I happen to like both of their renditions but Julie Andrews' soprano voice does it for me. But the film's take on it was shot very ethreal and had a very dream like quality to it thanks to Vanessa Redgrave's sultry like voice.
But which version is your favorite, Andrews or Redgrave?
No harm at all. My post was snippier than necessary, but my honest reaction to anyone who could ever put Vanessa Redgrave's song delivery ahead of the magnificent Julie Andrews in her absolute prime. I can imagine Vanessa herself reading this thread and bursting into uproarious laughter.
I agree that Vanessa Redgrave is not a professional singer, I'm sure she thinks so too. But I mentioned earlier that Julie Andrews version is my favorite because of her uproarious delivery and her beautiful soprano voice. I just said I liked the film version because of the dream-like quality that number was shot in. So there.
In terms of listening Queen Julie knocks it out of the park but the film's presentation seems more compelling than the stage original's, based on the production photos.
Of course Julie Andrews's version is impeccable. I love her on the album and when someone builds a time machine to go back and see the original productions of classic shows (I have a friend who knows someone!) this one is for sure on my list.
But I flippin' love the movie and love virtually everything about it, including Vanessa Redgrave. Vocally, there's no comparison, but Redgrave's Guinevere is excellent.
I'm afraid I agree with Someone in a Tree, as usual: "Are you serious?"
A better question might be which is better: Leontyne Price (or Maria Callas or Renata Scotto) v. Vanessa Redgrave singing "Un Bel Di" from MADAMA BUTTERFLY. (You may find Redgrave singing the aria in Arthur Miller's TV film, PLAYING FOR TIME.)
Of course, the opera singers sing rings around Redgrave, but the latter acts the aria so impeccably, it remains one of my favorite renditions.
I know many people will regard this as blasphemy, but I actually like Meg Bussert's rendition from the 1981 revival best of all. Her voice is gorgeous but I love the way she vocally "acts" the song better than Julie Andrews. To me, Bussert's rendition makes the song a better set-up for the plot. While Andrews vocal is stellar, I find her a bit vanilla on the "lust".
Yes Wilmington, Redgrave gave the song an earthy sex appeal that Julie Andrews, though a much better singer, did not. But then I have always found it difficult to sexualize Julie Andrews.
Those Blocked: SueStorm. N2N Nate. Good riddence to stupid! Rad-Z, shill begone!
I prefer Vanessa Redgrave's version over Andrews' original. I just love the movie's orchestrations and vocal arrangements better. Those "tra-la-las" on the cast album version get on my nerves, LOL.
"Those "tra-la-las" on the cast album version get on my nerves, LOL."
If you think LISTENING them is difficult, try singing them. I've done two productions of CAMELOT and singing all those "tra-la-la's" was a pain in the butt. Also, if performed as written and without cuts, "The Lusty Month of May" will have the audience leaving the theater at about dawn.