I can't help but cry every time I watch this. He was near death with AID's at a time of horrible stigma and he bravely sang his heart out . That takes true bravery and courage to do . RIP Klaus
Crazy to think that at that time the had effectively zero treatments to offer, but would still tab tens of thousands of dollars to the terminally dying of medical textbook opportunistic infections.
Some comments I found about this video (From people who knew him): “Land when you read all about him and realise he is singing about death and being “out in the cold” only shortly before dying of AIDS alone and abandoned by friends who were all to frightened to visit him in the hospital, it makes it the more poignant and touching…. Wearing the collar and make up to hide the Kaposi’s sarcoma…. Unforgettable” “For those who don’t know, this is his farewell performance. He was very well aware that he was dying from AIDS, but the audience had no idea that anything was wrong. A performance with that kind of back story is what you’d expect to exist only in a musical about show business. But here, it happened in real life.” “[Nomi’s] gaunt face and sunken eyes reveal the suffering of a dying man. However, at the moment Nomi sings the word “death”, his eyes widen, suddenly infused with vitality and defiance. Through sheer will, Nomi wrestles with the note, refusing to let it defeat him. At the end of this feat, the slight and dignified upward inflection of Nomi’s head indicates to the viewer that he has won.”
if that was his last performance it must have been such a proud moment for him, years of being misunderstood, slowly building his career, to then finally standing in front of thousands who clap at his mere appearance, with a full orchestra waiting for him to perform with them... i think at that moment he was complete
@Morgan Smith You don't need to leave rude comments on two year old comments about an art form you clearly don't understand. You don't have to personally enjoy something for it to be remarkable and worthy of respect.
In the early 80's a friend and I made a road trip from Atlanta, GA to Manhattan to see Bauhaus. Unfortunately, Peter Murphy had become ill before the group made it to New York. Fortunately for us Klaus Nomi was appearing at the Mudd Club. One of the most incredible nights of music I've experienced. P. S. When there was a total eclipse here several years ago I was blasting "Total Eclipse" on my front porch while wearing a "chemise Lacoste".
Only a blind person would not realize how much Klaus Nomi suffered too much on stage while presenting his art. He couldn't even lower his arms, standing tall like the respectable artist he once was. And his counter tenor sounded in excruciating efirmity, he agonized more and more with each note he sang. But even so, Klaus Nomi had the courage and willingness to express his art to everyone, it is a cruel injustice that he was ostracized by pure prejudice about HIV and AIDS. Klaus Nomi should be remembered for his brilliant underground talent, his sharp counter tenor and above all, for his courage and willingness to overcome his unbearable pain to comfort us with his way of being.
Es ist schön, dass über Plattformen wie diese, über die Möglichkeiten des Internets, Künstler wie Klaus Nomi auch posthum noch Beachtung und Fans finden. Mit den Möglichkeiten seiner Zeit, wäre er für viele, auch für jüngere Menschen, unentdeckt geblieben. Ich bin sicher, er würde das hier feiern. (Sorgen wir doch dafür, dass nicht irgendwelche fehlgeleiteten Menschen, dies alles und unsere Zukunft kaputt machen.)
Today is the first time I have heard Klaus Nomi. At first I thought this is strange but as I kept watching and listening I fell in love. What a talent! He did it his way.
I might be the one of those who have heard about him as well.I can feel the sorrow on his face while performing this masterpiece.What a voice and art! Rest in peace Nomi🙏❤
What Power art thou, Who from below, Hast made me rise, Unwillingly and slow, From beds of everlasting snow! See'st thou not how stiff, And wondrous old, Far unfit to bear the bitter cold. I can scarcely move, Or draw my breath, I can scarcely move, Or draw my breath. Let me, let me, Let me, let me, Freeze again... Let me, let me, Freeze again to death!
Other performances only highlight Nomi's beautiful voice and uncanny intonation - I mean he is perfectly in tune in this weird and quite atonal piece. Wonderful.
Thank you all my brothers in arms ... I mean, for the love of music. A long time ago, when the Internet was still an implement of communication, and not a tool of the payroll) I placed and processed (at the best at the time quality) this unique song on my channel. I did not even think about more than 100K views. For me, the uniqueness of this song in the fact that the gothic aria of Henry Purcell, with which many mystical facts is connected, was performed by a dying person (about Klaus Nomi I can speak for hours) still trembling when I listen to it . I see your views and likes, and I understand that I'm not alone in this world, for whom music and art are the same tangible reality as for me. You are my brothers, no matter where in the world you live! God bless you all!
Vall I thank you for having posted it! I found this thoughtful blog on this particular performance today and found it to be so sensitive, well written and insightful. klausnomicoldgenius.blogspot.com/
No one did this song better Klaus. He left us far, far too soon. Such a sweet man in interviews, and a world-class talent. Imagine the splendor he would have brought to music if alive today.
Er war der "Simple Man - I do the best I can". Er hat das beste getan, was er konnte. Vieles der Texte war so biographisch. Wollte einfach in der Gegenwart leben. Hinter dem Klaus Nomi war der Klaus Sperber, der Klassik und Rock liebte, der tollste Gebäcke zauberte und sehr mutig damals schon dazu stand, wie und was er ist. Danke, dass du die Musik, die Mode, die Kunst und vieles mehr unglaublich und unvergessen bis heute inspiriert hast. Die Präsenz von Klaus mit seiner unverwechselbaren professionellen Stimme ist unerreichbar gleichzeitig tiefgehend und gefühlsbeont mit seinem ganz eigenen unvergleichlichen Stil und der Performance. Er füllte den Raum mit Magie.Ich verbeuge mich. Danke, dass du uns bei deinem Abschied teilhaben lässt. Es ist herzzerreissend, bewegend, wunderschön und einzigartig. Was für eine Stärke, Grösse und Vermächtnis. I remember you❤❤❤❤
What an amazing performer! He was so far ahead of his time. He would be a superstar on the internet if he were still with us!! I'm sad I never got to see a live show.
A piece of art in every sense. What a unique, beautiful and supremely talented man. Incredible countertenor performance by any standard. One of a kind.
The part that chokes me up is he died shortly after this. He donned the collar and Elizabethan outfit due to the sores from aids. Read the lyrics, then watch his face starting at the 2:05 marker. Ever the performer, he makes it look like he's getting into it, but in my opinion he knew he was dying and despite doing this song for years, now has special meaning.
it's incredible how a single crack in an otherwise robotic demeanor he had defined the song. the sense of uncertainty of this new disease that's consuming him. Haunting.
LordOcelot I know what you mean. I think this song was a musical replica of his life. Read the lyrics of this song. "Who from below Hast made me rise Unwillingly and slow" "Far unfit to bear the bitter cold I can scarcely move" "Let me, let me, let me Freeze again to death..."
so painful, he suffered but he sang so sincerely and so perfectly..."le chant du cygne", beautiful, but so moving...I'll never forget Klaus Nomi. He has given everything for art. In spite of his sufferings. Using even his sufferings to improve his music. And dignity. A simple man. But with a pure heart in a rotten world. Thank you for your magical presence, Klaus Nomi. RIP. And shine.
Nobody deserves to die of that hideous disease called AIDS. I don't care what your sexuality is or who you spend your time with. Everyone deserves compassion, respect, love, care, and to be treated like a human being. Klaus Nomi deserved all of those as well.
Watching this performance many years later, knowing what we know now about the history of the AIDS epidemic, his performance is just stunning. As people have previously noted, he changed his costume, wearing high collars to hide his carposi sarcoma cancer lesions on his neck. To me he senses his own mortality in this performance. He wanted to provide to the world his Opus, his legacy, and this was it. I forever will be haunted by this performance knowing his death will be just the beginning of the gay genocide of the 1980s.
It's almost too much to watch. You can see the disease taking over, the fragility of Klaus and the careful steps he takes, and hear the pain and longing in the performance. AIDS was a mystery disease at the time, and this song so beautifully reflects the feelings and mood of that time (even if it was written centuries before). All in all...breathtaking.
Merci Henry Purcell, merci Klaus Nomi, merci l'orchestre, pour cette magnifique interprétation, un tel chef d'oeuvre, cette froide chanson dont on frissonne d'émotions avec délice tout du long.
Klaus sings Purcell’s strange aria The Cold Song from the English 17th century baroque opera King Arthur. The opera’s composer Purcell died in 1695 from incurable T.B. aged 36, while in 1983 Klaus sadly died succumbing to complications due to Aids, aged 39. Both men were remarkably talented but died so young. Purcell’s Cold Song: What power art thou, who from below Hast made me rise unwillingly and slow From beds of everlasting snow See’st thou not ( how stiff )2) and wondrous old Far unfit to bear the bitter cold, I ( can scarcely move or draw my breath )2) Let me, let me freeze again to death.3)
I'm not familiar enough with the play King Arthur to know the context of this song but to my modern brains, it sounds like a poetic depiction of the condition of clinical depression. It sounds as if a person was waking up momentarily from the stupor of deep depression, only to realise how desperate his situation really is, and now he just wants to fall back into that cold sleep to be unable to feel. Whether my interpretation is correct or not, it is fascinating that this poem originates in the 17th century.
Born in 1992, waaay before my time. I came across Klaus on tik tok and wanted to hear more of him. He’s incredible and it breaks my heart that he died alone. What a voice 😮
This song is Nomi’s rendition of a stanza from the third act of the 1691 opera King Arthur… The Cold Song Lyrics What power art thou? Who from below Hast made me rise? Unwillingly and slow From beds of everlasting snow! See'st thou not how stiff And wondrous old? Far unfit to bear the bitter cold... I can scarcely move Or draw my breath I can scarcely move Or draw my breath
Klaus Nomi konnte keiner das Wasser reichen. Obwohl er wusste, dass der Tod immer näher rückte, schenkte er uns dieses großartige Lied, das mich in eine andere Welt versetzt. Ruhe in Frieden lieber Klaus.
I swear he was an angel, he had to be, no one could be so full of beauty and light and just be a mere human. He was breathtaking until the end. R.I.P Klaus 🌹
When he performed at this event he was already very sick...a great performer ready to forget all this pain he was going through just to share his passion of music and talent....never forget klaus...he was what is was...but so brigthening....we...the old fans who discovered him in 1980 will always be by his side ..thank you klaus...we still love you
A truly great performer who was gone before the rest of the world could see and hear him and elevate him to his rightful place, sadly missed, we are fortunate to have these short films
while I acknowledge his private trials and life, I'm moved by his voice and the artistry with which he uses it. More inclined to want to remember his craft and skill than his misery. thank you for posting this
Having just discovered Klaus Nomi recently and what he was going thru at the time of this performance makes me respect him a whole lot more. You can see he senses his own mortality and realizes he doesn’t have much time left. Beautiful yet tragic. Especially at the end
I have no doubt that if he had lived, he would have been successful not only in popular culture, but as a serious classical musician. As a musician myself I have heard and collaborated with countertenors with an international resume and they are not as good as this... we lost Klaus Nomi too soon.
What do you mean? He IS successful. He lives on in all our queer hearts. An icon for anyone who feels like an outcasts among outcasts. Love you my dear.
He was ill. Near to death.gave all he could. And this voice..so full of émotions..was à great singer but most of all à great performer and à wonderful human being. God bless. I was 18 when you left us. Now i'm 53 and you are still in my heart and life. Nobody could replace you. You are the one and the only...love
Nomi’s performance sends shiver up and down my spine. It is such a poignant solo, especially when he sings “Let me freeze to death.” knowing that he too will soon be dead.
If I can hold off the tears before, I cry at " I can scarcely move or draw my breath". I discovered him, loved him and wept for his passing within one day. I am 60 years old and obsessed with music of almost any kind for my whole life. I can't believe I missed him.
@@legacyofpop Im 53 and just now discovered. It was a thumbnail on my YT home page for days until I clicked it. Because of this song and reading the lyrics while he sings, I now get opera.
@@buzzcrushtrendkill It embraces you, doesn't it. Thank you so much for responding to my comment. The history of Klaus should be known. This performance was truly classic. He suffered so terribly, yet, still performed so brilliantly. Thank you Buzz...
Thank you for informing us about the venue plus the year. I live in Munich. I know the Rudi-Sedlmayer-Halle from the 1972 Olympics. Basketball was played there.
If you pay atention you will see Klaus is making a true effort to hold the vocal register in range. He miss some at the beggining but could end it without any serious mistake. I discover Klaus Nomi less than a month ago. I saw the nomi song and all of his musical videos. Simple man resumes how much he wanted to be taking serious about his art. "Just a simple man with a simple plan, hope you understand". I saw a sweet man in need of love and understanding and like every human beinh, he made mistakes. R.I.P. Klaus.
J'adore, magnifique interprétation qui nous remue. Que émotion communiquée. Merci Monsieur Klaus Nomi. J'espère que les anges profites de vos talents!!
Einer der Songs von Klaus Nomi den ich vor bestimmt 40 Jahren gehört habe, bei einem Auftritt und der mir wirklich auch heute noch sehr gut gefällt. Absoluter Wahnsinn sein Mezzosopran !!! Chapeau dafür !
The most powerful version. Perfectly Nomi singing one more time, like there is no tomorrow. And for him, there were no many tomorrows left.
this song always makes me cry, and I don't cry very often
I'm in tears. He knew he was dying and yet gave his soul. RIP Klaus 🌹
A harrowing and humbling thought
that is ESPECIALLY why he gave his soul. REST IN PEACE LEGEND❤
this was his last show
I can't help but cry every time I watch this. He was near death with AID's at a time of horrible stigma and he bravely sang his heart out . That takes true bravery and courage to do . RIP Klaus
the same
What is the date and location of this performance?
I'm totally spellbound. Absolutely fantastic
Every time...
6 months later he was gone at 39.❤
Rest in peace Klaus..
You will be never forgotten..
Be more specific. He's overlooked and forgotten.
David Bowie covered this beautiful man's medical bills.
Crazy to think that at that time the had effectively zero treatments to offer, but would still tab tens of thousands of dollars to the terminally dying of medical textbook opportunistic infections.
I can't find evidence of this anywhere. They performed together in '79 and that appears to be it.
From what I heard bowie respected his music worked with him once then never really talked to him again .... But you never know with bowie
Some comments I found about this video (From people who knew him):
“Land when you read all about him and realise he is singing about death and being “out in the cold” only shortly before dying of AIDS alone and abandoned by friends who were all to frightened to visit him in the hospital, it makes it the more poignant and touching…. Wearing the collar and make up to hide the Kaposi’s sarcoma…. Unforgettable”
“For those who don’t know, this is his farewell performance. He was very well aware that he was dying from AIDS, but the audience had no idea that anything was wrong. A performance with that kind of back story is what you’d expect to exist only in a musical about show business. But here, it happened in real life.”
“[Nomi’s] gaunt face and sunken eyes reveal the suffering of a dying man. However, at the moment Nomi sings the word “death”, his eyes widen, suddenly infused with vitality and defiance. Through sheer will, Nomi wrestles with the note, refusing to let it defeat him. At the end of this feat, the slight and dignified upward inflection of Nomi’s head indicates to the viewer that he has won.”
That last one especially made me cry
Poetic
Thank you for sharing ....
❤️❤️ ❤️ Nomi Klaus Lives ❤️❤️❤️
*single tear escapes my eye*
if that was his last performance it must have been such a proud moment for him, years of being misunderstood, slowly building his career, to then finally standing in front of thousands who clap at his mere appearance, with a full orchestra waiting for him to perform with them... i think at that moment he was complete
@Morgan Smith You don't need to leave rude comments on two year old comments about an art form you clearly don't understand. You don't have to personally enjoy something for it to be remarkable and worthy of respect.
@@Fragrantbeard I like your Jared picture you may enjoy our band Foxzen
*Jareth thanks typo fairies💜
What a beautiful thought!
@Morgan Smith only thing cringe is you leaving homophobic comments on old ass videos. … What a loser lol, get a life. 😂
In the early 80's a friend and I made a road trip from Atlanta, GA to Manhattan to see Bauhaus. Unfortunately, Peter Murphy had become ill before the group made it to New York. Fortunately for us Klaus Nomi was appearing at the Mudd Club. One of the most incredible nights of music I've experienced.
P. S. When there was a total eclipse here several years ago I was blasting "Total Eclipse" on my front porch while wearing a "chemise Lacoste".
I seriously believe that Klaus had a 10 octave range.
Faut pas exagérer peut-être 😊
Klaus Nomi's body is dead
His voice and soul will never perish.
Only a blind person would not realize how much Klaus Nomi suffered too much on stage while presenting his art. He couldn't even lower his arms, standing tall like the respectable artist he once was. And his counter tenor sounded in excruciating efirmity, he agonized more and more with each note he sang.
But even so, Klaus Nomi had the courage and willingness to express his art to everyone, it is a cruel injustice that he was ostracized by pure prejudice about HIV and AIDS.
Klaus Nomi should be remembered for his brilliant underground talent, his sharp counter tenor and above all, for his courage and willingness to overcome his unbearable pain to comfort us with his way of being.
Beautifully put.
that is not why his arms are up...
Es ist schön, dass über Plattformen wie diese, über die Möglichkeiten des Internets, Künstler wie Klaus Nomi auch posthum noch Beachtung und Fans finden. Mit den Möglichkeiten seiner Zeit, wäre er für viele, auch für jüngere Menschen, unentdeckt geblieben. Ich bin sicher, er würde das hier feiern.
(Sorgen wir doch dafür, dass nicht irgendwelche fehlgeleiteten Menschen, dies alles und unsere Zukunft kaputt machen.)
One of the best performances in all music history.
Oh, yes ❤️
Q puta verdad nunca nadie como el q en paz descanse
Indeed !
.
no
Steady on old chap!
My ex wife introduced me to nomi, she was disturbed by his robotic movements and looks, I became a fan and divorced her
Thanks to her
Why did you divorce though lol if I may ask? Because ofNomi?
No ? Me ?
that's funnee man.
Hahaha you get the best of her hee hee 😜😈
He was an underrated Artist.
Sing your Songs in Heaven.
RIP Klaus
.
"underrated " ❓
🤔
@@ritahorvath8207 As in not a household name.
Today is the first time I have heard Klaus Nomi.
At first I thought this is strange but as I kept watching and listening I fell in love.
What a talent! He did it his way.
I might be the one of those who have heard about him as well.I can feel the sorrow on his face while performing this masterpiece.What a voice and art! Rest in peace Nomi🙏❤
He was an exceptionnal european artist. We miss this kind of persons..
Same, 3 months later.
Welcome to the group 😊
This is the first day i listened to Klaus Nomi too. I'm stunned.
What Power art thou,
Who from below,
Hast made me rise,
Unwillingly and slow,
From beds of everlasting snow!
See'st thou not how stiff,
And wondrous old,
Far unfit to bear the bitter cold.
I can scarcely move,
Or draw my breath,
I can scarcely move,
Or draw my breath.
Let me, let me,
Let me, let me,
Freeze again...
Let me, let me,
Freeze again to death!
Thank you
My favorite song by him
Other performances only highlight Nomi's beautiful voice and uncanny intonation - I mean he is perfectly in tune in this weird and quite atonal piece. Wonderful.
So sick and tired he delivered the performance of his life. Love, always ❤️
simply breathtaking person and his song and vibes live on. He still remains a vibrant singer and a tribute to the voice as divine.
Back in the 80's and 90's many beautiful people died because AIDS including him😢😢😢RIP Klaus🌹
Sacrificed (as part of the "advertisement")
ノミ様も平沢師匠も好きなワイ、大歓喜
Thank you all my brothers in arms ... I mean, for the love of music. A long time ago, when the Internet was still an implement of communication, and not a tool of the payroll) I placed and processed (at the best at the time quality) this unique song on my channel. I did not even think about more than 100K views.
For me, the uniqueness of this song in the fact that the gothic aria of Henry Purcell, with which many mystical facts is connected, was performed by a dying person (about Klaus Nomi I can speak for hours) still trembling when I listen to it .
I see your views and likes, and I understand that I'm not alone in this world, for whom music and art are the same tangible reality as for me.
You are my brothers, no matter where in the world you live!
God bless you all!
Vall Your sentiment is so beautiful. The power, the courage, the pathos are undeniably present even to this present moment in time.
Vall I thank you for having posted it! I found this thoughtful blog on this particular performance today and found it to be so sensitive, well written and insightful. klausnomicoldgenius.blogspot.com/
You are not alone, we are not alone, it seems. There seems to be a Nomi gene in many of us, I like to think. Greetings from Montevideo, Uruguay.
I’m addicted. What an amazing performance AIDS deprived the world of so many talented people.
Klaus looked and was sick, but he still gave one hell of a performance!
後世に残されなければならない偉大なアーティスト。日本人の私が魂を揺さぶられている
多分、平沢進もそう思ってカバーしたと思います。
He possessed the rare combination of true talent and entertainment.
So many "stars" get jammed in our face have neither...
No one did this song better Klaus. He left us far, far too soon. Such a sweet man in interviews, and a world-class talent. Imagine the splendor he would have brought to music if alive today.
I agree ! No ONE! The second one is Andreas Scholl.
This is most moving song, sung by a man who knew his death drew near. God rest Klaus Nomi & may he be free of all suffering, always...
Er war der "Simple Man - I do the best I can". Er hat das beste getan, was er konnte. Vieles der Texte war so biographisch. Wollte einfach in der Gegenwart leben. Hinter dem Klaus Nomi war der Klaus Sperber, der Klassik und Rock liebte, der tollste Gebäcke zauberte und sehr mutig damals schon dazu stand, wie und was er ist. Danke, dass du die Musik, die Mode, die Kunst und vieles mehr unglaublich und unvergessen bis heute inspiriert hast. Die Präsenz von Klaus mit seiner unverwechselbaren professionellen Stimme ist unerreichbar gleichzeitig tiefgehend und gefühlsbeont mit seinem ganz eigenen unvergleichlichen Stil und der Performance. Er füllte den Raum mit Magie.Ich verbeuge mich. Danke, dass du uns bei deinem Abschied teilhaben lässt. Es ist herzzerreissend, bewegend, wunderschön und einzigartig. Was für eine Stärke, Grösse und Vermächtnis. I remember you❤❤❤❤
All these years and his voice still gives me chills. He was exceptional.
God, it's like a funeral march. It breaks my heart.
Great performance though. I want this song sung at my funeral.
C'est du PURCELL !!!!!!
With a name like Hopwinkle, you never heard of PURCELL ???
For him it was.
Hauntingly beautiful
Near death
And lays it all out...
Tears running while hearing and seeing for 100 Times in the tune of purcel 😢❤ akon
Truly mesmerising.
RPI Klaus. You were a talent beyond belief....all your own, nothing before and nothing since.
I wish that I had known of Klaus Nomi and been able to see him perform his art . Life is full of missed opportunities .
The condolences for this "Brilliant Performer" are many and varying.
A gentle soul with the Heart of a Lion.
R.I.P.
What an amazing performer! He was so far ahead of his time. He would be a superstar on the internet if he were still with us!! I'm sad I never got to see a live show.
There is, and never will be, anything like him. He is unique. Not only the music and his voice. His whole apparition... Magic...
I think one of the most difficult songs ever to sing. And so touching.
.
Best Interpretation by
Andreas Scholl .
A piece of art in every sense. What a unique, beautiful and supremely talented man. Incredible countertenor performance by any standard. One of a kind.
The part that chokes me up is he died shortly after this. He donned the collar and Elizabethan outfit due to the sores from aids. Read the lyrics, then watch his face starting at the 2:05 marker. Ever the performer, he makes it look like he's getting into it, but in my opinion he knew he was dying and despite doing this song for years, now has special meaning.
it's incredible how a single crack in an otherwise robotic demeanor he had defined the song. the sense of uncertainty of this new disease that's consuming him. Haunting.
+LordOcelot well sir, reading your comment made me watch this in a whole different way, goosebumps like crazy.
Best version of this song. I'm tired of hearing the baritone version. This is perfection .
LordOcelot I know what you mean. I think this song was a musical replica of his life.
Read the lyrics of this song.
"Who from below
Hast made me rise
Unwillingly and slow"
"Far unfit to bear the bitter cold
I can scarcely move"
"Let me, let me, let me
Freeze again to death..."
LordOcelot : Thank you for telling us this. You give me an entirely new perspective listening to this amazing performance.
Such a sad demise. A cruel world for such a wonderful human being. Life sucks sometimes!
Seriously, few thing has moved me like this. So full of emotions.....
Truly!
He was dying from AIDS, I believe this was his last performance.
So full of émotions..so full of everything...thank you Klaus..love always...known you i was just about 13...now i'm 53... émotion never dies..
@@kohaku1821 yep
💔
What a brilliant performance from a dying man! God bless you, Klaus Nomi.
so painful, he suffered but he sang so sincerely and so perfectly..."le chant du cygne", beautiful, but so moving...I'll never forget Klaus Nomi. He has given everything for art. In spite of his sufferings. Using even his sufferings to improve his music. And dignity. A simple man. But with a pure heart in a rotten world. Thank you for your magical presence, Klaus Nomi. RIP. And shine.
Nobody deserves to die of that hideous disease called AIDS. I don't care what your sexuality is or who you spend your time with. Everyone deserves compassion, respect, love, care, and to be treated like a human being. Klaus Nomi deserved all of those as well.
far from perfectly,
but anyways . . . .
@@rogerbarrett9105 Amazing you words of love,
Watching this performance many years later, knowing what we know now about the history of the AIDS epidemic, his performance is just stunning. As people have previously noted, he changed his costume, wearing high collars to hide his carposi sarcoma cancer lesions on his neck. To me he senses his own mortality in this performance. He wanted to provide to the world his Opus, his legacy, and this was it. I forever will be haunted by this performance knowing his death will be just the beginning of the gay genocide of the 1980s.
I understand this very well my beloved brother died of aids.
David Crumb h
I think you need to check on your definition of "Genocide".
Genocide? Lol
genocide? lool
師匠の前に本家から入っていくぅ！
It's almost too much to watch. You can see the disease taking over, the fragility of Klaus and the careful steps he takes, and hear the pain and longing in the performance. AIDS was a mystery disease at the time, and this song so beautifully reflects the feelings and mood of that time (even if it was written centuries before). All in all...breathtaking.
Merci Henry Purcell, merci Klaus Nomi, merci l'orchestre, pour cette magnifique interprétation, un tel chef d'oeuvre, cette froide chanson dont on frissonne d'émotions avec délice tout du long.
Klaus sings Purcell’s strange aria The Cold Song from the English 17th century baroque opera King Arthur.
The opera’s composer Purcell died in 1695 from incurable T.B. aged 36, while in 1983 Klaus sadly died succumbing to complications due to Aids, aged 39. Both men were remarkably talented but died so young.
Purcell’s Cold Song:
What power art thou, who from below
Hast made me rise unwillingly and slow
From beds of everlasting snow
See’st thou not ( how stiff )2) and wondrous old
Far unfit to bear the bitter cold,
I ( can scarcely move or draw my breath )2)
Let me, let me freeze again to death.3)
I wished to know the lyrics and song now I am grieved
I do not see that the comparison does Purcell justice.
Thank you VERY much for this explanation!
+sonyahannah
You're welcome.
I'm not familiar enough with the play King Arthur to know the context of this song but to my modern brains, it sounds like a poetic depiction of the condition of clinical depression. It sounds as if a person was waking up momentarily from the stupor of deep depression, only to realise how desperate his situation really is, and now he just wants to fall back into that cold sleep to be unable to feel. Whether my interpretation is correct or not, it is fascinating that this poem originates in the 17th century.
Born in 1992, waaay before my time. I came across Klaus on tik tok and wanted to hear more of him. He’s incredible and it breaks my heart that he died alone. What a voice 😮
This song is Nomi’s rendition of a stanza from the third act of the 1691 opera King Arthur…
The Cold Song Lyrics
What power art thou?
Who from below
Hast made me rise?
Unwillingly and slow
From beds of everlasting snow!
See'st thou not how stiff
And wondrous old?
Far unfit to bear the bitter cold...
I can scarcely move
Or draw my breath
I can scarcely move
Or draw my breath
So unglaublich schön...
Quand j 'étais petite ,il me faisait peur !!! 😄.
Mais quelle voix !!!
Klaus Nomi konnte keiner das Wasser reichen. Obwohl er wusste, dass der Tod immer näher rückte, schenkte er uns dieses großartige Lied, das mich in eine andere Welt versetzt. Ruhe in Frieden lieber Klaus.
.Purcell schenkte uns
dieses Lied .
Powerful, wonderful and so emotional... an arrow in my soul...
August 8th, 2019 06:50 Am and still listening repeatedly times. Klaus Nomi just Fantastic.
During 40 years...I like Klaus Nomi; RIP.
Er war phantastisch!!!
師匠のも大好きだけど、こっちも圧倒される。。。凄い
I swear he was an angel, he had to be, no one could be so full of beauty and light and just be a mere human. He was breathtaking until the end. R.I.P Klaus 🌹
So true
One of the greatest performances by anyone, EVER.
Brilliant!
This video makes me so sad but I can't help watching. Rest in peace, Klaus Nomi. I know it wasn't your choice but you left us too soon.
One of the most hauntingly beautiful things I have ever heard.
A Masterpiece!!! He deserved to sing classical music.
When he performed at this event he was already very sick...a great performer ready to forget all this pain he was going through just to share his passion of music and talent....never forget klaus...he was what is was...but so brigthening....we...the old fans who discovered him in 1980 will always be by his side
..thank you klaus...we still love you
What event was this?
A truly great performer who was gone before the rest of the world could see and hear him and elevate him to his rightful place, sadly missed, we are fortunate to have these short films
my heart aches :( phenomenal klaus
Nomi lives in our hearts forever ❤
allcatsaregrey magnificent
I am Krause era but just rrelatively recently stumbled across his mesmerising performances ❤❤❤
Magnificent, God bless Krause 🙏❤❤❤
I cry every time I hear this. What a voice, cut down way too young.
это нормально. это слезы восторга. слезы умиления.
Absolutely beautiful …
while I acknowledge his private trials and life, I'm moved by his voice and the artistry with which he uses it. More inclined to want to remember his craft and skill than his misery. thank you for posting this
His voice has such an amazing range.
Having just discovered Klaus Nomi recently and what he was going thru at the time of this performance makes me respect him a whole lot more. You can see he senses his own mortality and realizes he doesn’t have much time left. Beautiful yet tragic. Especially at the end
So much courage...rest in power & peace, beautiful one 🙏💕🕊
I cry every time I watch this.
I have no doubt that if he had lived, he would have been successful not only in popular culture, but as a serious classical musician. As a musician myself I have heard and collaborated with countertenors with an international resume and they are not as good as this... we lost Klaus Nomi too soon.
It is heart-breaking 🙏
THE GREATEST COUNTERTENORS EVER!
he would not have had a chance as a "serious classical musician ". his voice and his technique weren't educated enough.
What do you mean? He IS successful. He lives on in all our queer hearts. An icon for anyone who feels like an outcasts among outcasts. Love you my dear.
A superb performance. Surely Henry Purcell would be proud of too.
I still get shivers from this . Klaus you are missed
I cry and cry and cry.knowing that I will die....I love you my friend....
What an incredible voice! I love Nomi! ❤
He was ill. Near to death.gave all he could. And this voice..so full of émotions..was à great singer but most of all à great performer and à wonderful human being. God bless. I was 18 when you left us. Now i'm 53 and you are still in my heart and life. Nobody could replace you. You are the one and the only...love
I AM DEEPLY MOVED. WHAT A PERFORMER.
This touches me so deeply. It breaks my heart. RIP Klaus. :(
We who appreciate this artist know we are privileged 🙏
Nomi’s performance sends shiver up and down my spine. It is such a poignant solo, especially when he sings “Let me freeze to death.” knowing that he too will soon be dead.
If I can hold off the tears before, I cry at " I can scarcely move or draw my breath". I discovered him, loved him and wept for his passing within one day. I am 60 years old and obsessed with music of almost any kind for my whole life. I can't believe I missed him.
We 2 will n ded soon.
@@legacyofpop Im 53 and just now discovered. It was a thumbnail on my YT home page for days until I clicked it. Because of this song and reading the lyrics while he sings, I now get opera.
@@buzzcrushtrendkill It embraces you, doesn't it. Thank you so much for responding to my comment. The history of Klaus should be known. This performance was truly classic. He suffered so terribly, yet, still performed so brilliantly. Thank you Buzz...
He reminds me very much of Freddie Mercury.
Absolutely mesmerizing. The best.
he was a highly cultivated person...an artist not a star
An artist, not a star
Beautiful.
Does not surprise me at all for he is refined ; you can see that.
@@zoebidule3397 is the collar or the makeup?
Who says one can't be both?
... one of Klaus Nomi's last performances at Classic Rock Night in Munich in December 1982 .
Thank you for informing us about the venue plus the year. I live in Munich. I know the Rudi-Sedlmayer-Halle from the 1972 Olympics. Basketball was played there.
this was better than expected. He sang the baroque parts perfectly. I only wish he dived deeper in that style.
If you pay atention you will see Klaus is making a true effort to hold the vocal register in range. He miss some at the beggining but could end it without any serious mistake. I discover Klaus Nomi less than a month ago. I saw the nomi song and all of his musical videos. Simple man resumes how much he wanted to be taking serious about his art. "Just a simple man with a simple plan, hope you understand". I saw a sweet man in need of love and understanding and like every human beinh, he made mistakes. R.I.P. Klaus.
I just don't know how anyone could watch this and not weep.
馬の骨歓喜
ここに平沢が聞きに来たと聞いて
An Amazing song from an amazing Performer. Just PERFECT.
But heart-breaking.
Love you Klaus❤
R.I.P.😭
Atemberaubend 😊👍😍 ein wunderbares Stück überirdisch gesungen vom unvergessenen Klaus Nomi
J'adore, magnifique interprétation qui nous remue. Que émotion communiquée. Merci Monsieur Klaus Nomi. J'espère que les anges profites de vos talents!!
Einer der Songs von Klaus Nomi den ich vor bestimmt 40 Jahren gehört habe, bei einem Auftritt und der mir wirklich auch heute noch sehr gut gefällt. Absoluter Wahnsinn sein Mezzosopran !!! Chapeau dafür !