Her voice was built for the Wagner and other German repertories. She slammed this piece live and in recordings. Such feeling and delivery. With her interpretation, I just close my eyes and imagine. The soprano has to rise above the music with Wagner and she delivers.. Amazing..
This is the most beautiful version I know of. And I don't want to argue about technique, about Flagstad, Nilsson, whatever. I am German and I know my language, she is awesome. This version is perfect, because it has a rich acoustic space, so colorful... ...and after all the emotional drama and pain, its ending has such a wonderful touch of forgiveness and peaceful surrender.
+Spentmore Yearly You are entitled to your opinion. If you want to tell me in a roundabout way that this version is "Kitsch" (candy floss), then you're plain wrong. This is "Liebestod" - dying is "let go" - and it is a peaceful moment.
COMPLETE PERFECTION. Remember when Norman was working her way up the ladder. I was a mere student (undergrad major.. 18 years old, with my own focus on vocal performance and Education).. later went on to receive my Masters, sang with Luciano and others, but NO ONE could ever hold a candle to Jesse. She performed a recital at our PA Bldg. on campus and I was blown away. Just KNEW this woman was special... and how right I was. Unfortunately never had the opp. to perform with her.
This recording catches me unawares every time I hear it. Nobody does it better....so much soul. Reduces me to tears with its beauty. Rest in peace Jessye and thank you for your lasting legacy.
It seems most of our African American greats are leaving us. I hope in time this generation and the one to come will realize how their gifts came thru adversity and great sorrow but they excelled through it all to become the best of the best!!! BRAVO JESSIE.
Unfortunately all the greats are going and not being replaced. This incredible performance just shows what the younger generations will miss unless they start to be properly trained and understand that great singing needs more than just a high note. Jessye is certainly one of the most important and best to aspire to as a role model.
She is mezzo soprano as far asci know. Many Mezzo Sopranos have become Wagnerian Soprano. They are only asked to sing untill c3 / c6 at the highest and it occures seldom. Maestra Norman is well known for EXCELLENT German Diction.
Mezzo's (like Norman) are better in this role, imo. I really can't stand the heavy sceechy soprano Isolde's so celebrated. They hurt my ears. They lack tenderness.
Hers is the performance of "Liebestod" that brings me to tears of the deepest joy. Like whatever performance and performer you wish, I no longer need to imagine heavenly strain and song. It is here, in Jessye's voice. I am happy to be merely mortal.
Jessye I reard you back in 2001 at Carnegie Hall, signing exactly this song. Your strong but also smoth voice invaded my soul. It was one of those moments I'll never forget. Thanks sweet lady, RIP
I will never (can never) forget watching the evening concert at the French Bicentennial celebration. Jessye Norman sang the Marseillaise and I did not fail to note that she, above all others, was entrusted with that great honor. And here she sings one of my favorite classical works from childhood. Aw... how sad to learn that she has passed away. She will always be an inspiration to everyone who is dedicated to the quest for excellence.
@@gernz1000 I love Norman but all her recordings of this are way too slow. I grew up listening to the breathtaking Christa Ludwig's version and hers has always been perfect, for me. Please listen. th-cam.com/video/LmmJWQ67tZE/w-d-xo.html
The music demands performance non pareil ... Here it is .. Such utterly beautiful control, expression, nuance, tenderness .. complete understanding & passion. Best rendition, little wonder that Salvador Dali left this world to this artistry -- Jessye was Diva ...
I could hardly breathe listening to this, it was so beautiful and emotional. Such a powerful, colorful singer with so much to give to us all. So very sad when she left us, but lives on through her beautiful voice! Sing in Peace
She is the American gift to the world of opera. I love her voice . It is a rich in tone and emotions that make her one the greatest opera singer in my life time.
One of the best nights of my life was watching Ms. Norman perform at Roy Thomson Hall In Toronto in the 1990s in her flowing green robe. She sang this piece from Wagner. O my goodness, I was elated….❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Marvellous Jessye Norman. I once heard Kirsten Flagstad live. Hearing Jessye Norman a few years later I believe she is the only singer with a remotely comparable voice, of effortless beauty and amplitude. Brava!
Except Birgit Nilsson (surprise) - I'm not saying better, but those three are the only three (so far?) who don't make me wish one of them were singing instead. For Norman, here, I do love Karajan's slow pacing - it leaves her such wonderful room to complete each phrase and let that magnificent voice continue to wring everything possible out of the music. I so wish she could have done a complete studio recording with a perfect supporting cast. I envy you your live Flagstadt!
She gave us all. She sang to the fullness and beyond. Her smile is contagious, and she shines. Her voice brings to point of no return - you have to continue how ever you can. A voice that is contagious. Thank you Jessie - you are love ....always
Marvelous. I've never heard anyone else who can even be compared to Flagstad's Liebestod. A little slow for my taste, but maybe they had the good sense to take it at a tempo where she could be fully expressive. I certainly would've been on my feet in the opera house after this one.
Beautiful, beautiful. Lovely tonal colouration. A very fine rendition of the greatest opera aria ever written. And to corroborate what other have been saying, this indeed is Karajan.
Everytime I listen to Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde tears come to my eyes. Wagner was a blatant anti-semite and I am a Jew - and it makes absolutely no difference to me. Beautiful music is beautiful music
I too cry - I know not why. I can simply put it down to the power of music to move one's emotions. In a perverse way it makes me happy to cry to such wondrous music. I think I might be crying because I can not fill my life with such genius. Or, maybe, I cry because such genius in humanity is fleeting and ephemeral!
I find it easier to understand Wagner by understanding his situation. He was in constant turmoil, had a failing marriage, being ostracized for his political beliefs, and especially being in constant debt made Jews a scapegoat for him to blame for his misfortunes on. It’s just sad that such an inspired and brilliant composer was overcome with paranoia and bitterness most of his life. But I also wonder if this life is what was translated into the irreplaceable music that he wrote. It’s fascinating to think about.
@@boundary2580 ...is the right answer ! We’re all a mix of good and bad; if misguided and misled. But .... but .... walk with a stick and beware ... as if you walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Beware... always beware of that next fanaticism. Shalom my friend!
Es imposible que la emoción al oirla no nos llene de admiración ante voz tan maravillosa y limpia.Se ha perdido una más entre las geandes damas del BELL CANTO
Ahhhh! So beautiful. Jessye, we are already missing you, Queen of the opera! Rest in peace, you are so loved! Thank you for the captions in both languages, very nicely done!!
Just wonderful to have the chance to listen to this again. I was oh, oh so lucky to have heard her sing this many years ago at a BBC Prom, it was undoubtedly the highlight of my promming years.
How can 41 people give this a thumbs down. It's probably the greatest randition of this aria. Jessye Norman has set an ultra high bar for all dramatic sopranos.
What an Instrument she possesses. It is like a Cathedral organ, a never ever ending variety of tone , timbre and nuance. I consider her the culimination of the black soprano/mezzo.
omg, Jesse Normand as Isolde is so moving tears are starting. The Ring is my favorite set of operas,love Wagner, and am taking my 17 yr old grandson to watch Tristan und Isolde next month. We can hardly wait, I raised them like my fathrr did me listening to operas but especially Wagner.
The woman's breath control is beyond what seems possible! How privileged I was to hear her so many times.
Blessed is you to have had the moments to enjoy the magnificent Jessye Norman...
There is a hymn she sings called O Divine Redeemer. Am overwhelmed every time I sit with this piece
Rest in Peace Jessye Norman, you will be greatly missed.
She was one of the greatest! Her voice was like a gift of God!
O
A sad loss to the world of Opera .Forever one my favourite Opera Singers.
@@Darrigrande v0
she definitely will be missed😢
Her voice was built for the Wagner and other German repertories. She slammed this piece live and in recordings. Such feeling and delivery. With her interpretation, I just close my eyes and imagine. The soprano has to rise above the music with Wagner and she delivers.. Amazing..
Magnífica
This is the most beautiful version I know of.
And I don't want to argue about technique, about Flagstad, Nilsson, whatever.
I am German and I know my language, she is awesome.
This version is perfect, because it has a rich acoustic space, so colorful...
...and after all the emotional drama and pain, its ending has such a wonderful touch of forgiveness and peaceful surrender.
+BernhardRottweiler So schoen ausgedrueckt lieber Bernhard. Ich heule. And I'm the grandson of Germans. Beautiful
+BernhardRottweiler I agree
+BernhardRottweiler I totally agree! You put it very well.
Fladstad was the perfect interpreter of this song, Nilsson gave it an edge. This Jesse Norman is just candy floss.
+Spentmore Yearly
You are entitled to your opinion.
If you want to tell me in a roundabout way that this version is "Kitsch" (candy floss), then you're plain wrong.
This is "Liebestod" - dying is "let go" - and it is a peaceful moment.
COMPLETE PERFECTION. Remember when Norman was working her way up the ladder. I was a mere student (undergrad major.. 18 years old, with my own focus on vocal performance and Education).. later went on to receive my Masters, sang with Luciano and others, but NO ONE could ever hold a candle to Jesse. She performed a recital at our PA Bldg. on campus and I was blown away. Just KNEW this woman was special... and how right I was. Unfortunately never had the opp. to perform with her.
How I wept. Such beauty. She is missed, remembered, and cherished.
Her voice has wings, those of gold. A pair of flaming gold wings to throw in the air and soar to heaven.
What a beautiful image - it really captured my imagination! Thank you!
Wonderfully expressed!❤
I just heard the most moving and powerful thing I have ever heard. Words cannot say how good Jessye Norman was. Astonishing.
This recording catches me unawares every time I hear it. Nobody does it better....so much soul. Reduces me to tears with its beauty. Rest in peace Jessye and thank you for your lasting legacy.
I am so very glad that I am not the only soul who finds tears on my cheeks listening to this.
We will miss her but at least we have these wonderful recordings!
She left a great legacy of recordings, but she is gone! She was gifted with an extraodinary, amazing voice! She was one of the greatest!
I could listen to this ALL DAY LONG...it just doesn't get better than this. Thank you for uploading this.
Paying homage to an artist who changed and moved the world with her artistry.
Thank You Jessye Norman!!! You are an expression of God's love and beauty in this world, May you rest in peace and RISE IN GLORY!!
It seems most of our African American greats are leaving us. I hope in time this generation and the one to come will realize how their gifts came thru adversity and great sorrow but they excelled through it all to become the best of the best!!! BRAVO JESSIE.
Unfortunately all the greats are going and not being replaced. This incredible performance just shows what the younger generations will miss unless they start to be properly trained and understand that great singing needs more than just a high note. Jessye is certainly one of the most important and best to aspire to as a role model.
Stunning heavenly voice must be one off the greatest Sopranos ever in my opinion .
not "must be" - is! Among others, of course :-)
She is mezzo soprano as far asci know. Many Mezzo Sopranos have become Wagnerian Soprano. They are only asked to sing untill c3 / c6 at the highest and it occures seldom. Maestra Norman is well known for EXCELLENT German Diction.
Mezzo's (like Norman) are better in this role, imo. I really can't stand the heavy sceechy soprano Isolde's so celebrated. They hurt my ears. They lack tenderness.
THE greatest, ever.
@@allaboutmyart5706 I like mezzos anyway.
Millions of us loved you Jesse and we will forever miss you, you always brought us such joy and peace .
Hers is the performance of "Liebestod" that brings me to tears of the deepest joy. Like whatever performance and performer you wish, I no longer need to imagine heavenly strain and song. It is here, in Jessye's voice. I am happy to be merely mortal.
Agree Mark
..
Amen!!!
RIP JESSYE. I loved you, so many emotions😢
Magnificence, chills up/down my spine and tears at the same time. Her voice was out of this world! Thank you Jessye, RIP!
Jessye I reard you back in 2001 at Carnegie Hall, signing exactly this song. Your strong but also smoth voice invaded my soul. It was one of those moments I'll never forget. Thanks sweet lady, RIP
I was fortunate to hear her in the Liebestod at Ravinia with the CSO many years ago, absolutely unforgettable.
Thank you for all the goosebumps and tears. The heavenly choir rejoices that you've joined them.
Should have a million views at least. Heavenly, what depth of emotion, the height of artistry.....and the marriage of two great minds. Beyond words!
I will never (can never) forget watching the evening concert at the French Bicentennial celebration. Jessye Norman sang the Marseillaise and I did not fail to note that she, above all others, was entrusted with that great honor. And here she sings one of my favorite classical works from childhood. Aw... how sad to learn that she has passed away. She will always be an inspiration to everyone who is dedicated to the quest for excellence.
Noe Berengena - You heard her sing La Marseillaise in person? How immense. You were very lucky.
Yes I was there also. She was THE star of that incredible show. Dressed in a Yves St Laurent creation in blue, white and red. Never forgot it.
That rendition brings tears to my eyes. She is beautiful.
Keine hat das schoener und beeindruckender gesungen, einfach weltbewegend.
It is perfect. It can't be sung better than this.
Try Kirsten Flagstad. But Jessye is gorgeous too.
BernhardRottweiler -It can-and has been.
by who?
@@gernz1000 I love Norman but all her recordings of this are way too slow. I grew up listening to the breathtaking Christa Ludwig's version and hers has always been perfect, for me. Please listen.
th-cam.com/video/LmmJWQ67tZE/w-d-xo.html
@@allaboutmyart5706
Way to slow? She is following the conductors lead. It is a death song after all....
A melhor interpretação de Isolda de todos os tempos, insuperável. Bravo Jessye, sua voz permanecerá para sempre. Eternamente DIVA.
Having goose bumps throughout this area. Jessye again sets the bar very high.
What a voice ! This is one of my favorites.
One of the greatest mezzos ever, and from my home state. Requiescat in pace, bella donna.
One of the most beautiful things I've ever heard.
What a wonderful tribute to this amazing singer and human being!! The last photo brought me to tears! SOOOO well deserved!!
I had the honor to attend one of her master classes at the Carnegie Hall. Being in the same room with this incredible human being was magic.
Amazing song by Jessye Norman. God bless you Jessye Norman
This is absolute beauty. Music from heaven
The music demands performance non pareil ... Here it is .. Such utterly beautiful control, expression, nuance, tenderness .. complete understanding & passion. Best rendition, little wonder that Salvador Dali left this world to this artistry -- Jessye was Diva ...
Jessye Norman’ Merci, les sommets dans la pureté et les accents de votre voix , nous ont fait toucher le sublime pendant notre vie.
One of the most extraordinary perfomances I've ever heard!!
My tears had not stopped from the first note.... It is so beautiful.... The voice is so perfect....
Me too! It is one of those musical moments that never ever leaves you
really? from the first note you cried? Like seriously tears flowing from your eyes?
igy van az én könnyeim sem állnak meg!
We are so blessed to have Jessie.
I love it.
Thurston High School shooting
Bellisimo. Una obra de Arte.
This is so heavenly, it brings tears to my eyes. BRAVO !!!
Forty years ago her interpretation of this aria aroused in me the beauty of music. God bless her as I do.
Une des plus belles interprétations de cette oeuvre de Richard Wagner. Magnifique Jessye Norman !
I could hardly breathe listening to this, it was so beautiful and emotional. Such a powerful, colorful singer with so much to give to us all. So very sad when she left us, but lives on through her beautiful voice! Sing in Peace
She is the American gift to the world of opera. I love her voice . It is a rich in tone and emotions that make her one the greatest opera singer in my life time.
Eine wahre Göttin mit einer solchen Stimme. Schön das wir sie hatten.
What a beautiful voice Miss Norman , what a good balance with the orchestra ... Grandiose ! Thanks for sharing ...
This music is out of this world... No words to express this emotional deepness... I'm in tears every time I listen to it...
Absolutely incredible. My favorite version of all time. Just gorgeous.
Rest in Peace. A Great voice will never sing again...How fortunate we are, to have all those fantastic recordings available..
One of the best nights of my life was watching Ms. Norman perform at Roy Thomson Hall
In Toronto in the 1990s in her flowing green robe. She sang this piece from Wagner. O my goodness, I was elated….❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Goodbye beautiful Jessye. Thank you for all the wonderful music. Your voice touches my soul..."höchste Lust!"
Descansa en paz y gracias por habernos deleitado con tu voz maravillosa! Fuiste un regalo de Diós!
I was blessed to have dinner with her many years ago. Divine memory.
Ayesha Adger Amazing Thurston High School shooting
I love you.
A great Privilege to share a dinner with one of the most relevant mezzosoprano our times°
Marvellous Jessye Norman. I once heard Kirsten Flagstad live. Hearing Jessye Norman a few years later I believe she is the only singer with a remotely comparable voice, of effortless beauty and amplitude. Brava!
Except Birgit Nilsson (surprise) - I'm not saying better, but those three are the only three (so far?) who don't make me wish one of them were singing instead.
For Norman, here, I do love Karajan's slow pacing - it leaves her such wonderful room to complete each phrase and let that magnificent voice continue to wring everything possible out of the music. I so wish she could have done a complete studio recording with a perfect supporting cast.
I envy you your live Flagstadt!
You are so fortunate to have heard Flagstad live! I wish that I had been born earlier and could have had that experience!!!
Absolutely enchanting
Grande grande Jessye Norman, le ciel est bien gris ce matin, Reposez en paix belle Didon et Isolde...
Avez-vous lu son livre :"Tiens-toi droite et chante" ? Un bien beau témoignage.
Maravillosa Jessy Norna.Descanse en paz tan naravillosa cantante.
Forever Great and Beloved our Immortal Soprano Mrs Norman !
A pleasure to listen to this great singer.
Norman a Goddess. No words can describe her immense talent .
Phoooaaww!!! Just blew my soul into the next celestial dome!! Brava!!
She may have the reputation of a diva, but she makes my soul orgasm.
Wagnerian voice and statue, it is also good that her German is so pure, authentic.
She gave us all. She sang to the fullness and beyond. Her smile is contagious, and she shines. Her voice brings to point of no return - you have to continue how ever you can. A voice that is contagious. Thank you Jessie - you are love ....always
Que hermosura más sublime... Una voz de otro universo, la Norman. Gracias por todo lo que nos diste, Jessye.
Thank You for posting this piece with the lyrics. This is Jessye at her best indeed!
Viola, I have just listened again.....first time for a while and have tears pouring down my cheeks......so moving.
Marvelous. I've never heard anyone else who can even be compared to Flagstad's Liebestod. A little slow for my taste, but maybe they had the good sense to take it at a tempo where she could be fully expressive. I certainly would've been on my feet in the opera house after this one.
Beautiful, beautiful. Lovely tonal colouration. A very fine rendition of the greatest opera aria ever written. And to corroborate what other have been saying, this indeed is Karajan.
The recording is on EMI Classics with Klaus Tennstedt conducting London Philharmonic Orchestra, part of a two CD set "The Very Best of Jessye Norman".
Everytime I listen to Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde tears come to my eyes. Wagner was a blatant anti-semite and I am a Jew - and it makes absolutely no difference to me. Beautiful music is beautiful music
It's hard to separate the artist from the art, but absolutely necessary.
I too cry - I know not why. I can simply put it down to the power of music to move one's emotions. In a perverse way it makes me happy to cry to such wondrous music. I think I might be crying because I can not fill my life with such genius. Or, maybe, I cry because such genius in humanity is fleeting and ephemeral!
I find it easier to understand Wagner by understanding his situation. He was in constant turmoil, had a failing marriage, being ostracized for his political beliefs, and especially being in constant debt made Jews a scapegoat for him to blame for his misfortunes on. It’s just sad that such an inspired and brilliant composer was overcome with paranoia and bitterness most of his life. But I also wonder if this life is what was translated into the irreplaceable music that he wrote. It’s fascinating to think about.
@@boundary2580 ...is the right answer ! We’re all a mix of good and bad; if misguided and misled. But .... but .... walk with a stick and beware ... as if you walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Beware... always beware of that next fanaticism. Shalom my friend!
And there are so many wonderful Jewish interpreters of Wagner to enjoy! Regina Resnik, George London, Otto Klemperer, to name just a few
Decades may go by and yet that angel's voice will be among all human beings of sensitive soul
Marvelous and absolutely tremendous! Mighty voice, which can express the inner power of this song!
This is single handedly the best piece of music ever recorded in my opinion
Absolutely superb! Never get tired of hearing her sing this.
Never surpassed. A most moving and intelligent rendering. God bless you Jessie Norman ❤️
What a gift! Jessye, you sing with the angles now.
Einfach nicht von dieser Welt... mir fließen gerade die Tränen... ich weiß nicht mal warum... es fasst mir so tief in die Seele.
She sings this. It is a song. Delivered over the softest clouds and deepest oceans of feeling.
Es imposible que la emoción al oirla no nos llene de admiración ante voz tan maravillosa y limpia.Se ha perdido una más entre las geandes damas del BELL CANTO
Ahhhh! So beautiful. Jessye, we are already missing you, Queen of the opera! Rest in peace, you are so loved!
Thank you for the captions in both languages, very nicely done!!
The performance with Herbert von Karajan is a soul shaking experience. Two great Classical Masters bringing Wagner to full fruition! Amazing!
Amazing voice, amazing technique, great understanding of the music and interpretation, such supreme artistry.
She was an extraordinary singer!
RIP Jessye Norman....Une Grande Dame et une immense voix nous quitte.....!!!!
Avez-vous lu son livre :"Tiens-toi droite et chante" ? Un bien beau témoignage.
You gave us so beautiful piece of life ... thank you Madam , thank you to have exist 🌹
Just wonderful to have the chance to listen to this again. I was oh, oh so lucky to have heard her sing this many years ago at a BBC Prom, it was undoubtedly the highlight of my promming years.
Big, really big voice....excelent....awesome!! Brava!!
How can 41 people give this a thumbs down. It's probably the greatest randition of this aria. Jessye Norman has set an ultra high bar for all dramatic sopranos.
Richard Feynman You are right beautiful lover.
Thurston High School shooting
I love you.
Alberich and his kin, no doubt. She is wonderful and this is the most powerful expression of love in musical form I've ever heard.
for me the greatest voice in the world
Les deux plus grandes voix .N’oubliez pas
Maria Callas !!!!
A beautiful queen. Such a wonderful voice.
Gorgeous instrument - sublime. ....Can't describe - only feel it.
STUPENDA !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Many thanks for uploading this wonderful version. Such power, precision and beauty!
you're welcome!
Rest in Peace, Queen.
SO beautiful one can hardly stand it!!!!
What an Instrument she possesses. It is like a Cathedral organ, a never ever ending variety of tone , timbre and nuance.
I consider her the culimination of the black soprano/mezzo.
She uses her voice as an 🎶 instrument🎼 🎶❤️Just rest in peace Jessie you remain forever 🎼❤️💟
The most exquisite expression of the Liebestod ever created IMO.
This is beyond beautiful, it is superhuman, it transcends all other achievements in singing.
Maravilha!!!! A música, a voz de Jessye e a sua interpretação!
Madame! Jessye Norman, not just Jessye Norman. She is a gift of the Gods to us fatuous beings.
One doesn't have to imagine greatness. We are hearing it. Brava, Jesse Norman!!! We salute you!!!
omg, Jesse Normand as Isolde is so moving tears are starting. The Ring is my favorite set of operas,love Wagner, and am taking my 17 yr old grandson to watch Tristan und Isolde next month. We can hardly wait, I raised them like my fathrr did me listening to operas but especially Wagner.