There were some real low moments in the Oscars but there were some magical moments as well.
There was a stunning performance by Lady Gaga in tribute to the 50th anniversary of the movie, "The Sound of Music". And best of all, at the end of it, Julie Andrews herself came to the stage! My goodness, I love Julie Andrews. No one can sing those songs like Julie Andrews and Lady Gaga must know that too, as I felt that her style of singing was almost a direct imitation of Julie Andrews. And I find nothing wrong with that whatsoever! Thank you, Lady Gaga! Wonderful to have someone to sing these songs that I adore with such an obvious respect.
One thing though, and maybe I missed it...but was there any mention of the songwriters? It seems strange to me that Julie Andrews was there to present an award for songwriting, and there was the beautiful tribute from Lady Gaga and not one word about the songwriting duo of Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein! Is there some legal reason for this? I am only asking since I have such great respect for songwriters.
I didn't see the awards, but a coworker gave an enthusiastic review of Lady Gaga's performance.
ReplyDeleteWe grew up listening to records of Rogers and Hammerstein musicals - as composer and lyricist they are, to me, inseparable from the scores. How can anybody mention one without the other?
(The sign in your photo fascinates me. It calls Mr. Hammerstein a "lyrist" - do they mean he played the lyre? Or is it a misprint of "lyricist"?)
Hope you are staying warm in your neck of the woods! :)
Hey Sue!
DeleteI asked Richard to take that photo for me when we were in London. It is at Southwark Cathedral. And I also wondered about "lyrist" but if you look it up, it says : 1) A person who plays the lyre 2) a lyric poet.
I think that Oscar Hammerstein qualifies for that second one!
We are concerned about possible snow tomorrow. Wish us luck!
I agree, Kay! It was magical! Absolutely magical. She did a phenomenal job. Doesn't Julie Andrews look great-she is 79!!!! I wondered if it saddened her a bit to think she could no longer sing like she did.
ReplyDeleteThere was no mention of the songwriters at all. Maybe they figured everyone knew because of the age of the music.
I thought the Selma tribute was very touching, too. John Legend is just amazing. xo Diana
I thought I might have missed hearing about Rodgers & Hammerstein since I was marveling over how great Julie Andrews looked!! It is sad about Julie's throat operation but we still have that voice recorded.
DeleteI really liked the Selma tribute too, imagine being there and hearing that live! That would have been incredible.
I agree with everything you said too, Kay! I was frankly shocked with Lady Gaga. I have to confess that I've never heard her sing before. I just know of her outlandish outfits. But wow! That was really, really amazing! She is super talented! I've always loved Julie Andrews and my heart breaks for her every time I think of how she can no longer sing. And yes, that's weird they never mentioned Rogers and Hammerstein.
ReplyDeleteI did know that she was a serious musician and singer. That is why I have always wondered why she chooses to do the things that she does!
DeleteLove Julie Andrews, I just adore her, everything about her!
Have you ever seen her in Victor, Victoria? She is funny too!
Yes, I did. She was great!
DeleteJulie Andrews and The Sound of Music - Magic! It was always the film of choice for our family at Christmastime when Kate was small. I don't think a Christmas went by without that film until she was at least 12! By the way Kay - when do we start our walks up Stone Mountain? It has been a long winter without them!
ReplyDeleteHey Pat!
DeleteHere's an English expression for you....Chance would be a fine thing!!
I really want to get to Stone Mountain, and I hope to get there as soon as I can. I will wave to you when I reach the top, look out for it! xx
I know all the songs by heart from The Sound of Music, every single one!!
It may be that they simply never thought about it, as if everyone already knows. It would be nice to mention them.
ReplyDeleteMust be some kind of legal thing, I don't know. Seemed strange that no one seemed to think about it or notice it.
DeleteI've not followed the Academy Awards, but like you, I think composers should be honoured even more than the interpreters - they came up with the song in the first place!
ReplyDeleteYou know I have a kind of thing about songwriters and well, writers in general! You will remember the post that I did about Oscar Hammerstein, I am sure! :-)
DeleteYes, of course; it's not that long ago :-)
DeleteNo idea I am afraid! xx
ReplyDeleteOh well, maybe we will be told eventually.
DeleteLady Gaga did a marvelous job of cleanly singing the Sound of Music medley. She did not embellish the notes or try to wow us with her own vocal abilities. Truly less is more.
ReplyDeleteI know! I did a post about the Super Bowl and I had the John Legend video of him singing "America The Beautiful" and he sung it just like Ray Charles, similar to Lady Gaga singing like Julie Andrews. Don't try to improve on perfection, I say.
DeleteVery surprised by the video. Didn't think L.G. had it in her to sing like that. Good effort.
ReplyDeleteOh good, I am l am glad you liked the video. I looked at several clips before selecting this one, I thought it had the best sound quality.
DeleteI am not a big Lady Gaga fan, but if I like something, I say so! :-)
I was blown away by the Gaga performance. I'm not a huge fan when she wears ridiculous things to get attention, etc. and I'm not terribly fond of her music. But this was so amazing! I've rewatched it several times! (And have you seen Gaga's fiance ~ he's so handsome! SWOON!)
ReplyDeleteWe are so alike, Audrey! See my comment above to Bob in Scotland!
DeleteAnd funny thing, I just looked up her fiancé today, since I didn't know who it was and yes, he is very good looking! :-)
I loved Lady Gaga's performance. I'm so happy it was done with such beauty and grace on her part. It was wonderful to see Julie Andrews and she looked great! The sad part is I don't think she can sing anymore. I think there was a health issue with her vocal cords. I could be wrong, but I don't think so. The Ashland high school performed the Sound of Music this past weekend. They are building a new auditorium and this was the last musical presentation for the old...and I do mean old...building. Good timing since it's the 50th anniversary.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was an operation that went wrong, I think. Of course, our hero Julie Andrews is always going to put a positive spin on it, as she does with everything in her life! I love her! Beauty and grace...yes that is perfect for this performance by Lady Gaga and beauty and grace herself came out at the end to give her a big hug!
DeleteWas the production of The Sound of Music well attended? I hope so, if they need a new building!
Yes, that was quite a moment. :) Lady Gaga's new fiancee is a bit of a hottie, too...Taylor Kinney...one of the stars of the TV series "Chicago Fire". They've been together four years. She's not just a young woman who dress in outlandish costumes...she is an artist...she can sing. :)
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