Barbra Streisand - 'Children Will Listen' Live

Barbra singing 'Children Will Listen' from the Presidents Inaugural Gala in '93.
She gives a great monologue at the beginning that introduces the song, and another thought in the middle that makes a great point and enhances what the song is saying. Not many people put that much thought into a 10 minute appearance but then, there's only one Barbra.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Barbra
• Streisand
• Inagural
• Gala
• Live
• Diva
• Singer

[jimdivax]

The REAL genius of this song is the wise and wonderul old Sondheim himself. The song's a gift for any half-decent singer. '

[jsgirl154]

It's impossible for Barbra to butcher anything - just because you have an overly static idea in your head of what this song should sound like doesn't mean you go around insulting one of the world's best singers....

[Mackeyman320]

An atypical Sondheim song presented by a stellar Ms. Streisand in a rare public appearance. Performing with customary flair, grace, and wit, she reinvents this work as a passionate plea to the world. Streisand’s zeal is perhaps most evident when she says: “we hold tomorrow in our hands when we hold our children in our arms.” One can imagine her as a resolute queen bee instructing parents and aspiring Cinderellas and Prince Charmings everywhere.

[Mackeyman320]

Of course the context of the 1993 Presidential inaugural gives extra resonance to Streisand’s exquisite performance. And interestingly, the event seems to propel Sondheim’s convincing lyrics and haunting melody into the light of day. An undisguised desire seems to be revealed, one rarely found in his other songs - an unadorned loving one. Even the simple melodic gesture accompanying “children will listen” seems like a call for sensitivity and unyielding compassion.

[Mackeyman320]

Listening and learning are things the Clintons do very well. It’s now apparent that when tribulations came, their bedrock values nurtured and protected both them and those close to them. An indication of this, one often overlooked, is Chelsea, here a slightly uncomfortable preteen. She certainly learned to listen closely and creatively, given that now she has become such a sparkling adult. So in the long run criticism or over-analysis of them is mere pettiness. The real proof is in the pudding.

[Flyingflightful]

@edwardjames50 I have no such problem.

[danceteachersince73]

My favorite female singer. This song reminded me of something said today.

[ImABroadwayLuver]

@drekfletch I know. I posted that before they showed it.

[drekfletch]

@ImABroadwayLuver The camera cuts to Hillary Clinton when Barbara's talking about the First Lady.

[ImABroadwayLuver]

never mind!