Lost Fiddler

The movie version of Fiddler on the Roof was broadcast this afternoon as part of the "31 Days of Oscar" series on TCM.  What's not generally known is that song that ends the the musical -- the wistful, "Anatevka," sung by the villagers as they learn they've been ordered to depart their homes -- was not actually the first song that the composers, Sheldon Harnick and Jerry Bock, wrote for the Broadway production. 

That original song was "When Messiah Comes," and it's really quite terrific.  However, it ended up being cut and then replaced by "Anatevka."  The reason that such a wonderful song got dropped is -- well, let the lyricist Sheldon Harnick tell you himself, and then sing the song for you.

(What's especially fun about this recording is hearing the very clear pleasure that Mr. Harnick gets from the appreciative reaction of the audience.  And a well-deserved reaction it is, too.)