Instead of my usual Wednesday night routine (sitting on the couch and reading comics, possibly with a box of Wheat Thins nearby), we went to a pops symphony concert at the university. It was a nice change of pace, and I can always listen to the overture from Gypsy, especially when it’s played this well. (The Pittsburgh Symphony is quite a group of musicians.)
One thing, though: I think a pretty, well-trained singing voice is actually a detriment to properly selling Stephen Sondheim’s “Send in the Clowns.” If you’re worried about hitting the notes and sustaining your breathing and rounding tones and such, you’re missing the point. The song is served better by a voice with some miles on it and a performer who’s more actor than singer, like Glynis Johns. (Also, just because you’re technically proficient at the piano doesn’t mean that this particular number needs any embellishment. I think Sondheim wrote precisely as many notes as the song needs.)
Okay, two things: As mortifying as I find songs from Phantom of the Opera, they’re even worse in a concert setting.
All in all, it was a pleasant evening. Unfortunately, 90 minutes of Broadway standards still weren’t able to completely dislodge the song that’s currently running through my head. It’s the closing-credits song from the Fruits Basket anime, and it’s got a death grip on my mental soundtrack.