Watch Barbra Streisand... and Other Musical Instruments

Barbra Streisand... and Other Musical Instruments is a 1973 musical movie directed by Dwight Hemion and featuring the legendary American singer and actress, Barbra Streisand. The film was nominated for three Emmy Awards and showcases Streisand's incredible vocal capabilities in a unique setting. The opening sequence features Streisand walking onto a concert stage to the thunderous applause of a live audience. She is accompanied by an eclectic group of musicians and musical instruments including Ray Charles, a harpist, a flutist, and a percussionist, among others. What unfolds over the next hour is a showcase of Streisand's wide-ranging vocal abilities as she takes on different musical styles and genres.

One of the standout performances of the movie is Streisand's rendition of the classic jazz tune 'Lush Life'. She is accompanied only by Ray Charles on the piano, and together they delve into the emotional depths of the song. Streisand's voice is raw and emotional, and the audience is transfixed by her performance.

Throughout the movie, Streisand is accompanied by a number of different musicians, each of whom brings their own unique sound and style to the performance. The harpist provides a soothing, almost ethereal quality to Streisand's rendition of 'Lazy Afternoon', while the percussionist adds a tribal beat to 'Crying Time'.

While the music and Streisand's performances are undeniably the center of attention, the movie also takes a lighthearted approach to the idea of musical instruments as characters in their own right. At one point, Streisand introduces the various instruments by name, and the camera cuts to each of them, with a voice-over giving humorous descriptions of their personalities.

Despite the lighthearted moments, the movie is ultimately a showcase of Streisand's vocal talents, and she proves herself to be one of the greatest singers of her generation. Her ability to switch effortlessly between different musical styles is a testament to her versatility, and the audience is left in awe of her performance.

Of course, no musical movie would be complete without some show-stopping numbers, and Streisand delivers in spades. Her performance of 'Stoney End' is a particular highlight, with the driving beat and powerful vocals demonstrating Streisand's ability to tackle a more upbeat, rock-influenced sound.

Overall, Barbra Streisand... and Other Musical Instruments is a must-see movie for music lovers and Streisand fans alike. It showcases her incredible vocal talents, and the unique combination of musical instruments creates a sound that is both familiar and fresh. The movie is a testament to the power of music to bring people together and is a reminder of the talent of one of the greatest singers of all time.