent! Chills!

[@arkleston3299]

Beautiful voice and great enunciation 👏

[@chazaii]

beautiful voice and nice arrangement at the end!!

[@DavidBerto]

It's so wierd that I loved the ending, but I didn't want it to end.

[@RafaHatesU]

amazing. i want to sing like her. all the best to her

[@kenziejo2739]

Oh gosh I WISH I sounded like her when I sing this song!! I can't hit any of the notes hahah

[@immapineapple990]

Mackenzie Jane. same i still. try though

[@TXejas19]

Mackenzie Jane singing lessons?

[@ur1radycalchic]

Simply sublime.

[@broadwaylove52]

Oh my God, what a beautiful voice!!