Judy at Carnegie Hall - Breaking Down the Iconic Set List

Judy at Carnegie Hall_S1_Ep3

[00:00:00] Hello and welcome back to Judy at Carnegie Hall. Everything you ever wanted to know about the greatest concert that ever was. I'm Grace, your host, and today we we're diving into one of the most exciting aspects of Judy Garland's legendary concert. Her set list. This episode is the first part of our exploration where we'll take a closer look at the songs that made up the first part of that unforgettable night.

We all know that a set list is more than just a list of songs. It's supposed to be a journey, a carefully curated experience that takes the [00:13:00] audience through a range of emotions, showcasing the performer's strengths and telling a story. And if there's one thing. Judy Garland knew how to do it, was how to take her audience on a journey.

Let's get started by breaking down that iconic set list.

So let's open the doors and step right into the first moments of that legendary night at Carnegie Hall. This episode is all about lift off the overture, the opening smile, and a delicious Rogers and heart melody. And a delicious Rogers and heart medley that tells us exactly what kind of evening, what kind of evening we're in for.

Well, who could imagine what kind of evening it would be, but [00:14:00] it was a good start. So the Overture was the trolley song Over the Rainbow and the man that got away. Mort Lindsay's orchestra lights the fuse with an overture that says you're about to witness history. It's a love letter to Judas Green, legacy and stage reinvention.

The selections that I mentioned, they're a map of her life in music, the trolley song from Meet Me in St. Louis Over the Rainbow from The Wizard of Oz, the North star of her career. Oh, and the man that got away from A Star is born the soul stirring cry of an adult artist with nothing to hide. The overture isn't just nostalgic, it's dramaturgy.

It sets Judy's [00:15:00] past and present into motion, letting the audience feel the span from the girl to the woman who's about to walk on stage. She enters on a smile. Literally this 1928 standard when you're smiling is sunshine. You can hear, Judy uses it as a greeting, a pact with the audience. I'll give you everything you give me, your heart, the tempo, it's buoyant, the phrasing, conversational, and the humor effortless.

It wasn't a film number for Judy, but it, it behaves like one because the moment she starts singing, we're all in a movie and she's the star next. Rogers and Heart never sounded [00:16:00] so flirtatious. I love this arrangement almost like being in love from Brigadoon glides with romantic glee and then. This can't be love.

Snaps with rye disbelief. Judy pings between joy and mischief, letting the orchestra breathe and swing around her. No screen attachment for Judy here, but the material fits perfectly into her vocal pocket supplement range, sparkling top, and that wink you can hear. Even with your eyes closed

from the first downbeat. Judy in the audience make a compact, honesty, fun feeling, lots of feeling. Next time, we're gonna follow [00:17:00] her into torch Light and late night sophistication. For now, savor how she lifts the curtain with a grin. And a promise. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to the show and leave a rating or a review.

Share this episode with the fellow Judy Lover. Your support helps more listeners discover the show and keeps Judy's unforgettable night alive. All of my contact information is in the show notes. I'd love to hear your thoughts, your memories, or any questions. Send me a note. Tag me on social or email me directly.

I'd love to know which opening moment gives you the chills. See you next [00:18:00] time.