Christa Ludwig sings Brahms "Sapphische Ode"

The great mezzo soprano Christa Ludwig sings Johannes Brahms' Lied "Sapphische Ode" or "Sapphic Ode". From a 1961 BBC broadcast featuring Gerald Moore on the piano. Just listen to those low notes!!

[@j.markbaker2172]

24 April 2021 Requiescat in pace, Christa Ludwig. You gave us so much.

[@apolinary49]

Teaching this to my students with Christa as their role model!

[@saraha.6787]

Where are my fellow classical music-loving sapphics??

[@seok.qt23]

yep! i’m actually competing classically with this song and i’ve gotten all Superior or Top ratings! i sing this with my Partner in mind. She loves their song as well!

[@singwrite]

This is so beautifully sung, so perfectly and convincingly internalized. Would the audiences of today appreciate it?

[@wbcjr17106]

I sure did! TBH, I first heard this essayed by the sublime Dame Janet Baker accompanied by Andre Previn (1970s.) Interestingly enough, Dame Janet did her most enduring recital work with Gerald Moore at her side.

[@saturne46]

Quel bonheur de découvrir une vidéo de Christa Ludwig, jeune, mais déjà grande musicienne, à la voix chaude et prenante. Bravo et merci

[@steinway1901]

How wonderful that this video has drawn comments from so many different cultures in the world. On first hearing the tempo seemed to indicate sadness, as if the tears of the loved one were because of that love ending, or the person leaving rather than estatic joy. On second viewing the interpretation of Mr. Moore and Ms. Ludwig seemed more justified.

[@mariacasemyr]

Absolutely perfect!

[@EddyWolput]

mijn voorbeeld als beginnende zangeres, ik hou van haar!

[@hyramesshiramess1035]

So fine and so beautiful! Thank you.

[@Liedforum]

Best command go the lower passagio ever heard.

[@duncanrichardson2167]

Rosen brach ich nachts mir am dunklen Hage;
Süßer hauchten Duft sie als je am Tage;
Doch verstreuten reich die bewegten Äste
Tau, der mich näßte.
Auch der Küsse Duft mich wie nie berückte,
Die ich nachts vom Strauch deiner Lippen pflückte:
Doch auch dir, bewegt im Gemüt gleich jenen,
Tauten die Tränen.
Translation by Leonard Lehrman] (v. lightly ed. by Duncan R.)
Roses from the dark hedge I plucked at night;
They breathed sweeter fragrance than ever by day;
But the moving branches abundantly shed
The dew that showered me.
Thus your kisses’ fragrance enticed me as never before,
As at night I plucked the flower of your lips:
But you too, moved in spirit as they were,
Shed a dew of tears.

[@iltonjardim]

heavenly sublime!

[@vayasaberlo8]

Perfect

Der König der Begleiter und die wunderbare Christa Ludwig .....und Brahms .....kaum auszuhalten.

[@heddagabler390]

So exquisite*****

[@jancedricmicheler6122]

Braaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaava great mezzosoprano she is christa Ludwig😊

[@doGreatartistsgrowontrees]

Excellent

[@doriangrey465]

Great!

[@jenniferlamont7460]

I came here because I'm gay and I love opera.

[@mariacasemyr]

A song about lesbian love. : )

[@TwinkTrash]

This was the last thing I was expecting in this comment section but lmao werk a relatable queen

[@emilovesyouxp]

I sang this as a bisexual lady with a girlfriend, so I HAD to investigate the sapphic element. Turns out that it's also a form of poetry inspired by Sappho herself, having more to do with metrical feet and stresses and syllables than the subject matter (I mean lesbians). Although that certainly COULD have been the poet's intent. Anyway, it certainly informed my performance of the piece!

[@Fritz_Maisenbacher]

Welcome here , dear Jennifer .
Lesbians are the diamond of Feminity .
(and I am straght , if you want to know) (:

[@davidjared3402]

I love opera too! Im straight, happily married for 21 years, and have been blessed with five precious children. NOTHING beats the evangelical Christian life!

[@vonmeppen]

Yes, this is Gerald Moore.

[@chueca]

I am interested to know who, in your opinion, understands the world of Brahms, and gives an interpretation which is not ¨vacía¨. Gracías

[@jcriedijk]

Normally I am very thrilled by all Christa Ludwig has done, but this time she disappoints me. Particularly the breathcontrol is far less and the notes down't flow smoothly from one to another. There is a brilliant version of her collegue, the British (!) mezzo HELEN WATTS (1927-2009) also on youtube. Although not German, she handles die Sapphische Ode as if she was German , with a more than perfect breath control and warm deep voice.

[@liedersanger1]

I agree. I think this is too slow. It and thenk you for the referral to Watts' spectacular (and faster) version.

[@EddyWolput]

ik ben natuurlijk de vrouw van wolput eddy, GINA

[@toni7777ful]

not very low

[@Herrotic]

(0:20) Accès rapide

[@princemania9225]

Christa Ludwig ist unerreicht!