The heart is slow to learn

[Bric]

I don't love the lyrics in any of the song's versions, but the melody is beautiful, and Kiri Te Kanaway sings it wonderfully!

[ElMusicologo2000]

I think the lyrics in this version are much more moving than the second draft. The other songs performed on this tribute were all good but this song by far was the show stopper.

[susiepink1]

my absolute fav why did they change the words

[edmac333]

beautiful passionate perfect!

[7CALLAS]

I LOVE IT

[fassstEddie]

I have the VHS *and* DVD versions of the celebration at Albert Hall for Andrew Lloyd Webber. this is by far my favorite song by my favorite female singer.

Damn, she is so beautiful!!!!

Love to the Maori from California

[shannara11]

I agree with the above, was a little disappointed in the present version.

[langedefolie]

Too bad ALW totally plagiarized "The Apartment" theme from the 60's. It's sort of sad.

[MaiPerQuestoSito]

beautiful song and great song, but, for some unknown reason, the lyrics sound "childish" because of the rhymes. No offense, i still love it. I just have this feeling.

[23zowie23]

21 Frankenberry a mot beautiful memory to impart to a special person. Warmest to you - Graham Melb Aus

[geekbaritone]

she spoiled it for Any other singers she's so good hard to keep up with such high level of artistry.

[23zowie23]

This is drop dead magic. The feeling is obvious. Graham Melb Aus

[21Frankenberry]

this song has always touched a place in my heart i lowered the pitch and sang it at my bestfriend's funeral in highschool.

[thsully1]

She did a wonderful job and the lyrics are great; however, I think it sounds better with the new Love Never Dies lyrics.

[britsunc]

Creator has Blessed Dame Te Kanawa with a Beautiful Voice.

[agehman1]

INCREDIBLE PERFORMANCE

[tuber33]

LOVE this song and can't BELIEVE that "Love Never Dies" replaced it!! This is soooo deeply painful and emotional--it's no less than Puccini's level of excellence. THIS is Andrew's magnum opus, his "Nessun Dorma". Makes me get chills at every listen. I die to perform this one day. WHY did he lessen it with that awful musical? I could picture how Love Never Dies was 'supposed' to be in my head just by hearing this and was really really let down.

[magisterludi92103a]

Heart braking~

[SkylaWestman]

This is Love Never Dies with different words, goddammit. Or is it the other way around?

[duckyjenjen]

@SkylaWestman other way around :)

[Seanesso]

This is a MASTERY of song. I'm so mad they changed the lyrics for Phantom: Love Never Dies! This was so perfect, and I could totally see it in the first Phantom.

[Takoushjanik]

Her superb angelic voice is as perfect as her beautiful face and figure! I love her and I love her songs!

[moogiesmigl]

I adore Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, and I really love this song. Thank you so much for posting this!

[gandsamie]

This is truly beautiful. Now. If I could only stop sobbing each time I hear it....!

[PhantomoftheOperaOG]

THIS is what the song "Love Never Dies" was SUPPOSED to be like! I think that the lyrics are much more belevable & touching. I always imagened this as the opening song or close to; Christine sits in her room dreaming of Erik...thumbs up if you agree!

[bertjevliegt]

dame Kiri Te Kanawa in all her glory.. simply totally the best

[Broadwaychica]

...wow....I had heard that it sounded similar to the title song of the show that must not be named, but I didn't think it'd be EXACTLY. THE. SAME. MELODY. O_O This is the sort of thing that should make one consider retiring....

Anyway, ignoring that, this is such a LOVELY song. :) She's excellent.

[tuber33]

@Broadwaychica Andrew is known for putting melodies in multiple shows. He put this originally in The Greatest Game, then replaced it and renamed the whole show, saying it was always meant for a Phantom sequel. He rewrote it (this version) for Phantom. Then he changed it at last minute to Love Never Dies. Music of the Night was originally in another show as Married Man, All I Ask of You had at least 2 previous versions, etc. Wish this was the only version of this song.

[jennimarkham]

@tuber33 ...All I Ask of You was originally written for Placido Domingo to sing for a TV special hosted by Webber, and was called I Don't Talk to Strangers. It was superb, and I was very disappointed to see it morph into the insipid duet it became in Phantom!

Luckily, I recorded the show and still enjoy it to this day. :o)

[boywithalobster]

This melody is existed in Love Never Dies!! Andres Lloyd Webber has prepared for the new musical many many years!!!! The music in Love Never Dies is absolutely beautiful. =)

[boywithalobster]

This melody is existed in Love Never Dies!! Andres Lloyd Webber has prepared for the new musical many many years!!!! The music in Love Never Dies is absolutely beautiful. =)

[ImaginarySanity]

These lyrics are so much better than the ones that were written for Love Never Dies. The music is the same, but the words don't feel as powerful as they do in this version of it.

[johntechwriter]

I'm not a fan of musicals and always thought Steven Sondheim put ALW to shame, but i heard the by accident on TV on night and thought of Billy Wilder's words: You're only as good as the best thing you've ever done.

[jennydaae]

THIS LYRICS ARE ABSOLUTELY WONDERFULL I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY HE CHANGED THEM, THIS SONG REALLY MAKES ME CRY AND THE OTHER IS JUST....SIMPLER

[RandomHomeschooler]

*sings along...*

LOOOVE NEVER DIIIES... BLAH BLAH BLAH...



[ditrje2]

Her timing is perfection. This performance (which i think includes much better lyrics than "love never dies") is so much more touching, real and fitting for Christine. It brings a tear to my eye each time I hear it.

[dongbat777]

Perfection !

[Killerpoptartcat]

-ahem- **That is singing.

[joshmfleet]

Ok can we all just have a bit of comman sence here.

The reason the song sounds EXACTLY like Love Never Dies is because it was written for, erm, LOVE NEVER DIES! the song was written in 1997, 13 years before Love Never Dies. In that time, yes it was tried out in The Beautiful Game but then Our Kind of Love was cut. Then in 2010, he re wrote the words to it.

I'm sorry for the rant im just fed up of all these stupid comments going "OMG IT SOUNDS LIKE LOVE NEVER DIES!!".

[freoworshiper]

@joshmfleet  AMEN to that...thankyou for pointing that out!! :)

[ChristineTheHippie]

@joshmfleet Thank you! Reading the comments it's like people think this song was copied from Love Never dies, when it's the same song just rewritten! I heard LND and thought of this song then thought no the lyrics are different. After all It's ALW's song, so he can rewrite him

[MAGICLOVER8]

holy crap EXACTLY like love never dies..... thats dissappointing, do something original.....

[Rheesoman]

OMG!!!!!!!

Kiri Te kanawa would pown Sarah Brightnam if she was Christine!

I mean, if your looking for an opera singer, Kiri is the queen of opera!

[starmaxred]

Does anyone else think this has a feel like "Nessun Dorma"? I wonder if Andrew and Sarah were together still when this was written. I know she was starting to branch off and do her solo concerts at the time, and this song sounds like something Sir Andrew would write for her. Just curious.

[SamSkii14]

for those of you that wont stop complaining about the fact that this is also the title song for Love Never Dies ..... Andrew Lloyd Webber actually originoally wrote the tune for the show acouple years ago when he first had the idea of the sequal. Then since the sequal didnt end up happeing, why waste a lovely tune? So he put it into another musical ... so what ...... It is a spectacular melody

[maronteerds]

WONDERFUL !!!!

[Coryashire]

was this written for Love Neve Dies very early on before he dropped it, coming back to it a few years ago? or was this written for another production?

[aMgVbros4aetas]

@Coryashire THis was written for the first draft of Love Never Dies. The lyrics were changed later to what they are now.

[piratefan1324]

This will be in Phantom of the Opera two!

[Dunollieman]

I love it!! 5*****

[zanderlink57]

well i think its absolutely wonderful..to anyone who has ever loved in vain for years someone who loves someone else these lyrics tear your heart apart and are so meaninful...its the same melody because its part of the same musical and this melody ties the whole thing together..its how musicals are written...

[philhealey1]

She sings the s*** out of it, I love you Kiri!

[troy22w]

these lyrics are much better

[davespy81]

So far I have hated both set of Lyrics for this song... I mean these are MUCH MUCH better than Love Never Dies but... they are both still just awful.

[zanderlink57]

well then i will look forward to hearing your musical..we are talking about andrew lloyd webber..a legendary composer of wonderful musicals....or post up alternative lyrics..if you can do better

[liveforlife2494]

Just heard about this recording from the LND website. Cool!

[natalie247]

12 years on and this is the flag song for Love Never Dies... (slight change to the words)

[kboyer1]

When I sang this in 2005 at the Royal Albert Hall I asked if this would be in the new production Andrew was working on. He said, of course, are you daft. The reason the lyrics have been changed is that there was another lyricist working on the production. The person who wrote this song did not give permission for the same lyrics to be used.

[emgee94]

I think Phantom singing this would be better than Christine... uhh I can imagine Ramin's facial expression while he'd be singing this.

*Orgasm*

[viggosloof28]

I love these lyrics for this melody - better than "LND", in my opinion. Would love to hear Ramin sing this song!

[CrassMufumbu]

Love the lyrics....fits the phantom..even love the lyrics being reworked for beautiful game....disappointed with the love never dies lyric though.

[DarthxErik]

This is SO much better than "Love Never Dies". Wow.

[tatc]

@DarthxErik : agree 100%

[SpazzyHazzy]

The lyrics for 'Love Never Dies' are much better than this.

Still beautiful like this though...

[ElennaxTelrunya]

This song IS in Love Never Dies...it's the title song!!!! I'm not kidding! Go look up Sierra Boggess singing at the South Bank Show Awards and tell me the music doesn't sound like this!

[Cameron189]

It is the Exact Same Melody, all of it!

[OperaKitty]

Thank goodness..means once the vocal selections for Love Never Dies are available, I'll have THIS song.

[zanderlink57]

see my comment..regrding how musicals are written

[peterindistantland]

I find this one to be the most stunning performance in the whole concert.

[sandrahudson12]

Beautiful voice, beautiful song, how sad I was when I found the lady to be so rude when I met her in South Australia,Spoilt the image!!

Sandra

[UpdownCourt09]

Could you explain how she was rude? Many top opera singers have a prima donna attitude, is that what you were referring to? It's a pity so many artists are like that :(

[mtbottle1]

Oooohhhhhh tell all....

[luvinx8]

I remember seeing this all those years ago and being so excited for a sequel. And now, finally, it is upon us!

[luvinx8]

I remember seeing this all those years ago and being so excited for a sequel. And now, finally, it is upon us!

[UpdownCourt09]

This song is going to be in Love Never Dies. Interesting....

[hollykmck]

GwendolynBlack called it. I just read an article that said this melody is indeed going to be in Phantom 2.

[boonchuey]

The biggest mistake Andrew Lloyd webber made was changing the lyrics of this song (it became 'Our Kind of Love' in his musical 'The Beautiful game' which bombed). It should have been left as it is and issued as a single. I defy anyone not to have shivers up there neck when Dame Kiri hits the high note.

[heartlightink]

The song is wonderful and Kiri's voice is the only voice that can sing it. Have you ever heard it sung by anyone else!

[asisecanta]

There is a version sung by Elaine Paige but this is waaaaaaaay better

[ab071369]

Beautiful song, beautiful voice!!!

Thanks for posting it

I was looking for this song for over 10 years, I didn't know the name of it.

[sandrahudson12]

So was I

Sandra

[ab071369]

Her voice sounds just like an angel.

I get goose bumps just listening to this song performed by her. Thanks for posting for it. I was looking for it for over 10 years after I saw her performing for Andrew Lloyd Webber's birthday.

[kaydatzme21]

such a wonderful voice

[Rorschak]

Probably not... It was originally scheduled for Phantom II, but the first attempt at getting the musical off the ground failed, and Webber "recycled" the number. It's now officially "Our kind of love" from "The Beautiful Game".

[GwendolynBlack]

this song is going to be in the Phantom sequal

[lamsalgado]

That´s is singing. So full of feeling and beauty. DIVINE !

[ChiLine]

do anyone know is this song Andrew lloyd webber's piece?

[unconventional36]

Yes, it is a new song by Andrew Lloyd Weber. :)

[neverlandbrats]

@unconventional36 Actually it's a song he wrote in the '90's so not so new lol

[RonaldBarone]

Please Dame Kiri... dont sing like that.. cause they cant sing like u ... hahahahaha

they will get so depressed listing to a voice they cant copy

[RonaldBarone]

thats what happen when you ask a real opera singer to sing a song like that... an outstanding performance

she would make ppl from broadway to feel insorry for their existence

[gabrieljlivingston]

i just read this was written for poto 2 thats how i found this vid!!!!!!!!!!

[BarbaraScatron]

I love this song. does anyone know anyone else that has recorded it?

[paulassumpcao]

You find this at her CD called : Kiri Sings Gershwin. Which by the way is excellent!!!

[unconventional36]

Elaine Paige

[seasnake100]

A beautiful performance - my Mum saw this at the Royal Albert Hall and after that it was always her favourite song. We played it at her funeral and every time I hear it I think of Mum. Thank you Kiri! x

[kaydatzme21]

that was ..................WOW!

[rnewmanyork]

This tune is familiar - it's just like Our Kind of Love from The Beautiful Game... bit of recycling methinks!

[jdfi1980]

This was written first (for the fabled Phantom 2). It was reworked into "Our Kind of Love" when Phantom 2 appeared unlikely to proceed.

[demeterAUS]

but it's the "recycling" that ALW does that makes me like his musicals! Because you can pick up small parts that you recognise from other parts... it sort of engages the listener more!!  Well, that's my opinion, anyway :P

[edengirl17]

ohhhh she is soooo...soooo amazing,,,,she puts so much emotion...

[mamaina14]

magnifico this is one of my favorite opera singer kiri te kanawa my Go thanks for posting you made me cry. The heart is slow to learn thats true even my heart is slow to learn im gay and its very hard for me . There are a lot of discrimination ive encountered in my Life We have no right to Love and be loved its hard to understand

[lamsalgado]

So sorry my friend! This world has no walls against war and crime but places insulating chords against love. I´ve lots of troubles in my most wonderful marriage because of racial prejudice. I was a latin amongst nordics. OC there were good exceptions amongst that mean people. Let´s look for then and keep hope alive! FRegards!

[svoteary]

If Heaven sounds just a little like this, its a place I want to spend eternity. Effortless perfection, grace & beauty.

Although a "sequel" to Phantom may be in the works, it is rumoured that Andrew created this piece specifically for Dames performance.

[saxamaphoneguy1]

This is such a testament to her amazing abilities. Her perfect voice is still crystal clear even at her age here. Not that she is old, but how many opera singers could sing this well for as long as Kiri has? After a hugely long career, and years of singing, her voice is still breathtaking. genius.

[etawhiti]

she shows so much class when she sings, beautiful voice

[Izzy2501]

ShadyxxLady is absolutely right! Mr. Webber has allegedly copied tunes, but for this one, just watch (and listen) to "The Apartment" from 1958 starring Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacClain. All the theme music from that movie needs is the beautiful voice of Ms. Te Kanawa and you have a 1958 YouTube.

[ShadyxxLady]

this tune sounds familiar...

[hubbellgardner]

sssh just listen to that glorious voice... and that glorious lyric... sssh...

[Edwardfangirl14]

she sings damn good... but the idea of a sequel to phantom makes me want to  puke... on ALW.

[irohsgirl]

I've always thought so too. It's just too good to mess with!

[ARELIUGA17]

That beautiful music,that great voice.

[ARELIUGA17]

That beautiful music,that great voice.

[Lucyanni]

Nem tenho palavras!!!

M A R A V I L H O S O S !!!

Kiri e a música de Andrew Lloyd Webber!!!

[mikemulholland]

Class is permanent

[scousergirljess]

this is wees

[scousergirljess]

This is wees

[scousergirljess]

THIS IS ELEPHANT SHIT!

[joycedekker]

When you are 63 years old, you have to stop one day!!!!

[KINGDOMoftheORION]

This was the highlight of the evening I think. Except for when she hit the high note in "Happy Birthday." She's awesome!! :>

[hernanferreyra85]

wooow, outstanding

[redhotmamma10]

Breathtaking!

[jaqmar2001]

Wow she is amazing. You should see Dame Kiri singing "World In Union", a video made many years ago. Do a search here on YouTube and see for yourself.

Fantastic.

[Madeleine65]

This video is beautiful.......wonderful melody. This is quite close to how she looks today (2007) after seeing her farewell recital tour in Vancouver BC

Unfortunate this did not form part of her repertoire, however she did squeeze in O Mio Babbino Caro, as I have commented on on the Babbino Video site.

[nepsforneps]

My Goodness.... she is amazing. I love her voice.

[clymnestre]

Very good as musical. Bravo  Dame Kiri!

[Drelnis]

The Heart is Slow to Learn is originally written for the Phantom of Manhattan, but rather used by Andrew Lloyd Webber for The Beautiful Game.

This video is from ALW's Birthday Concert, and yes, Elaine Paige sings it with the chorus transposed an octave lower in the China Concert.

[avonrangemaster]

Found this again after so long..sums up most of what we all feel at times.I think of so many people this applies to - some now gone and those present in my world.The joy and sorrow which they all have brought into my life.Ah...

[bnewman444]

This melody was used in The Beautiful Game AlW most UNDERratED show!

[lillypaw]

I love this song. I believe Elaine Paige sang it in the DVD of ALW in China (I can't remember who sang it, it was either her or the ensemble).

[florensvej]

One of the most beautiful songs ever and she sings like an angel, perfect intrepretation.

[bossybootts]

interesting that A.L.W recycles

its a great song though

and such modulation in the execution

[XxHengxX]

I heard that this song is written for the phantom of the opera sequel. Is that true?

[newkiwini]

oh, I love her and her voice. By the way she has a big sense of humour, too.

Danke Kiri

[LaBelleHelene]

Does she?!

[Ihatesev]

I'm neatrual on him doing a sequel. It would be nice for Erik to have a second chance.

[CartonsJackal]

He's a fool to write a sequel to SUCH an amazing show. But that's not what this video is about, so I'll just say that I think she has a PHENOMENAL voice, but I didn't really care for the song. It's kind of repetative. She has a gorgeous voice though!

[PhantomPhan13]

i head that this song was is suppose to be in Andrew's phantom sequel, the Phantom of Manhattan.

[COOOOLkid]

It's already in The Beautiful Game, so I doubt it'll be in the Phantom sequel.

It might have been planned to be in the original sequel that ALW was planning to do, but alas, that got scratched.

[PhantomPhan13]

oh well that is just what i heard.

[wickedwritersho]

Webber has announced that he's penning a sequel to the Phantom. It's set in New York. This song'll be in it.

[Peace94610]

This song just vanished after she sang in this event. Well, it did reappear in Welber's another musical production. But sadly, the beautiful lyric was totally changed!!! I love thie original vision!@!

[matengaparata]

dynsmoore - compare yourself to her, now who's the dumb one..

[Winemark]

I don't think it is about her intellegence. You'd be lying to say she doesn't have an amazing voice.

[dynsmoore]

I hear Kiri Te Kanawa is dumb as bricks and needs cue cards to get through songs.

[jpop405]

Astounding! Unbelievable beauty. Bravo! Bravo! This is what I expect to hear in heaven.

[caedmon211]

Beautiful and amazing....so moving!