Sondheim teaches Send In The Clowns

Stephen Sondheim teaches a student from the Guildhall School of Music, London a fragment of 'Send in the Clowns'

[@ighdesigns]

As a teacher, I am blown away by his perfectly pitched critique. What a genius.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

gush much?

[@ighdesigns]

@@Marcel_Audubon No, not much, just when it is deserved. What’s wrong? Aren’t you getting enough pats on the head?

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@@ighdesigns this ain't about me, sister - (weak redirection attempt deflected) - it's about you gushing like a fire hydrant. BLOWN AWAY!! PERFECTLY PITCHED!! and, of course, GENIUS!!! damn! I'm embarrassed FOR you ... so much groveling in so few words

[@ighdesigns]

@@Marcel_Audubon Yeah, but I didn’t use exclamation points or capital letters to pretend my remark is “important”. Are you a failson? Why are you so bitter and resentful?

[@hermannsteinpilz4581]

Schubert was a genius. Sondheim was a hack.

[@almostfm]

Two things I picked up watching this clip: 1) Sondheim is very good at being able to get across the points he's trying to make without coming across like a martinet (and there are more than a few of those in music and theater). 2) Jaye Griffiths has a wonderful voice, but I think she shows why this song can be particularly hard for a young person to "get". This is one of those songs that doesn't gain it's full meaning for the performer unless he or she has been beaten up a little by life.

[@Mr.Swankly]

I enjoyed these insightful comments and find them to be very spot on. Would love to get your take on Bryan Ferrys new version off of Avonmore (it's on youtube) Besides the music, how do you find the delivery and phrasing?

[@dkmi]

Your comment reflects my feelings exactly. He's certainly meticulous, but his direction was right. There are a lot of people with great voices, but what separates a great performer from a good singer are the nuances he is teaching here. It's important.

[@almostfm]

One thing I'm thinking is that "ought to be clowns" (as opposed to "oughto be clowns") is more important on stage than if you're recording. The annunciation gets a little lost in a theater, and it makes separating those words more critical. In a way, it's similar to speaking on the radio vs. in normal conversation-because of all of the signal processing that happens to a broadcast signal, a voice can sound flat and indistinct unless you stress things a little more than normal speech. But that's all part of learning the craft-knowing what you need to do to get the end product to sound right.

[@TomCatFromMA]

I know people who still say "please" to their own spouse. Is that asking too much of him in this context?

[@xtusvincit5230]

He was a perfect gentleman and explained carefully why he was asking what he was asking her to do. In an interaction with a zillion directions, it would be ridiculous to say please all throughout. He was very generous and gentle with her. You could not ask for more.

[@davidkiffer2453]

Gotta give the young woman credit. Singing the song as Sondheim stares at her, watching her every inflection and then gently correcting her. Just beautiful.

[@JMCNYC79]

Sondheim is such a sweet guy and giving person. What a wonderful man and so talented.

We all would

[@HomeAtLast501]

He was paid to come in and teach a class.

[@christophercobb249]

It doesn't mean he would naturally be so kind as a teacher or so giving of his wisdom. Not all teachers are equally capable of this. The original comment is valid and should be uplifted.

[@HomeAtLast501]

It doesn't mean he wouldn't be so kind as a teacher or so giving of his wisdom. He had every incentive to do so, as it's his personal reputation, and it's all being filmed. @@christophercobb249

[@jaime4022]

@@HomeAtLast501what an ignorant comment. How many paid professors suck at what they’re doing?

[@FoxyStealth]

She has tremendous composure singing in front of Sondheim. Her voice isn't shaking. Incredible.

[@harmoniabalanza]

she's in professional training. she's prepared.

[@Tphilpott1]

She sits there, so placidly accepting instruction. Phrase by phrase she enlarges the insights of the man who created the song, who heard it in his own mind before it was ever heard by another. She did well.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

😆 lol he only offered 2 suggestions and she missed the first one 3 separate times - how us that doing well?

[@benedictearlson9044]

@@Marcel_Audubon Here's a suggestion Marcel, get a life and stop dick-swinging on youtube comments.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@@benedictearlson9044 sorry, Benny, baby - you're not the gatekeeper of youtube comments, no matter how crudely you put it! Imagine having an ego so bloated you think you have been appointed to curate the youtube comments section! 🤣😂🤣

[@IHeartAtx]

​@Marcel Audubon she's a student. She did well to be coachable and put the art ahead of her ego.

[@IHeartAtx]

When I was 18, my vocal coach and I butted heads on where I should take a breath in a line from a Schubert aria- can't remember which one. There was a rest at the end of thr measure and I was trying to add in a pause for dramatic effect. She had to bust me down a little for me to listen. I remember her telling me something like, "You think you know better than Schubert, where he wanted you to breathe?!"

[@reallyharried]

Sondheim's comment about her having to make up for his mistake by emphasizing "next" in next year, going against the musical setting of the text, as it were, was very enlightening. Thank you so much for posting this.

[@jkta97]

It also goes into the idea that not every word that is accented or lengthened is operative.

[@chookaschookas444]

Oh to have attended masterclasses like this. When you see the creator of material worrying about every little nuance and consonant, it reminds you that he or she has spent a long time finding the right word or note or whatever, and that it is to be performed with that in mind. Brilliant man

[@steveb1164]

He was so gentle (but firm) in his corrections of performers. It's too bad others weren't like him. When Pamela Myers sang a wrong not while recording "Another Hundred People" for the "Company cast LP, he didn't scream, he didn't yell...he simply walked up to her privately, showed her the music, and pointed out her mistake, saying "it's slowly becme an E, so be aware of it. A wonderful, exact, lovely man.

[@rtyulmn]

She has a golden voice

[@Erictheeviltwin]

When he smiles I could just burst with gratification - he's lovely :-)

[@gabeysf]

Sad to lose such a genius. Rest in peace.

[@bananabrooks3836]

Resting in peace ain't my idea of heaven.

[@LauraIsabellaSoprano]

May his memory be a blessing. What a marvelous man.

[@beatonthedonis]

That student became a pretty well-known TV actress in the UK.

[@calilovett2063]

I'd sell my soul for a workshop with Sondheim...

[@mandywhittles]

same!

[@annroylance773]

Yes, Stephen wrote this gorgeous song specifically for Glynis Johns who won a Tony for playing Desiree on Broadway. She had this great almost gravelly voice, so wasn’t much of a singer, but one heck of an actress! He wanted the song simple, but the emotion to come through. (I was privileged to work with him rehearsing for the National Company)

[@Mxyzptlksac]

I read Glynis has a respiratory problem (she’s still living) and could sing crystal clear but not sustain long notes. So he wrote this to accommodate that.

[@adielizasmith]

oh my goodness gracious you were so lucky to be able to do that!!!

[@steveb1164]

With due respect to Judy Collins and Sinatra, NOBODY sang this song like Glynis Johns. She acted it...others just sing it.

[@lucysmith594]

@@steveb1164Judi Dench did a superb interpretation at the Royal Albert Hall. Heartbreaking. You have to bed a certain age/maturity to do this sing IMO

[@Caroux84]

I wish that I had a recording of this girl singing this song in it's entirety. She is so wonderful

[@aemuth8235]

Jaye Griffiths - great actress! I’ve seen her in a few UK shows, love her

[@LillyBunnyBoo]

Lol

[@MintyCanRead]

I've heard so many recordings of this song, but there's a beautiful simplicity and clarity and wisdom in this girl's voice. Love it!

[@petergmo63]

It was recorded at LWT studios on 9th May, 1984. I was there! Sondheim worked with various Guildhall students including Jacqui Dankworth. I remember speaking to him afterwards and finding him very charming.

[@RansomedSin]

I wish I could listen to her singing the whole song.

[@randigrogan]

I can honestly say I agree, she has a beautiful voice and one can't take that away. I agree I was 38 when I lost my husband thru illness and I can tell you that song hits you and makes you reevaluate your own life.

[@johnsrabe]

Thanks for sharing your story. When I was a kid I thought it was a ridiculous song. Now, at 55, after lots of loss and - luckily - lots of love, I get it. Hope you’re doing okay.

[@Scherzo567]

could you imagine the pressure on this performer, having to sing the music of a great living composer while he is sitting a few feet away from her? this singer is incredible. i wouldn't even be able to breathe in her situation, much less sing so beautifully!!!

[@abnunga]

She's Jaye Griffiths, everyone who's asking.

[@janeteholmes]

Yes, yes she is. I am an idiot.

[@sfoster.23]

Recognised her instantly as Elle from Casualty 😂

[@surfercharlie25]

How intimidating... singing a song in front of the lyricist! Even if he hadn't written the lyrics, it's Sondheim... mind-blowing thought! And as for his strictness... come on, he wrote the song. He knows how it should sound more than anybody here, and he knows how to get it.

[@eaglepose1]

I just love watching him! Can you imagine this guy -- he's watched probably hundreds of singers work on this song, and still he sees each person, each little thing they have to offer. He appears to see this song fresh, to approach it with delight, each time! Amazing... And, oh...I found myself sooo envious... if only...

[@thedustwhispered]

I honestly like this girl's take on it more than any other singer.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

you like the take of a fetus singing lyrics about "this late in my career"? 😆😆😆

[@thedustwhispered]

@@Marcel_Audubon i wrote this conment NINE YEARS AGO. leave me alone.

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@@thedustwhispered it's pretty easy to be left alone, dearie: don't leave your misguided comments strewn all over the internet - whether they're nine minutes or NINE YEARS old, they're equally ill conceived

[@thedustwhispered]

@@Marcel_Audubon okay weirdo, whatever makes you feel alive

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@@thedustwhispered laughing at the laughable makes me feel alive. Consider yourself laughed at. 🤣😂🤣

[@kaelnyria]

This is a master class - the point is for him to be picky - otherwise what's the point of doing it? I would love to be picked apart by Sondheim!

[@harmoniabalanza]

you cannot be the best unless you are taught by the best and the teacher goes as far as he can with every single correction. You have to want to be perfect from the get go--there is no room for insecurity or ego.

[@harmoniabalanza]

God is in the details.

[@muser7988]

She wasn’t being picked apart. She was getting incredible constructive feedback from a genius

[@ericdreizen1463]

I didn't see her name, but she's a wonderful singer, as u would have to be to get into this legendary school, without which there might never have been The Beatles.

[@PatriceFitzgerald]

@@ericdreizen1463 I see below that her name is Jaye Griffiths, and she's a British actress who has had a serious career. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaye_Griffiths

[@Bill.R.124]

Wonderful! His teachings transcend to speaking. I'm appalled at people speaking publically (informally or formally) who throw away words, without articulating them and realized (duh!!) this is the very first time someone is hearing this particular few sentences or speech. My peers in my PhD program would often describe their doctoral work (very esoteric, complicated topics) as if they were reading a grocery list quickly. (These were often gatherings of each cohort and several faculty who we often had not met before). I always felt that my classmates missed the "opportunity" to emphasize their work, and even more, to allow their audience to listen, understand, and process their statements. Perhaps it's my short time doing theater, but I spoke slower, with intention, and proper emphasis and clarity on the important words. I think it made all the difference. Enough about me, Steve was the greatest!

[@literallyallthingsonice]

That girl is treading on Holy ground.. and doing a beautiful job. I love, love, Sondheim so much. What a wonderful person and artist.

[@davidbauschard622]

Sondheim shows his true genius here, the attention to detail in telling the story is absolutely magical!!!! Thanks for sharing this gem!! ☮️❤️

[@jorgedossantospessoajr.5012]

Her voice is so wonderful!!!

[@karenmccants1439]

What a beautiful voice she has.

[@labellamaffia]

It’s amazing to see the depth of thought that goes into these songs. It really distinguishes between writing a pop song and writing a song that has to actually be ‘performed’

[@maisiesummers42]

The corrections Sondheim makes are small things, but their impact is huge. Tiny subtle shifts that change the emotion of the song. It's beautiful.

[@gwyneths3048]

Rest In Peace you absolute legend

[@TheKissyfer]

I love this! This shows the hard, meticulous work that goes into creating a beautiful song and Broadway show! Getting a critique from the top people in the field is truly an honor :-)

[@KT-sq2ml]

Can you even imagine being in the same room with Sondheim, let alone having him critique you while performing? I’d be shaking in my shoes, but so honored to hear his suggestions.

[@ffles]

he looks like someone who actually cares about the students rather than being angsty , bravo!

Jesus, what a gift this guy has given us. As expert a craftsmen lyricist he is, his focus is always on the music. The 'counter melody' played over the main melody is what gives this such melancholy, bittersweet sadness. Its what made it such a hit! And his directions to the singer here...ALWAYS about the music...always. Not to mention, could there be a more benevolent and wise teacher? Damn! Her giggle at the end brought tears! Lucky, lucky girl. Thank you Mr Sondheim...I rediscover you every so often, and, much like Beethoven, I am always grateful.

[@Sequitorian]

Advice to KZbin uploaders: Never, ever, cut off the applause; let it play out to the end.

[@Gnerdgal]

God I love Sondheim. Seeing him teach is amazing. And such a beautiful song. One of the most talented men I've ever seen.

[@AtLastOnTheGround]

I really like this girl, she has a simple prettiness to her voice and she doesn't try to over-act the song. It must be SO nerve-racking to be singing for the best musical composer/lyricist.

[@Caroux84]

To those of you who seem to think that Mr. Sondheim is rude, egotistical, arrogant, etc. you need to learn who this man is. He is the father of modern theater. He has every right, privilege and obligation to be a perfectionist. He's a genius. I would kill to have even 1 lesson with this brilliant man.

[@rfrolicarts]

It really warms my heart to watch such a kind teacher at work.

[@faviv]

Very old video. Sondheim a charming man and not at all rude.

[@dottiewest385]

My favorite song. She sang it beautifully.

[@markrossington6884]

Genius! So kind to the performer. Yet so gracious to give her real constructive criticism. How could you not love this guy in a master’s class?

[@ShannonNfromCT]

Sondheim’s grasp on human nature is astounding

[@cundie1]

She has a really beautiful voice

[@larryo1964]

His look at the end when she nailed it is wonderful.

[@johansiebers3579]

What a fabulous example of teaching delivery and in general attention to detail and to getting it right. Cosmic.

[@stevewaters449]

Having seen Jaye in many productions over the years, I didn't realise how lovely is her voice. 🥰 Beautiful herself, as well.

[@MetuNtr]

And what an encouraging and gentle instructional nature. I'd love to be a student of his for one month.

[@oly_olympiadis]

I love how kind he was when giving advice and instructions

[@janepahr]

The last time through she really relaxed and wow!!! Love the fact that she was real...really

[@emcd6707]

she is an incredible singer and he is the most talented man who has ever lived

[@usaneebeilles9510]

Stephen Sondheim His music brings so much joy, and Inspiration to many people. My admiration, and respect. RIP "Mr. Stephen Sondheim" You'll always be missed.

[@hecolink]

I would be absolutely terrified/thrilled to sing Sondheim in front of Sondheim!

[@langlade100]

Lovely singing - and a lovely lesson from the Maestro!

[@miltsar]

Sondheim is brilliant....the young woman is perfect....thanks for posting this

[@kirinrex]

I love Stephen Sondheim. I love to see him teaching in these videos.

[@thefinalfrontear]

oh to have stephen sondheim look proudly at me while i sing 🥺

[@hydranjablooms9093]

what a lovely, sweet man 💕 i've been trying to sing this song with the right emotions, and so.. here i am.. taking notes from this video 😊

[@OlderMoi]

Sondheim's grin is that of a genius!

[@laytonjones2093]

What an awesome teacher

[@spikemoe1]

@tryingtobeNaboo It is not awkward one bit. He is teaching not only the girl, but everyone else in the room. After all, it is an acting school. Stephen Sondheim is one of the most influential, imposing, and charismatic people one might meet.

[@HarryStucklermendotcom]

I could listen to it over and over again. Merci.

[@uzubegroup]

Sondheim was Such a creative talent ..RIP

[@exdemocrat9038]

Rest easy Stephen.

[@robtudor3785]

This coaching would be priceless. RIP Sondheim 😢

[@noahsdad61]

Vous etes tellement gentil(le) de me donner tous ces details! Merci encore!

[@galaxeofstars]

lovely clip - with the wonderful Jaye Griffiths. Wonderful actress. Saw her in Othello (Cheek by Jowl) and she was outstanding. Good on Stage and TV (very rare!)

[@julienh7645]

Rest in peace, benevolent man..

[@andrewball5111]

Lovely to admit his mistake when writing the song he placed the accent on Year rather than Next and it should be the other way.

[@GavinBorchert]

Her final "next" was ... perfection ...

[@IanRob2011]

RIP Stephen Sondheim

[@mmcarberry]

Any chance there is a recording of Jaye Griffeths singing the song in its entirety? Her voice is beautiful and the instruction by Sondheim, I find, is so perfect. As a teacher I am mesmerized and marvel at the way he describes the subtleties and nuances of the song to this talented singer.

[@moyadapne]

she nailed it with 3 secs to spare! a pleasurable interlude. thanks. this must go back a ways?

[@leslieackerman4189]

Great teacher, genius composer, super genius lyricist. She deserves a monument.

[@helllbo3213]

Thank you! Great song forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dear Mr. Sondheim, thank you!

[@ToxicPopsicle]

I couldn't imagine singing Sondheim in front of Sondheim. Talk about pressure. And she did marvelous.

[@livetheatre7463]

I agree...the voice is quite nice. She is a young performer here and singing a song well beyond her years...she does a great job.

[@yassarkhattak6702]

Rest in Peace sir...you will be missed :(

[@falstaff63]

No one singer is free to interpret as HE/SHE wish if the composer could teach them personally, (even the musical director.) This singers are very lucky to have the help of the composer, and, oh my God, such a composer!!!

[@aprildixon9174]

What pressure and what a blessing for this programmer to get this advise.

[@aprildixon9174]

proformer that is

[@HikariDragonRyuu]

I've performed in workshops with several professional singers and songwriters, and very few of them were as patient as Sondheim was. He's there to workshop the girl's performance, not tell her how great she already is.

[@dantean]

Like god come down from the heavens to help work with you on a project.

[@janicemckelvey7096]

I'm watching this Guildhall School series again because I still feel so sad at his passing, and these give me solace...his legacy lives on in so many incredible ways.

[@deadpoolnerd]

I feel the best rendition of this song has to honestly be Dan Castellaneta as Crusty the clown. You hear the pain in his voice while singing.

[@denisesalles7248]

What a poised young woman - took and acted on his feedback. I don't think I realized how much art is present in music, as in "painting" the words and melody. Beautiful.

[@CamilleGarriga]

Absolutely in love with both of them. Jaye Griffiths has the voice of an angel.

[@itdoesntmatter56789]

Who is this young person.She does, in my opinion, have a wonderful voice.

[@kasidydevlin965]

itdoesntmatter56789 www.imdb.com/name/nm0341694/

[@hindsightpov4218]

She’s very pretty, as well.

[@TomCatFromMA]

Thanks for this insane upload! 🏆 You are phenomenal. 🌹

[@POLITIMICOST]

She's so calm! I'd have been scared $#itless singing in front of the master...

[@robinctfm]

great teacher

[@johncrawfordpiano]

Beautiful singing from Jaye Griffiths, even if she missed the two "t"s between "ought" and "to"!

[@petergmo63]

Jaye Griffiths. Since then Jaye has had a very successful career on TV. Most recently she played Dr.Elizabeth Croft in the daytime soap, `Doctors'.

[@sawiwixo95]

if i was her, i would be dying of happiness in my seat.

[@harmoniabalanza]

If you were she, you wouldn't be saying "if I was her." Therein lies the difference.

[@proman84]

Sondheim's value as teacher comes precisely from his uncompromising insight. That's why this girl is here. He's not being rude. He is nothing but kind and giving to her. When you deal with a man who is as much of a master of his medium you as Sondheim is, his guidence becomes invaluable.

[@ChrisB802]

Jaye Griffiths performs this with the skill of an actress and the natural voice of a singer. Few performers achieve this with any song. Lotte Lenya for one, maybe Liza minelli, Julie Covington.

[@arthurathanassiou3948]

Is that her name .? She is wonderful

[@LillyBunnyBoo]

Oh, please. She’s ineffectual