What's left for singers who already have Carnegie Hall under their belts? The Metropolitan Opera. Except it's not that easy for non-classical performers. On January 20, 2006, Barbara Cook--a Carnegie habitué, where sh... more »e performed, for instance, her Sondheim tribute--became the first cabaret singer to perform at the Met as part of the house's regular season. It's a fitting choice: Cook, after all, is acknowledged as one of the very finest interpreters of the American Songbook. Backed simply by a quintet, the 78-year-old singer is at the top of her game, and even if her voice has lost its smooth luster, it's not about crystalline purity anymore, but about a woman filling every word and breath with decades of experience. She starts off with a tweaked version of Sweet Charity's "If They Could See Me Now" ("If they could see me now, that little gang of mine/Standing where Domingo sings with James Levine") then goes down an impeccable list of standards, most of which she's recorded before (but hey, it's gotta be classics at the Met). Cook is joined by two guests (Elaine Stritch was also at the show but isn't on the CD): Audra McDonald (sounding a little less smooth than usual on the solo "When Did I Fall in Love?" but recovering nicely for a duo with Cook on "Blue Skies") and Josh Groban (a lovely rendition of Sondheim's "Not While I'm Around" on his own, and another Sondheim piece, "Move On," with Cook). --Elisabeth Vincentelli« less
What's left for singers who already have Carnegie Hall under their belts? The Metropolitan Opera. Except it's not that easy for non-classical performers. On January 20, 2006, Barbara Cook--a Carnegie habitué, where she performed, for instance, her Sondheim tribute--became the first cabaret singer to perform at the Met as part of the house's regular season. It's a fitting choice: Cook, after all, is acknowledged as one of the very finest interpreters of the American Songbook. Backed simply by a quintet, the 78-year-old singer is at the top of her game, and even if her voice has lost its smooth luster, it's not about crystalline purity anymore, but about a woman filling every word and breath with decades of experience. She starts off with a tweaked version of Sweet Charity's "If They Could See Me Now" ("If they could see me now, that little gang of mine/Standing where Domingo sings with James Levine") then goes down an impeccable list of standards, most of which she's recorded before (but hey, it's gotta be classics at the Met). Cook is joined by two guests (Elaine Stritch was also at the show but isn't on the CD): Audra McDonald (sounding a little less smooth than usual on the solo "When Did I Fall in Love?" but recovering nicely for a duo with Cook on "Blue Skies") and Josh Groban (a lovely rendition of Sondheim's "Not While I'm Around" on his own, and another Sondheim piece, "Move On," with Cook). --Elisabeth Vincentelli
Wm Reeves Gilmore | houston, texas United States | 06/13/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If the Fates told me I could only have one Barbara Cook recording in the afterlife, it would be this one. Most of the tracks have been recorded by Ms Cook before, some several times; however, this incarnation is reminiscent of a fine single-malt Scotch that first excites the senses then settles into a mellow and pleasurable experience. Here is a compilation of most of my favorites. I don't really need to listen to the other recordings, but I will. The voice just gets richer and richer with the passage of time.
Audra and Josh, the newcomers, are welcomed additions to the recording. Quite simply, this recording is a pleasure and a treasure."
What A Treat!
Fan | Michigan-USAMichigan-United States | 06/11/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"At 78 years of age Barbara can still sing -- I knew nothing about her until performances with Josh Groban (Hollywood Bowl 2005). Her introduction to Josh and duet with him ("Move On") are fabulous. I especially love "Not While I'm Around" -- the range of Mr. Groban's voice is amazing, magical, etc! Audra McDonald is also good and many of Barbara's songs are just enjoyable to listen to (Errol Flynn, It Might As Well Be Spring, Nashville Nightingale, etc). Barbara's interaction with Josh, Audra and audience are wonderful. For a live performance, this CD is definitely one of the best I've heard. Eric Stern on piano adds an additional thumbs up!"
Barbara Cook, Josh Groban & Audra McDonald
Bruce Aguilar | Hollywood, CA | 06/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was lucky enough to be there for the actual concert and I can honestly say that this CD makes me feel like I am there all over again. Ms. Cooks voice is as impeccable as ever, cutting to the emotional heart of each song. Yes we've heard Ms. Cook sing most of these in the past, but the extra special setting of the Metropolitan Opera infused Ms. Cook (and the entire evening) with an added spark that was palpable and clearly evident on this recording. This is not to be missed.
My only complaint is that Elaine Stritch's performances were not included on this recording as the two really played well off each other. But no worries the duets with Audra McDonald and Josh Groban are also very compelling. Listen especially to the duet with Josh Groban which is acted so well by both. It's songs like this that make me wish Barbara could be in a musical again."
DAMN!!!!
Hannah Clark | 06/16/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I just got my Barbara Cook "Live At The Met" CD yesterday, and I was totally blown away! Incredible talent! And I love the two Josh Groban songs on here too. His voice is just amazing! You should go out and get this CD. You'll be surprised!"
Barbara is even more incredible than ever!
fivemile13 | Webster, New York USA | 06/30/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have seen Miss Cook live on 3 occasions and she just keeps getting better! Her voice is crystal clear in this recording. Her interpretation of "This Nearly Was Mine" is sheer perfection. She is engaging as always, bringing the audience right in with her. Audra McDonald is great, especially duetting with Barbara, and Josh Groban is incomparable. His solo and the duet with Barbara are fantastic. Barbara is extremely expressive throughout the recording: serious, fun, contemplative. Yes, we've heard many of these before, but they continue to be fresh and enjoyable. And this time Barbara admits it is she playing the kazoo (incorrectly cued as part of the next number). The packaging has great pictures, but can be a bit vague. Can we assume Jay Berliner was playing the banjo? A picture of Marcus Rojas with Barbara (a great honor for just the one tuba duet with Barbara), but no picture of music director Eric Stern? And no labeling of composers or shows in the liner notes? As a plus, we do get Barbara's personal comments. But this sort of thing makes me long for an old vinyl album, where there was tons of room for pictures and notes and credits. This recording is a must-have for your Barbara Cook collection, and really, for any collection of excellent vocalists. Barbara is the only non-classical singer ever presented at the Met, and the first soloist in 20 years. I wish this concert could have been done with orchestra, but the small group of sensitive musicians makes the recording very intimate."