Back from a WONDERFUL afternoon concert of Lerner and Loewe.
When I looked at the program I was thrilled to see the generous number of songs being presented. I didn't recall if DR Elmore had said that the instrumental ensemble would be only five players -- piano, bass, cello, woodwinds, and drums -- but they were wonderful and the arrangements were beautiful. The ensemble sounded like a chamber orchestra here, a full orchestra there, and I loved unique touches such as cello only (as a duet with vocalist) on "Before I Gaze at You Again", and Rob Berman joining at the piano for a four-hands "With a Little Bit of Luck". Some especially beautiful vocal arrangements included a male/male duet of "How to Handle a Woman" followed by a female/female duet of "I Loved You Once in Silence". Stunningly and almost hypnotically beautiful moments, these.
Did Rob write his own narration/commentary? Here's yet another thing he makes look so damned effortless. It was fascinating throughout, and there was generous audience reaction upon hearing various and sundry facts and revelations about the lives and careers of Messrs. Lerner and Loewe. The orchestrators received enthusiastic applause, and it was a beautiful concert all around.