Stephen Sondheim Calls Lady Gaga's SOUND OF MUSIC Oscars Performance a 'Travesty'

Lady Gaga's Oscar performance from THE SOUND OF MUSIC was admired by many - but Stephen Sondheim wasn't one of them.

In a new interview with The Times, the legendary composer said: "On THE ACADEMY AWARDS [Lady Gaga] was a travesty. It was ridiculous, as it would be from any singer who treats that music in semi-operatic style. She had no relationship to what she was singing. What people liked was her versatility."

Sondheim confessed his partner, Jeff Romley, is a huge Gaga fan, though he "does not share his taste for contemporary pop music."

Following the muscial medley, SOUND OF MUSIC star Julie Andrews appeared onstage and embraced Gaga in a show of genuine admiration and affection.

Andrews shared later that week, "I was deeply honored by the Academy's lovely tribute to The Sound of Music and especially touched by Lady Gaga's wonderful performance. I have always been a fan, but last night we bonded and now I have a new friend."

The performance prompted interactions by 214,000 people per minute globally on Facebook, and 154,000 people per minute in the U.S. Among the stars who gave a thumbs up to the segment were Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Kate Upton and Broadway's own Bette Midler, who shared her approval on Twitter. Tweeted Midler: Brava, @LadyGaga! This girl can sing ANYTHING!!

Gaga's performance included a medley of "The Sound of Music," "My Favorite Things," "Edelweiss" and "Climb Ev'ry Mountain." Watch it in full here.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos