Tower of Song: A Memorial Tribute to Leonard Cohen

The stage at the Bell Centre in Montreal was set ablaze on November 7-8, 2017, as a star-studded ensemble of artists gathered to pay tribute to the incomparable Leonard Cohen, a man whose legacy extends far beyond the boundaries of music to encompass the realms of literature, poetry, and performance. Tower of Song: A Memorial Tribute to Leonard Cohen, directed by Jennifer Baichwal and Nicholas de Pencier, serves as a poignant and powerful celebration of Leonard Cohen's life, art, and enduring impact on the world. The evening began with a haunting rendition of Cohen's iconic song 'Hallelujah' by a multitude of artists, including James Franco, Jennifer Warnes, and Shara Worden, among others. The cumulative effect of this performance was nothing short of magical, as each artist brought their own unique interpretation to the table, yet somehow managed to honor the very essence of Cohen's timeless classic. As the tribute continued, a succession of artists took to the stage to pay their respects to Cohen's vast and varied body of work. Damien Rice brought his unmistakable baritone to 'Who by Fire', while k.d. lang delivered a breathtaking rendition of 'Dance Me to the End of Love'. Rufus Wainwright's beautiful, piano-driven performance of 'Everybody Knows' was a particular highlight, as he seemed to channel the very spirit of Cohen, his voice soaring with a sense of longing and despair that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Other notable tributes included Javier Mas' evocative performance of 'If It Be Your Will', played on the haunting, finger-picked strings of his cello; Patrick Watson's poignant rendition of 'I'm Your Man'; and Anohni's emotive performance of 'Famous Blue Raincoat', which seemed to perfectly capture the song's themes of longing and regret. But Tower of Song was more than just a collection of musical performances – it was a tribute to the entire scope of Cohen's life and art. Throughout the evening, a series of poignant and insightful readings were delivered by a range of artists and actors, including Patrick Watson, Suzanne Ley-Greene, and Richard Harris. These readings served as a powerful reminder of Cohen's enduring influence on the world of literature, and the profound impact that his work has had on generations of writers and artists. One of the standout aspects of Tower of Song was its sense of intimacy and immediacy. Despite being a large and complex production, the evening somehow felt strangely personal, as if each artist was sharing a private moment with the audience. This was due in no small part to the dedication and passion of the performers, who seemed to be motivated by a deep sense of respect and affection for the man they were honoring. Throughout the evening, references were made to Cohen's storied career, including his early days as a writer and poet, his rise to fame as a singer-songwriter, and his later years as a celebrated author. These references served as a powerful reminder of Cohen's enduring legacy, which extends far beyond the realm of music to encompass the world of literature, poetry, and performance. One of the highlights of the evening came during a poignant reading of Cohen's poem 'The Old Revolution', delivered by Patrick Watson with quiet elegance and precision. This moment served as a powerful reminder of the enduring power of Cohen's words, which have the ability to move and inspire audiences to this day. As the evening drew to a close, the assembled artists took to the stage together for one final, rousing rendition of 'Suzanne', which was met with a standing ovation that seemed to last for an eternity. It was a truly fitting conclusion to a celebration that had been both joyful and somber, celebratory and reflective. In the end, Tower of Song: A Memorial Tribute to Leonard Cohen serves as a powerful and poignant celebration of a life that was marked by love, loss, and an unyielding commitment to the pursuit of artistic expression. It is a testament to the enduring power of Cohen's legacy, which continues to inspire and move audiences to this day.