As a teacher, I am blown away by his perfectly pitched critique. What a genius.

Gotta give the young woman credit. Singing the song as Sondheim stares at her, watching her every inflection and then gently correcting her. Just beautiful.

Two things I picked up watching this clip: 1) Sondheim is very good at being able to get across the points he's trying to make without coming across like a martinet (and there are more than a few of those in music and theater). 2) Jaye Griffiths has a wonderful voice, but I think she shows why this song can be particularly hard for a young person to "get". This is one of those songs that doesn't gain it's full meaning for the performer unless he or she has been beaten up a little by life.

WOW, to be coached by Sondheim. He is without question, one of the greatest song writers of this century. And as for the young lady singing, she has a beautiful voice.

Sondheim's comment about her having to make up for his mistake by emphasizing "next" in next year, going against the musical setting of the text, as it were, was very enlightening. Thank you so much for posting this.

Sondheim is such a sweet guy and giving person. What a wonderful man and so talented.

She has tremendous composure singing in front of Sondheim. Her voice isn't shaking. Incredible.

He was so gentle (but firm) in his corrections of performers. It's too bad others weren't like him. When Pamela Myers sang a wrong not while recording "Another Hundred People" for the "Company cast LP, he didn't scream, he didn't yell...he simply walked up to her privately, showed her the music, and pointed out her mistake, saying "it's slowly becme an E, so be aware of it. A wonderful, exact, lovely man.

This man will be so, so missed. What a wonderful artist - and teacher!

He's a genius and that smile is driving me crazy! So handsome.

Oh to have attended masterclasses like this. When you see the creator of material worrying about every little nuance and consonant, it reminds you that he or she has spent a long time finding the right word or note or whatever, and that it is to be performed with that in mind. Brilliant man

May his memory be a blessing. What a marvelous man.

When he smiles I could just burst with gratification - he's lovely :-)

She has a golden voice

She sits there, so placidly accepting instruction. Phrase by phrase she enlarges the insights of the man who created the song, who heard it in his own mind before it was ever heard by another. She did well.

Sad to lose such a genius. Rest in peace.

I've heard so many recordings of this song, but there's a beautiful simplicity and clarity and wisdom in this girl's voice. Love it!

I just love watching him! Can you imagine this guy -- he's watched probably hundreds of singers work on this song, and still he sees each person, each little thing they have to offer. He appears to see this song fresh, to approach it with delight, each time! Amazing... And, oh...I found myself sooo envious... if only...

could you imagine the pressure on this performer, having to sing the music of a great living composer while he is sitting a few feet away from her? this singer is incredible. i wouldn't even be able to breathe in her situation, much less sing so beautifully!!!

This is a master class - the point is for him to be picky - otherwise what's the point of doing it? I would love to be picked apart by Sondheim!

It was recorded at LWT studios on 9th May, 1984. I was there! Sondheim worked with various Guildhall students including Jacqui Dankworth. I remember speaking to him afterwards and finding him very charming.

Wonderful! His teachings transcend to speaking. I'm appalled at people speaking publically (informally or formally) who throw away words, without articulating them and realized (duh!!) this is the very first time someone is hearing this particular few sentences or speech. My peers in my PhD program would often describe their doctoral work (very esoteric, complicated topics) as if they were reading a grocery list quickly. (These were often gatherings of each cohort and several faculty who we often had not met before). I always felt that my classmates missed the "opportunity" to emphasize their work, and even more, to allow their audience to listen, understand, and process their statements. Perhaps it's my short time doing theater, but I spoke slower, with intention, and proper emphasis and clarity on the important words. I think it made all the difference. Enough about me, Steve was the greatest!

I can honestly say I agree, she has a beautiful voice and one can't take that away. I agree I was 38 when I lost my husband thru illness and I can tell you that song hits you and makes you reevaluate your own life.

Sondheim shows his true genius here, the attention to detail in telling the story is absolutely magical!!!! Thanks for sharing this gem!! ☮️❤️

That student became a pretty well-known TV actress in the UK.

Her voice is so wonderful!!!

Yes, Stephen wrote this gorgeous song specifically for Glynis Johns who won a Tony for playing Desiree on Broadway. She had this great almost gravelly voice, so wasn’t much of a singer, but one heck of an actress! He wanted the song simple, but the emotion to come through. (I was privileged to work with him rehearsing for the National Company)

I'd sell my soul for a workshop with Sondheim...

That girl is treading on Holy ground.. and doing a beautiful job. I love, love, Sondheim so much. What a wonderful person and artist.

It’s amazing to see the depth of thought that goes into these songs. It really distinguishes between writing a pop song and writing a song that has to actually be ‘performed’

I love this! This shows the hard, meticulous work that goes into creating a beautiful song and Broadway show! Getting a critique from the top people in the field is truly an honor :-)

I wish I could listen to her singing the whole song.

Jesus, what a gift this guy has given us. As expert a craftsmen lyricist he is, his focus is always on the music. The 'counter melody' played over the main melody is what gives this such melancholy, bittersweet sadness. Its what made it such a hit! And his directions to the singer here...ALWAYS about the music...always. Not to mention, could there be a more benevolent and wise teacher? Damn! Her giggle at the end brought tears! Lucky, lucky girl. Thank you Mr Sondheim...I rediscover you every so often, and, much like Beethoven, I am always grateful.

What a beautiful voice she has.

It really warms my heart to watch such a kind teacher at work.

The corrections Sondheim makes are small things, but their impact is huge. Tiny subtle shifts that change the emotion of the song. It's beautiful.

I wish that I had a recording of this girl singing this song in it's entirety. She is so wonderful

How intimidating... singing a song in front of the lyricist! Even if he hadn't written the lyrics, it's Sondheim... mind-blowing thought! And as for his strictness... come on, he wrote the song. He knows how it should sound more than anybody here, and he knows how to get it.

Can you even imagine being in the same room with Sondheim, let alone having him critique you while performing? I’d be shaking in my shoes, but so honored to hear his suggestions.

I honestly like this girl's take on it more than any other singer.

She's Jaye Griffiths, everyone who's asking.

My favorite song. She sang it beautifully.

he looks like someone who actually cares about the students rather than being angsty , bravo!

This coaching would be priceless. RIP Sondheim 😢

Genius! So kind to the performer. Yet so gracious to give her real constructive criticism. How could you not love this guy in a master’s class?

Artists are the bravest people…out there…exposed…risking themselves without excuse.

God I love Sondheim. Seeing him teach is amazing. And such a beautiful song. One of the most talented men I've ever seen.

What a fabulous example of teaching delivery and in general attention to detail and to getting it right. Cosmic.

Rest In Peace you absolute legend

Having seen Jaye in many productions over the years, I didn't realise how lovely is her voice. 🥰 Beautiful herself, as well.

she is an incredible singer and he is the most talented man who has ever lived

Stephen Sondheim His music brings so much joy, and Inspiration to many people. My admiration, and respect. RIP "Mr. Stephen Sondheim" You'll always be missed.

And what an encouraging and gentle instructional nature. I'd love to be a student of his for one month.

I really like this girl, she has a simple prettiness to her voice and she doesn't try to over-act the song. It must be SO nerve-racking to be singing for the best musical composer/lyricist.

I could listen to it over and over again. Merci.

Lovely singing - and a lovely lesson from the Maestro!

Advice to KZfaq uploaders: Never, ever, cut off the applause; let it play out to the end.

She has a really beautiful voice

The last time through she really relaxed and wow!!! Love the fact that she was real...really

Very old video. Sondheim a charming man and not at all rude.

what a lovely, sweet man 💕 i've been trying to sing this song with the right emotions, and so.. here i am.. taking notes from this video 😊

Any chance there is a recording of Jaye Griffeths singing the song in its entirety? Her voice is beautiful and the instruction by Sondheim, I find, is so perfect. As a teacher I am mesmerized and marvel at the way he describes the subtleties and nuances of the song to this talented singer.

lovely clip - with the wonderful Jaye Griffiths. Wonderful actress. Saw her in Othello (Cheek by Jowl) and she was outstanding. Good on Stage and TV (very rare!)

His look at the end when she nailed it is wonderful.

This is how it goes. Feeling is a huge part of this song.

Vous etes tellement gentil(le) de me donner tous ces details! Merci encore!

I love Stephen Sondheim. I love to see him teaching in these videos.

Sondheim’s grasp on human nature is astounding

What a poised young woman - took and acted on his feedback. I don't think I realized how much art is present in music, as in "painting" the words and melody. Beautiful.

I love how kind he was when giving advice and instructions

What an awesome teacher

Sondheim is brilliant....the young woman is perfect....thanks for posting this

Can we just give a shout out to the amazing accompanists who play Sondheim so beautifully? And don't get their faces shown.

I would be absolutely terrified/thrilled to sing Sondheim in front of Sondheim!

@tryingtobeNaboo It is not awkward one bit. He is teaching not only the girl, but everyone else in the room. After all, it is an acting school. Stephen Sondheim is one of the most influential, imposing, and charismatic people one might meet.

I'm watching this Guildhall School series again because I still feel so sad at his passing, and these give me solace...his legacy lives on in so many incredible ways.

she nailed it with 3 secs to spare! a pleasurable interlude. thanks. this must go back a ways?

Great teacher, genius composer, super genius lyricist. She deserves a monument.

Absolutely in love with both of them. Jaye Griffiths has the voice of an angel.

Her final "next" was ... perfection ...

Jaye Griffiths. Since then Jaye has had a very successful career on TV. Most recently she played Dr.Elizabeth Croft in the daytime soap, `Doctors'.

oh to have stephen sondheim look proudly at me while i sing 🥺

Sondheim was Such a creative talent ..RIP

Thank you for this interesting, friendly dialogue. It is definitely a masterpiece, both light and profound on aging, nostalgia, uneven marriages, wrong choices. The lyrics are great and witty indeed.Deanne Meek (american) (Charlotte) was great, thanks to her witty lines. Petra (Francesca Jackson, brit) sang The miller's son beautifully and got big applause. Surtitles seem good and faithfull to me. PS: were do you live? In the USA I guess! I'm going to Julie Andrews' concert in London in May!

Sondheim's grin is that of a genius!

What pressure and what a blessing for this programmer to get this advise.

Thanks for this insane upload! 🏆 You are phenomenal. 🌹

Thank you! Great song forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dear Mr. Sondheim, thank you!

Always amazing and never forgotten the best composer and lyricist who ever lived

I feel the best rendition of this song has to honestly be Dan Castellaneta as Crusty the clown. You hear the pain in his voice while singing.

To those of you who seem to think that Mr. Sondheim is rude, egotistical, arrogant, etc. you need to learn who this man is. He is the father of modern theater. He has every right, privilege and obligation to be a perfectionist. He's a genius. I would kill to have even 1 lesson with this brilliant man.

I agree...the voice is quite nice. She is a young performer here and singing a song well beyond her years...she does a great job.

She's so calm! I'd have been scared $#itless singing in front of the master...

That took something to sing for Mr. Sondheim. He looked and was pleased I believe. Miss Griffiths I take my hat off to you, You have another devoted fan. Thanks

This, & the other (related) KZfaq video, are a fascinating 'lesson' in the difference in performance - styles & outcome - if a song is sung by an ‘actor who can sing’ or ‘a singer who can act’! Quite fascinating! You can see from their performances that their ultimate strengths lie in slightly different areas. If I didn’t know it before, I know it now.

No one singer is free to interpret as HE/SHE wish if the composer could teach them personally, (even the musical director.) This singers are very lucky to have the help of the composer, and, oh my God, such a composer!!!

A young Jaye Griffiths!! How wonderful!!

Rest in peace, benevolent man..

Beautiful singing from Jaye Griffiths, even if she missed the two "t"s between "ought" and "to"!

Rest easy Stephen.