BBC Proms 2010 - Sondheim at 80 - Send In The Clowns from A Little Night Music

[@TJ1920]

This version you get to concentrate completely on the lyrics alone positively Brilliant performance

[@timdownes7986]

No-one sings this song like Dame Judi. Reduces me to tears every time I hear her sing it. 'No-one is there' has to be one of the saddest lines in musicals. Heartbreaking.

[@04turners]

Proof that musical theatre is not for crystal clear sounding voices.. it is for actors who capture the true emotion of the music.

[@Broadwaybuff-pi1qg]

Sondheim himself always said he preferred a true actor who could carry a tune over a polished singer who didn't understand words and acting

[@TJ1920]

Best version ever 😊

[@emilylee2115]

That smile at the beginning, appreciating her welcome to the stage,and then the breath... moving herself into character. Astounding!

[@dianecristina3319]

I saw on stage in 1991 in Amy's View @Aldwich Cout Theatre and she did have a real, payable but subtle connection to the audience like she knew and acted af if we are all in this together.Gracious and thankful to the audience and her Art.

[@e.conboy4286]

Perfect, wasn’t it!

[@elefanny1106]

Who is this lady?

[@kevinwyse1228]

That’s what a real Oscar winner looks and sounds like-such immense talent doesn’t require a powerful or operatic voice-Truly wonderful Dame Judy.

[@arroncooper6077]

Seriously​@@elefanny1106

[@muzicminister]

Did everyone see how she just slipped into character. Ugh I just love this woman!!!!

[@dasistmick4273]

You can actually see it - amazing - She is 86 now.

[@fuzziestbutt]

@@dasistmick4273 We’re all the richer as humans for her being here

[@isabellajones8535]

To hold such a huge audience in the palm of your hand like that, no-one moving, hardly breathing: that is talent indeed. What a performer; what a performance.

[@user-oq5bv8ue4c]

Just the thought of the world loosing her puts tears in my eyes. I can't imagine life without her.

[@alskndlaskndal]

Simply shattering. Others may be able to belt louder or hit higher notes, but no once can convey the meaning and shear emotion of this song like her.

[@theL81Again]

Exactly! I firmly believe there is a way to convey emotion without topping The Who decibel-wise. I never got the emotion of the song with Judy Collins. Dame Judi Dench is such a treasure!

[@dannisalomonsen3258]

I would say though, that Glenn Close also is amazing at conveying pure emotions! Much Similiar to this beautiful Dame

[@JokingBats]

Shattering is the exact word I would use. Judy Dench just cracked open my soul.

[@RWFOhrenschmausiger]

I fully agree with you.

[@sirarthurlancelot216]

Yes, she gives a great rendition of this song, but I also like those of Judy Collins and Barbara Streisand

[@robertjackson5645]

And when the orchestra applaud...you are one with the music.

[@GreenManelishi]

One of the most beautiful, and saddest, songs in the history of the world. RIP, Mr S Sondheim

[@iseeolly9959]

Amen xx

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

(news flash: it is a prayer : ) )

[@WilgertEvers]

​@@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491 it most certainly is not

[@TJ1920]

Of course it’s not a prayer but that does not take away the fact that this is the most brilliant interpretation of the song ever

[@tjkerr73]

Well said.

[@CreeToner]

Back to this after hearing of Stephen Sondheim's death - what a massive loss to the musical world, and the world, in general. Thank you for this music Stephen

[@wellnessimages6976]

Same.

[@voiceofreason7856]

When the sad day comes that Dame Judy Dench 'shrugs off this mortal coil' ? I'll be coming back to this video to view it - yet again ! - and to be reminded of the real and honest talent of this incredible woman ! :)

[@marchesano]

So emotionally draining! She transforms in front of our eyes and it feels as if she is singing about everything to herself, personally reflecting. Tearing at our hearts. Brava Dame Judy!

[@ginnylorenz5265]

Always makes me think of her wonderful husband, Michael Williams. RIP.

[@neilcampbell148]

She is nothing less than magnificent, definitely in the ranks of Piaf and Mabel Mercer. Brava indeed!

[@Mandeley100]

That woman can do no wrong. Utterly spellbinding. I first saw Dame Judi way back in the 1960's when she was Sally Bowles in the original London production of "Cabaret". I knew then that she was a genius (no other word will do) and over nearly 50 years she has never disappointed me once. She is simply the best.

[@kasha1932]

After watching and listening to Dame Judi for about 50 times ,I noticed something that really shows just a bit of her personality and character.Although she knows very well that most admire and love her, she just does not want to bring big attention brought to her personally. You notice it as she calmly walks in, but after she sings, she can't walk fast enough to get away...no pompous , fancy bow after bow after bow. No...it's the message she brought that she wanted you to see and hear. BRAVA!

[@johnpons5864]

I loved this beautiful sad song

[@mdmf117]

The audience's reaction says it all - there is no movement in the audience during the performance - she dumbstruck every single person there - i think you could hear a pin drop during the song - and THAT is proof of a world class performer. BRAVO!

[@krysawaltosz9742]

Dame Judi Dench's rendition of this song brought me to tears. She expresses, on her face, the pain and heartache we all feel at some point in our lives. A memorable and haunting performance. No other artist could top her version of this song. Encore, encore and encore again!

[@myniaroo3294]

I’ve always loved this song and finally here is a version that delivers the emotion and heartbreak it needs 😍😢

[@FlowersInHisHair]

Definitive in the role. I want to hold the moment just before the final chord, where it's just clarinet and a broken heart, forever.

[@LyndonCommunications]

Wow!! Yes, I'm on a Sondheim kick and this version is magical. An actress singing and conveying the meaning of the song as well as, if not better than any singer.

[@Dutchmusicfan1992]

Such a beautiful song sung by one of the best actresses there will ever be on this earth is magic!

[@fchaux]

This is a grand lady/diva in the best possible way,,,class,,,class,,talent talent talent,,,

[@jimmyjooo123]

She comes in. Sits down. And wipes the floor with everyone's emotions in one stunning rendition. Elvis has left the building......😇

[@chookaschookas444]

She played this role in 1995, and it is fascinating to watch her drop into the role once the music starts. Truly the definitive version in my opinion

[@Mandeley100]

There was a documentary on that production which showed Dame Judi in rehearsal for "Send in the Clowns". It was just exquisite and there were tears on her cheeks by the end. After the final note she glanced over at the director and said in a totally matter-of-fact way, "of course, I won't do it like that". Brilliant way to break the mood and made me laugh like a drain!!

[@chookaschookas444]

I'm in the process of directing a production of this. NOT with Dame Judi. Well, she had the Olympic recording to do, and ...

[@csieweng]

She made me cry. Beautifully accompanied by the orchestra.

She sits there, her Hands do nothing and she's playing a whole, believable role. Awsome!

[@kerstindahlen1339]

This makes me so moved I get tears in my eyes. What a grande Dame!

[@AdamLeite]

No one can beat this rendition. I remember "A little Night Music" and the sadness of this moment, which she brings all back.

[@H-mv2jp]

Such a great actress, she can even convey a character in two seconds. Of the song.❤❤❤❤❤

[@alexceasar]

The emotion she gives here is so compelling. It is heartbreaking and inspiring at the same time. Amazing.

[@goozgog7820]

Dame Judi would agree that she is not a singer and neither was Glynis Johns, but both received their deserved ovations for their rendering of Send in the Clowns. Glynis Johns's speaking voice alone always fascinated me - the tone or plummy pitch of it was so distinctly her. Thanks for showing.

[@Ksamp313]

This song was actually written for Glynis Johns to sing and that fact influenced how the song was written. Glynis Johns was not a singer and did not have the breath capacity to sustain long notes, so when Stephen Sondheim wrote the song, he gave her short 4-5 note phrases to sing throughout. That alone I think gives you more of a chance to act a song rather than just singing it.

[@keithpetersen4920]

How can anyone simply not adore this beautiful woman? She is magnificent!!! What a stunning performance!!!

[@neilcampbell148]

Dame Judi ranks with Mabel Mercer as the greatest interpreter of popular music. Her performance is breathtaking!

[@larscain3282]

My partner and I after 47 years together. How sad.

[@paulwien65]

What an unbelievable performance... the 1600 people in the audience are silent as one person ... breathtaking ..

[@eXtremeMohaz]

Now..this is very difficult to imitate,the emotions, the passion, the life, the hurt and mostly the story telling of the lyrics which best and must be the way it should be...

[@JoeysWorldTour]

Epic!

[@cjmax02]

Extraordinary talent. I had no idea she could sing...

[@jamestaylor-rutt7894]

We love you Dame Judi and the welcome she received supports that - outstanding talent.

[@sjhwestwood]

Flawless performance. A great actress.

[@photo161]

So moving...The great Ms Dench acts the song better than anyone. But Ms John's, whom I saw twice in the original production, had such an ineffable radiance on stage that nothing can ever erase the memory of her incandescent performance.

[@mcarroll5360]

Isn't it marvelous that there's enough room in our hearts for both of them?

[@alleluiaheart]

What an absolutely beautiful thing to happen in the world. 😭

[@droundyCubby]

The clarinetist at the beginning really brings out the emotion! I hear it throughout the song. It is unusual to pick out an instrument. You near it even at the end, a gentle voice in the orchestra holding up the poignancy of the song in a soft undercurrent as the other instruments float above it. It is like a soft hand holding hers, not changing the pain, but there is support. Amazing. I had to listen again, the second time to the clarinet. To the person/s playing that clarinet, thanks. Beautiful.

[@zedmarlen]

Judy Dench is a national treasure. In a class all by herself. Gets more beautiful every year. She delivers this song perfectly.

[@kaylouisecook366]

Brilliant! judy Dench! perfection!

[@iseeolly9959]

RIP the master

[@DocPortland]

She has such a commanding stage presence it's chilling!

[@cscottzimnamaste]

Definitive. THE rendition of Sondheim"s classic. Brava, Dame Judy, Brava!

[@cresceceliomabanta5626]

still at awe with her.. her command in the stage is astounding.. now this is what you call a DAME

[@Turmalin000]

He wrote the anthem of my life. He died on my birthday. Rest in peace, the creator of the most beautiful ballad of my life...Every birthday I will listen and shed a tear in honor of you our dear...,🌿

[@iseeolly9959]

Happy / sad birthday my friend. xx

[@Turmalin000]

@@iseeolly9959 Thank you so much...🌿

[@Nancy6797]

Perfection.

[@deegavin]

Phenomenal, once again. I never understood this song until I heard Judi Dench sing it. I believe that singing is for a lifetime. I love the character in children's voices and I am equally enamored of the aging voice. So much beauty in the individuality of the human voice. Of course, it is inspiring to hear a singer with great technique and vocal prowess, but I am equally inspired by purity and truth in singing.

[@mayemcdonald9111]

What a wonderful comment. Singing is a healing relaxing pleasure. Not everyone has a loud rich voice. Dame Judi made this her own and it is her naturalness and purity that cone through for me. The expressive eyes tell it all.

[@cuchelo1]

"Sorry, my dear." - How can she wring so much emotion out of three little words? How?!

[@rr7firefly]

This is the first time I listen to this song and realize it is actually quite a dramatic monologue set to music. It's an amazing piece of theater.

[@Theshakingfist]

I'm left broken hearted and she smiles as she leaves the stage!

[@TheGarynorman]

Pure perfection!

[@Haleyncasey]

Wow, amazing. Wow, amazing. wow.

[@kirkcather3670]

I seem to love every version of this song. Judy, Judi, Glenn and Carol. Could it just be that Sondheim wrote a masterpiece?

[@richardevans9003]

And Glynis Johns

[@mrsdiana324]

I never knew she could sing she is a wonderful actress one of my absolute favorites

[@firebrandastrologytarotand5502]

wow what a reception she recieved!

[@penelope0427]

Omigod. I'm crying.

[@tsaiss81]

so do i

[@ianburgess1436]

The best version of this song. Brings tears to my eyes

[@mayemcdonald9111]

I am crying......she made me feel deeply..I loved this and I adore all of her works. Thank you.

[@veevintage2619]

You know you deserve to be a Dame when you can deliver a tear rendering performance just sitting down. Wow.

[@Broadwaybuff-pi1qg]

Yes, so right. A lesson in what real musical theatre is. Good singing isn't about the wailing and shrieking and lung-busting that passes for "talent" on those TV singing contest shows. Where being able to hold a note for a long time gets applauded on its own. It's about actually expressing an emotion.

[@MrSwifts31]

I was there,and wonderful Judi was overcome by her (justified) reception,and the embrace from Stephen Sondheim later.

[@johnrylenemiz3300]

Dame Judi is the testament of Sondheim's stated preference of actors who can sing than singers who can act.

[@IC-OLD]

Thumbs DOWN? REALLY!? 😱 The world is lost for sure... This is sò amazing... 🤗❤️😭

[@michellecuevas8137]

Beautiful Judi just Beautiful, such a awesome job.

[@robjack2804]

When the orchestra applaud they, & we, know something special has happened; at one with the music.

[@KingKongFan]

Stunning performance, and so vibrant and gorgeous. A true treasure in every sense of the word.

[@RobertMarinoDiPositano]

Great art is timeless. I am grateful.

[@TheMissingLink1]

This is HER song. She's the only one I've ever seen that has been able to move me to tears.

[@scopex2749]

Dry eyes anyone in 2020?😧😢 THIS is how to sing this song, with a National Treasure putting the feeling into it. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🇬🇧 Amazing for someone one bumped into in Waitrose and gave us her autograph! A lot of celebs walk away or ignore you, she actually took time out (during her shopping) to chat to my wife and I, what a true GEM of a lady🤗 We never knew we lived about a mile away from her for 10 years!😳

[@LordCutlerBeckett]

Such a heartfelt and honest portrayal of this beautiful piece!! Never once did I think she was "acting"!! Amazing!

[@TheAuspicious8]

Thee epitome of ...grace 🌹

[@keepthemusicplaying0]

A standing ovation from me as well !!! Judy isn't a singer, but awwww... she conveys all the passion and deep meaning... thank you!!

[@GoAndStay]

Amazing! A real and rare pleasure

[@billboth6572]

I LOVE Sondheim. He was my favorite modern composer. I cry every time I hear this song.

[@robertclatworthy1857]

A beautiful performance. Thank you Dame Judi, and nice to see our friend David Charles Abell conducting the orchestra.

[@maxpowr90]

You can tell Judi Dench lived this song.

[@ursie1986]

God I was welling up just looking into her eyes before the first note...

[@Obbe79]

Perfection.

[@user-oq5bv8ue4c]

She deserved a standing ovation for that performance. There's nothing like a Dame. God bless you, Judi.

[@ShyyGaladriel]

Daaaaaaaame she's good.

[@kasha1932]

@kasha1932 That "DAME" in front of Judy Dench's name is a very, very great honor. An honor I didn't realize till a few days ago. Queen Elizabeth dubbed her some very important words, but the greatest one for me is this one: She is now considered a NATIONAL TREASURE! Isn't that wonderful? Wish we had an honor similar to that in our wonderful country, the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! BRAVA DAME JUDY DENCH!

[@veroniquesteeno1375]

What a beautiful women !

[@mckavitt13]

Woman

[@DAVIDGOMEZ9]

Great englishwoman performer!....love it !!

[@rainspeaker1]

Oh my god Judi Dench singing Sondheim this is too good to be true.

[@marccross1539]

Absolutely phenomenal rendition of the song with all the emotion it deserves!

[@tjkerr73]

I could listen to her version all day.

[@4musikable]

Elegance and intelligence.

[@paulslaughter1368]

Just wonderful

[@mandragorra]

No more powerful image of despair can be felt than through this song and through her performance.

[@abdulbornio3597]

Human treasure, definitely.

[@bubblegumKUSH]

A perfect song and performance

[@nomore2863]

Beautiful version, perfectly acted and well sung.

[@tonymoore5927]

Wow....NOBODY does it like Judi Dench.......A true gem

[@jaydee8872]

One of the finest musical theater performances in the history of history. Breathtaking ...Sondheim's genius brought heartbreakingly to life

[@scaredy-cat]

A very special song performed by a great performer

[@jmdocs]

Brilliant, moving, a performance so small in scale but so powerful in its impact--I have watched it dozens of times. Which is probably why I eventually noticed--that's the best chair that the Proms could come up with for her?!? It looks like someone forgot and had to run next door to a conference room at the very last minute...but Dame Judi triumphs even over bad office furniture....

[@suesturges6022]

Adore this lady...!!!!!