Barbra Streisand singing “He Touched Me” during her “happening in Central Park” in 1968, a classic concert, a classic event, a “happening” indeed. And “He Touched Me” is not only one of her best performances, but one of the all-time great performances, period. And it goes by in a flash. But it is perfection. Her phrasing during the ending, the build, the explosion: “A-aaaAND suddenly …” Her repetition of “nothing”. Chills. It is a transcendent moment of live performance. What she is doing here? Is a lost art.
What a great Diva. Thank God we have her. Thank God it happened! Meaning HER in general. Because it very well might not have.
I will agree. I was listening to that song this morning, and it gives me chill bumps after all these years. I always reminded me of ones first true love.
Lydia – the song really does capture what it feels to fall in love for the first time, doesn’t it? and the thrill of the first touch. She just GOES there. Goosebumps, indeed!
I grew up on Barbra Streisand. This reminds me so much of my mom. Thanks for posting this Sheila. I especially love the first 50 seconds. I can’t put my finger on why.
Jill – she does it almost like it’s this personal private monologue. And she’s in front of, what, 140,000 people or some insane number?
Her outstretched arms at the end! You have to be a certain kind of person to pull a gesture like that off.
Desirae – totally. It is both totally over-the-top and totally grounded. people don’t make gestures like that anymore.