The envelope...not necessary...

To quote Colbert: I called it!

I thought their performance was great, and did not need the orchestra backup; what makes it beautiful, in the film and otherwise, is the simplicity. I also really liked Hansard's (and, later, Irglova's) honest, thrilled reaction. Nice.

I have said this over and over, on this blog and to anybody who will listen in real life: if you have not seen this movie, do so. Brilliant.