I Talk To The Trees! (Clint Eastwood, Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, Mantovani Orchestra, 101 Strings!)

Professor Howdy has once again curated a beautiful HD music video set to lush nature and peaceful landscapes, this time built around the hauntingly melodic song “I Talk to the Trees” from the 1951 Broadway musical Paint Your Wagon by Lerner & Loewe.

1. Clint Eastwood – Vocal Performance
Known more for his tough-guy roles in Westerns and action films, Clint Eastwood surprised audiences in the 1969 film version of Paint Your Wagon with a soft-spoken, reflective rendition of this song. His voice is unpolished but sincere, adding raw emotion to the lonesome lyrics about yearning and communication with nature.

2. The Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra
Following Eastwood, the Hollywood Bowl Symphony Orchestra elevates the theme with a grand, cinematic orchestral version. Known for recording classic American film and show tunes, this ensemble—often led by Alfred Newman or Carmen Dragon—brings lush, full-bodied strings and sweeping brass to the melody.

3. Mantovani Orchestra
Next, the iconic Mantovani Orchestra delivers their signature “cascading strings” interpretation. Founded by Anglo-Italian conductor Annunzio Paolo Mantovani, this orchestra was a pillar of the easy listening genre in the mid-20th century. Their version adds warmth, romance, and gentle elegance to the song.

4. 101 Strings Orchestra
The video closes the musical portion with a majestic version by the 101 Strings Orchestra, famed for their extensive easy listening catalog in the 1950s–70s. Their arrangements often feature lush string harmonies, ideal for evoking mood and atmosphere. Their take on “I Talk to the Trees” is deeply relaxing and richly orchestrated.

🙏 Spoken Segment: Dr. Gabe Fluhrer – Encouragement & Uplifting Thoughts
After the musical performances, the video transitions into an uplifting, spiritual message by Dr. Gabe Fluhrer, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Chattanooga. Dr. Fluhrer is a well-respected theologian and speaker known for his biblical insights and warm pastoral tone.

In this segment, he offers reflections meant to encourage viewers—drawing from Scripture and real-life experiences to help us find strength in times of quietness, loneliness, or introspection. It complements the theme of the song beautifully: when we “talk to the trees” or seek meaning in silence, we can also hear the gentle voice of God.