There isn't much to say about the vocal duo of Simon & Garfunkel that hasn't already been said. Their music (mostly written by Paul Simon) has provided the soundtrack for some of the most profound moments of the 1960s and 1970s. This concert, in particular, finds these two musical geniuses together again for the first time in 10+ years (September 1981). Though some of their exchanges in between songs are a bit chilly, their musical execution is pure precision. It's clear that their decade of separation has, in many ways, helped Simon & Garfunkel mature as musicians. The simple harmonies and musical settings of the original LPs resonate in this performance - and they are enhanced as these middle-aged performers try new things with their old favorites.
What's more awe-inspiring is the decision to include many of Paul Simon's material from his solo career - and to exclude Art Garfunkel's (with the exception of his pandering, ineffectual quasi-love song, "Heart in New York", that is clearly the weak point in the concert). Though Simon enjoyed more critical acclaim, one of the things that made S&G so special in the 1960s is that they were a team of two equal musicians with distinct gifts. Art, for his part, appears pleased to join in Paul's songs throughout the concert. In fact, on "Slip Sliding Away", Art moves stage left while Paul sings the solo verse. The camera catches Art merrily singing along like any normal concert-goer, before returning to the mic to harmonize on the refrain.
There is nothing overly exceptional about the cinematography of this video (not that you need it for a 1981 concert of folk musicians), but it does an adequate job of capturing all the musicians on stage. The opening aerial view of Central Park gives the viewer an idea of the enormity of the concert (500,000+ in attendance). When it's all said and done, this video lets the performance of two great musicians stand alone.
This is, arguably, S&G's finest concert EVER, when you consider the scope of music and the fact that these men are in the musical prime of their life. Regardless of age or musical taste, you can't help but enjoy this epic concert.
What's more awe-inspiring is the decision to include many of Paul Simon's material from his solo career - and to exclude Art Garfunkel's (with the exception of his pandering, ineffectual quasi-love song, "Heart in New York", that is clearly the weak point in the concert). Though Simon enjoyed more critical acclaim, one of the things that made S&G so special in the 1960s is that they were a team of two equal musicians with distinct gifts. Art, for his part, appears pleased to join in Paul's songs throughout the concert. In fact, on "Slip Sliding Away", Art moves stage left while Paul sings the solo verse. The camera catches Art merrily singing along like any normal concert-goer, before returning to the mic to harmonize on the refrain.
There is nothing overly exceptional about the cinematography of this video (not that you need it for a 1981 concert of folk musicians), but it does an adequate job of capturing all the musicians on stage. The opening aerial view of Central Park gives the viewer an idea of the enormity of the concert (500,000+ in attendance). When it's all said and done, this video lets the performance of two great musicians stand alone.
This is, arguably, S&G's finest concert EVER, when you consider the scope of music and the fact that these men are in the musical prime of their life. Regardless of age or musical taste, you can't help but enjoy this epic concert.