Remembering Barbara Cook: a life in performances

The sad news regarding Barbara Cook's passing came through last night, and tributes to the Broadway star, who was aged 89, have poured in from across the world.

Known for her lyrical soprano voice and frequent collaboration with Stephen Sondheim, Cook won two Tony Awards throughout her career, which spanned almost 60 years.

Here we pick six highlights from Cook's illustrious career, showing her range and depth through the decades.

The Music Man – 1960

The Music Man heralded Cook's first Tony Award in 1958 – see televised highlights from her role as Marian here.

She Loves Me – 1979

As Cook's career progressed she moved from doing extended shows to single performances, as was the case in this French televised rendition of She Loves Me's "Ice Cream". She originated the role in 1963.

Follies – 1985

Cook worked with Sondheim frequently over her career, including in this 1985 Sondheim in Concert special. The character of a former showgirl, Sally Durant Plummer, mulls over her youth and her present infatuation.

Onstage with John Williams and Mandy Patinkin – 1989

Three legends coming together onstage, the hour-long concert was a vibrant affair highlighting classics from Cook's career, expertly overseen by Williams.

Bells Are Ringing – 2011

As time passed, Cook's voiced moved from a higher soprano through to a lower and silkier vocal range. You can hear the transformation in her rendition of "Long Before I Knew You", from Bells Are Ringing.

Remembering Candide – 2016

While Cook's music makes for incredible listening, the stories she told were a fantastic insight into Broadway history. This clip, filmed last year, sees Cook reminisce about auditioning for the role of Cunegonde in Bernstein's Candide.