Regina Resnik - Liaisons from A Little Night Music

Regina Resnik, as Mme. Armfeldt, sings Liaisons in Sondheim's A Little Night Music, 1990.

[@phyllispetras3369]

She is the only opera singer on record who sang soprano, mezzo soprano, and contralto during the course of her career. Nothing stops this woman. She was very wise, many sopranos become stronger in their lower registers as they age but they don't train that part of their voice, so as their higher register weakens, they have nothing to fall back on. Regina was smart and continued to train as her voice changed. She went from a beautiful soprano to a brilliant baritone!

[@coreymulvey6141]

I believe she describes herself as a “smoky baritone” during the intermission interview on this broadcast😅

[@phyllispetras3369]

The CHORDS!!!! How we love Sonheim

[@mattdeans9873]

This performance illustrates why Liasons is in the top 5 of my fave Sondheim songs. Its just a brilliant piece of writing.

[@phyllispetras3369]

GENIUS lyrics!!!

[@Richiesutherland]

Now THIS is an artist!! She knows exactly how to deiver a line for maximum impact. And what a musician, using her (now) baritonal voice subtly. Nothing overdrawn, everything in perfect control. Sings the right notes (!) but doesn't oversing them, and makes you believe, for once, that Mme. Armfeldt really had been a seductive femme fatale. Glorious! Vivat Regina!

[@wilsonwatt9283]

Her strength in this performance may in part be due to her own manaagement of her very, very long performing life. She began as a Verdi soprano; when her higher notes started to be difficult, she took a short break then returned to the stage as a great dramatic mezzo; now she using that long knowledge of her own acting/singing prowess to bring superior life to a great Sondheim character. Brava Regina!

[@alwaysnew189]

Right! She even sang Butterfly (soprano too). She SINGS so effortlessly,and brings the character. Bows to all glorious actresses,but mezzos/altos have conductors and orchestra with them and this makes,well,almost-aria. 🥰

[@scottishphotographer]

Hermione Gingold, who originated this role, was of course sensational... but Resnik makes it her own... and how wonderful to hear Sondheim's exquisite 'Liaisons' actually SUNG!

[@alwaysnew189]

Yes, according to partiture! 🤘

[@tonyparadise7801]

Resnik version will never be topped. She is the best.

[@crazyorganist1609]

Angela Lansbury

[@susanbdusan2785]

Hermione Gingold

[@noahsdad61]

A magnificent, standard-setting performance, with a real sense of character and period. But there is more. I see not just a survivor--there is that--but someone trapped in memories, mourning a lost world, and at a loss in coping with the present. That is poignant enough, but this is also a character who cannot comprehend her daughter's (or anyone's) pursuit of love over material things. That is this character's tragedy, and it takes consummate skill to convey that, as she did. Dazzling.

[@timgriffin3368]

As she realizes in the end that the wooden ring guy could have been the love of her life. I agree.

[@phyllispetras3369]

AH the lyrics, ah the music, ah Sondheim.Thank you precious soul

[@sweeney60]

@sutro77 her voice is almost masculine its so rich, perfect for this song, its brilliant.

[@tonyparadise7801]

Regina Resnik version of this song will never be topped. It's just perfect!

[@michaweinst3774]

"However, they won't be given my best champagne. I'm saving that for my funeral". Simply hilarious

[@terryhammond1253]

Superbly performed. I am certain Sondheim was delighted with her combination of musicality combined with her excellent skills as an actress.

[@alwaysnew189]

Imagine having Met legend amongst Broadway pioneers, crazy 💖 !

[@potroastpig]

This is my favorite production of this musical - I really wish they would release it digitally / on dvd. Regina Resnik is beyond outstanding and stole the show from this incredibly talented cast. To say I’ve been obsessed with her performance would be an understatement.

[@terryhammond1253]

Each word, each note, each gesture delivered to perfection... and always completely natural. What an artist! 🎹

[@sweeney60]

@Richiesutherland she is the only opera singer on record who sang soprano, mezzo soprano, and contralto during the course of her career. Nothing stops this woman. She was very wise, many sopranos become stronger in their lower registers as they age but they dont train that part of their voice, so as their higher register weakens, they have nothing to fall back on. Regina was smart and continued to train as her voice changed. She went from a beautiful soprano to a brilliant baritone!

[@phyllispetras3369]

Thank you Troy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!( ten years later!)LOVED LOVED LOVED your comment!!!!

[@phyllispetras3369]

8/5/21

[@phyllispetras3369]

11/26/21........Rest in Peace Stephen

[@phyllispetras2181]

@@phyllispetras3369 9/3/22

[@alwaysnew189]

🙏☝️

[@CarusoCage]

For me, despite never seeing the show (something I am going to do one day!) there will never be a Madame Armfeldt that is as strong, grand and so enchanting as Regina Resnik. Beautiful voice and take on this song

[@photo161]

In this performance by the great Regina Resnik, the emotions go much deeper...

[@cherylzaneisinsane]

Such a rich interpretation of Liaisons--I can listen to this all day!

[@showtunestarpower]

There are so many lovely interpretations of this song by great actresses. Resnik is equally wonderful. I love hearing the richness of her voice in the song. And still, she retains the wit and the elongated sensuality that the song requires. Pure elegance.

[@phyllispetras3369]

THANK YOU Stephen Sondheim and Regina Resnik!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@spinto12]

i love Miss Resnik's deep, resonant voice! i could listen to her sing and talk all day.

[@RudigerVT]

Having (just) seen Mary Beth Piel, but also Elaine Stritch's final performance in the Broadway revival, this stands as, I think, the finest document. Because first, while this was filmed for broadcast, Resnik was tasked with singing in a cavernous theater (designed for dance, and it's never really worked well for opera). The texture of her performance is astounding and I am sure she filled the house all the way up and back. Singular.

[@sutro77]

We mourn the passing of a truly great performer, an operatic diva of world reknown and a wonderful lady, Regina Resnik 1922-2013

[@phyllispetras2181]

Tears..........even sobbing.........

[@Organgrinder1010]

I've lost track of how many times I've enjoyed watching this jewel!

[@photo161]

The first time ( and I saw the original production twice,) that a performance of this remarkable song has ever actually moved me.

[@pmurraymusic]

A master class in subtlety and vocal effervescence. 27 years later and this is still wonderful.

[@patbnj]

A sublime and unforgettable performance.

[@jamesa.fitzpatrick1566]

Definitive. I have never seen better.

[@oldyoutube7191]

Whoever hollered "Bravo!" ... well said sir!

[@christopheryates5567]

For a woman, however, "Brava" is the correct form of the word.

[@josephg9465]

+Christopher Yates He actually yelled "Brava." :-)

[@lawrencebailey3008]

@@josephg9465 I think it would be appropriate to just yell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lawrencebailey3008]

When Sondheim passes, I know I will burst into tears. He has brought such joy.

[@brucereid5120]

I wish this broadcast were released in full, because it is perfect!! I’d buy it in a second!

[@alandavison327]

The complete show is on KZbin, albeit in sections. I agree, would be nice to have it released officially.

[@mike-gn1wi]

@@alandavison327 There is a full broadcast also on KZbin. It has some noticeable audio delay but honestly not that bad and great from start to finish plus an interview with Sondheim during intermission.

[@relagro]

This is still, and will always be, my favorite cast of this show.

[@copperleaves]

Resnik, as always, is magnificent and bigger than life. Truly operatic! She does justice to both the music and the text.

[@richardmccowenclark2412]

This wonderful Lady is the true personification of Theater and Opera!!!!

[@alwaysblake148]

This is perfection.

[@liesljones5987]

Though Hermione Gingold (B'way) and Margaret Hamilton (tour) each put their distinctive style on the role of Madam Armfeldt, I think opera's Regina Reznick trumps them both in terms of line readings and the fact, even in old age, you believe she could have been the mistress of powerful men in her youth and middle-age. Reznick's mature mezzo dovetails beautifully with the wisdom of this character and the lyrics she sings. Such character! Such musicianship! (She was also excellent in the Lotte Lenya role in the 1987 revival of CABARET). RIP, Great] Lady!

[@CookingWithCarmelo]

LieslJones59 I agree wholeheartedly!! I remember watching this "LIVE" in NY when it aired and had it recorded on VHS! I had the tape for many years and have since lost it. It was treasured and I am so glad that it is on KZbin. It is amazing how precious a performance can be, to lose the recording and then to watch it again online! I always thought that Mme. Reznick's performance was outstanding and spectacular!

[@Paddy818]

+LieslJones59 Beautifully said! What an artist!! Sondheim must have been thrilled to hear the notes as written. The scope of her career is staggering.

[@phyllispetras3821]

YES!

[@Scottsteaux63]

I saw her in the CABARET revival; her duets with Werner Klemperer were simply delicious.

[@stephenrichardhamilton6112]

Once in a while you can experience real magic in the theatre. This is one time in this musical. A truly professional and magic performance is played here by resnik

[@carlfranzensvocalstudio9826]

She is absolutely magnificent

[@sutro77]

Regina Resnik is the all time best in this part and the only actress to actually sing (rather than speak) Liaisons - as requested by Stephen Sondheim

[@taeyeonsnose7003]

she was so brilliant, every line is uttered with such delicious PUNCH

[@SweeneyHyde]

Ah! Danielle Ferland as Fredrieka! What a surprise! That poor girl is always living under the room of interesting Grandmothers! Haha.

[@hongkong42]

I'm obsessed with her. So brilliant.

[@WCaron23001]

I have watched this several times...OMG, what a performance.

[@phyllispetras3369]

I watched this 5 times!!!8/5/21!!!

[@lawrencebailey3008]

Repeated from Troy: She is the only opera singer on record who sang soprano, mezzo soprano, and contralto during the course of her career. Nothing stops this woman. She was very wise, many sopranos become stronger in their lower registers as they age but they don't train that part of their voice, so as their higher register weakens, they have nothing to fall back on. Regina was smart and continued to train as her voice changed. She went from a beautiful soprano to a brilliant baritone! Thank you Troy!!!

[@operabilia]

A pure class act by this legendary diva and first-class performer. Unparalleled, unmatched.

[@alandavison327]

Simply the best Madame Armfeldt to date. THAT VOICE!!! Rich and precise. Perfect delivery.

[@teronuotio2286]

I never get tired of this! Still watching in august 2018.

[@lawrencebailey3008]

August 2019 here!!!

[@wordwatcher9495]

Absolutely transcendent! THE best performance of one of Sondheim’s most brilliant songs. Sung beautifully, acted masterfully. Just perfect.

[@Marvelouscortex]

This memorable recording has of course received additional views of late, in the wake of the recent revival of the musical - last public performance tonight, 1/8/10. Soon, later, now, all we will have are such recordings upon which to recollect and attach whatever feelings it brings to us and we bring to it.

[@noahsdad61]

The writing has such economy--short phrases speak volumes about the tensions in their relationship. Also true of "Glamorous Life" (original, not the movie version).

[@phyllispetras2181]

No words......this is splendid!

[@Melodrama421]

her character just reeks perfectly-timed dry charm. LOVE it!

[@alwaysnew189]

A century!!!

[@davidpenn8930]

Stunning! I've seen Angela Lansbury and Lila Kedrova give brilliant performances, but this is just so well "phrased". It also reminded me how good Hugh Wheeler's "book" is. Thank you for posting this.

[@alwaysnew189]

I adore when opera divas go to another "Fach", marvelous! cahacter!

[@godlessandgay]

So rarely do you actually hear this song sung through. Just singular

[@mazzone1]

Best performance I have ever heard of this scene. Amazing.

[@bigred8432]

My goodness she is just sublime. She is SENSATIONAL

[@phoenixnyc]

Playing around a little with the order. Liaisons comes well before the scene with Desiree and Fredrika; that scene leads into the first act finale, A Weekend in the Country.

[@WCaron23001]

I understand this song as never before.

[@stinkingtruth]

Only just discovered this and am already little bit obsessed.

[@stinkingtruth]

Six months later still watching!!!!!

[@phyllispetras3821]

still watching August 2017.

[@lillybruce]

You are so right about Ms. Resnik - just an exquisite, unmatched performance.

[@waynebrasler]

Resnick was always magnificent, whatever she undertook. A very wise artist! I actually saw Margaret Hamilton as Mme. Armfeldt in Chicago with Jean Simmons in the lead. Hamilton put her own spin on the character and the song, which she performed not seated but before a drawn curtain with an ornate cane. She was riveting! Many years before I met her at the Muny in St. Louis where she was essaying, what else, the Wicked Witch! Before an 11,000 audience nightly! She was so tiny, very much a school teacher in demeanor (she had been a kindergarten teacher), very calm, very sociable and clearly of shining intelligence. What a thrill to meet her and talk with her before she left for her home and a light dinner. Her escort was a very handsome and attentive young man. She was at this point very old. Magic, I decided that evening, does not age.

[@sweeney60]

I would have given anything to see Margaret Hamilton onstage. Truly an underrated talent and personally I think she should have gotten an oscar for the Wizard of Oz.

[@murrayaronson3753]

I too saw Jean Simmons and Margaret Hamilton, but at the late Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles. Both were wonderful, magnificent. Regina Resnik I saw twice, as the Countess in Tchaikovsky's QUEEN OF SPADES, first at the old Metropolitan Opera House and then some years later in San Francisco.

[@mjd4502]

Beautifully said. Regina was an artiste!

[@phyllispetras3821]

Repeated from Troy: She is the only opera singer on record who sang soprano, mezzo soprano, and contralto during the course of her career. Nothing stops this woman. She was very wise, many sopranos become stronger in their lower registers as they age but they don't train that part of their voice, so as their higher register weakens, they have nothing to fall back on. Regina was smart and continued to train as her voice changed. She went from a beautiful soprano to a brilliant baritone!

[@companythemusical]

perfection

[@rockyxbautista]

Regina is the definition of having stage presence and commanding an audience. Her performance here is magical, at some points even hypnotic. Masterclass work. May she rest in peace !!

[@WCaron23001]

What a voice

[@phyllispetras3821]

Thank you so very much, Mr. Sondheim. This is so wonderful......

[@phyllispetras3821]

Mr. Sondheim asked Regina Resnik to sing this part.......

[@wehojm7320]

Phenomenal

[@mecano1us]

Terrible video quality. You forget because of this great performance. Thank you!

[@dale19532]

One of the best performances I've see!

[@mjmacmtenor]

I saw Ms. Resnik once live - around 1980 as Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus at San Diego (with Sutherland and Sills - another story). Despite being a noticeably small woman (think Judy Garland), she was absolutely riveting on stage. She had such presence that you could not take your eyes off her - even when she was seemingly doing notice! I have seen several Mme. Arfeldts (including Glynis Johns - the original Desiree) but none have equalled Resnik. She really SINGS the role and, as a former great Carmen, you get the sense that she could really have been the most desired woman in Europe in her heyday. The other one I would have like to have seen is Sian Phillips in London (most well known as Livia in the I Claudius series).

[@tomsalmon6334]

you know, I was friendly with Regina for about 40 years and she was never as tiny as Judy...she was a good sturdy average or better height...although the rest of what you say is absolutely true. One could not take their eyes off her on stage. She was one of the greatest talents of the 20th century. Wonderful.

[@mariemarchesani1595]

I also knew Regina. She was not short or tiny. She had presence and beauty and a wonderful friend.

[@hongkong42]

She's magnificent

[@noahsdad61]

It will sure be a change of pace from the wholesome roles Miss Lansbury is known for. Then again, she debuted in Gaslight as a saucy maid... Can't wait to see it!

[@theropodia]

She was great way before this. She and her sister were true divas.

[@sutro77]

@scottishphotographer Sondheim asked Resnik to sing the song - she is an opera singer and every other actress who played this part really couldn't sing! Regina Resnik is terrific.

[@wien05]

regina resnik was a great operasinger. and able to play her parts.

[@photo161]

This is a really splendid performance! I adored Herminy Gingold, whom I saw and delighted in in the original production which I saw at least twice. I never thought I would see a better, but I am happily surprised to find I was wrong. Among numerous things that Regine Resnik does so rapturously well, there is the fact that in the formidable remain of her once great voice she finds a way to use her dark, rich chest voice to fill out this haunting melody as no one else ever could. She has a unique ability to keep the words not merely so clearly heard while singing, but so meticulously well-inflected and precise in their meaning, just as much so if she were simply speaking. So in Resnik's performance, you get both Sondheim's evocative tune and his touching and often very funny lyrics, as well.

[@ozzian2000]

This is outstanding! The most unique version I have ever heard.

[@Musicalfantastic]

RIP Mrs Resnik

[@mvcpastkambcstccr8563]

GRANDE ! PERFECT ! BRAAAAAVAAAAA

[@emhrnndz9]

amazing...

[@sweeney60]

Regina Resnik is hysterical!

[@Arkelk2010]

How nice to see Miss Resnick and hear her sing this. I think both Gingold and Resnick do good things with this song as their vocal and acting talents compel. (I haven't heard other interpretations to comment on them.) I'm glad that we have both versions.

[@photo161]

So moving...!

[@actorguy213]

Brava. Simply perfection.

[@misfittoys5873]

oh wow! it's little red!

[@jamesjeraldybalingit6937]

Wonderful! Amazing! Perfect!

[@noahsdad61]

I bought my tickets this week!

[@Robertogee]

Vocally, certainly, and perhaps dramatically, the definitive performance. Resnik's Madame Armfelt is a compelling woman (not girlish): a demanding courtesan of a century ago, certain of her rarefied allure as a polished gem of desire and great price by equally powerful male royals, long gone too. No word muddled or layer lost. Flawless diction, projection and timbre -- true to her character's breeding. Like a fiery diamond, hard . . . surviving . . . heartbreaking to the end. Magnificent.

[@TheophilosPorter]

Certainly not the only one, if the only one on KZbin. I've seen a couple good performances in which it was sung.

[@operabilia]

LOVE it. RIP.

[@1sumiresan2]

Wir ander Wiener Staatsoper hatten sie so geliebt. Eben hatte ich im Morgenjounal gehört, dass sie vor kurzer Zeit verstorben ist. Wir werden sie nie vergessen!

[@lawrencebailey3008]

This is so splendid. I think this entire musical is on YT. Don't get another version!!!!

[@UncleLouie867]

Love her!!

[@FUNCHOMCLALA]

I have not seen any of them live, but what I get out of the videos is: I like all three ladies. Angela is too nice, Elaine is too American. Regina I could watch all day. She's got it right. Grand. Musical. Amusing, but unapproachable. A tigress.

[@amesadamson]

Brilliant!

[@Richiesutherland]

I agree about Maureen Lipman in the London. By the way, the Desirée of the City Opera production was Sally Ann Howes.

[@alandavison327]

Lovely performance from Howes except she over sings Send in the Clowns. Other than that, perfect!

[@michaelbradley7595]

The ultimate version of this song. Glynis John's version is so lacking compared to the smokey depth of Miss Resniks wondrous intepretation. Her voice is a delight of age and sophistication both wistful and poetic.

[@potroastpig]

Glynis didn't play her in the original production that was actually Hermoine Gingold. Glynis played the lead Desiree

[@michaelbradley7595]

@@potroastpig Glynis did the part in a revival also on youtube.

[@potroastpig]

@@michaelbradley7595 oops totally forgot that - ignore my comment lol

[@phyllispetras2181]

2:50❤❤❤❤❤❤❤