I'm back, and will always keep returning. After having seen this wondrous performance a hundred times and having just seen Kathleen Battle's own version of the same aria, I insist that Harolyn's was much better, more nuanced/complex, poignant and masterfully controlled. Her last high note alone with the descending melisma was simply breathtaking in terms of how much she applied technical precision, confidently placed restraint & delicacy as well as being able to make it all look like everything was effortless (and the livin' was easy). 😜 The dynamic range of her volume control within the same high note is simply supernatural.
Dr, Feelgood says> "Estou de volta, e sempre voltarei. Depois de ter visto essa performance maravilhosa centenas de vezes e de ter visto a própria versão de Kathleen Battle da mesma ária, insisto que a de Harolyn era muito melhor, mais nuançada/complexa, comovente e magistralmente controlada. Sua última nota alta sozinha com o melisma descendente foi simplesmente de tirar o fôlego em termos de quanto ela aplicou precisão técnica, comedimento e delicadeza colocados com confiança, além de ser capaz de fazer tudo parecer que tudo foi fácil (e a vida foi fácil). 😜 A faixa dinâmica do controle de volume dela dentro de uma mesma nota alta é simplesmente sobrenatural." (Doctor, I had to translate your comment into Portuguese simply because it was the best one I could see so far here! Thank you for being able to describe in words, everything I feel when I see this performance!)
I cannot believe that audience didn’t give a standing ovation. I also can’t believe that our most precious American works of art (and the superb performances of them) aren’t more widely known nor celebrated.
not just a high note, but that Blackwell starts in piano mode ... changes to pianissimo ... and in pianissimo slips / falls (does the glissando ...) 1000 x \o/
I've heard versions of Summertime from so many genres from soul to rock to classical to blues and jazz but to me this is the quintessential performance if you're looking for sheer beauty.... ethereal... other worldly...I remember having the privilege of experiencing it live !
I remember this performance from watching the show back then. I've always been disturbed that she deserved more than a standing ovation from her fellow black singer Anita Baker alone.
@@SlavicGirl. Ah 0k ... very good your observation ... or on the other hand ... it is better to think so to accept because most did not applaud in the same way as Anita. Thanks!
@@SlavicGirl. this is true ... the Japanese, for example, are very restrained when they applaud ... even in the face of breathtaking interpretations (like this one from the classic Summertime ..) different from here in Brazil where I am from ... where I believe that a large part of the audience would be very euphoric, watching this presentation by Mrs. Blackwell!
I remember watching her on the Grammy’s Award show and I could not believe how beautiful her voice was. I had never heard of her and she sang this song so perfectly. I especially love how she sang the last note, she just transitioned down so smoothly! Just perfect…bravissima!
Harolyn Blackwell sang the role of Clara in the production of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, but the actress who appears on the scene is someone else, unfortunately
I'm back, and will always keep returning. After having seen this wondrous performance a hundred times and having just seen Kathleen Battle's own version of the same aria, I insist that Harolyn's was much better, more nuanced/complex, poignant and masterfully controlled. Her last high note alone with the descending melisma was simply breathtaking in terms of how much she applied technical precision, confidently placed restraint & delicacy as well as being able to make it all look like everything was effortless (and the livin' was easy). 😜 The dynamic range of her volume control within the same high note is simply supernatural.
Dr, Feelgood says> "Estou de volta, e sempre voltarei. Depois de ter visto essa performance maravilhosa centenas de vezes e de ter visto a própria versão de Kathleen Battle da mesma ária, insisto que a de Harolyn era muito melhor, mais nuançada/complexa, comovente e magistralmente controlada. Sua última nota alta sozinha com o melisma descendente foi simplesmente de tirar o fôlego em termos de quanto ela aplicou precisão técnica, comedimento e delicadeza colocados com confiança, além de ser capaz de fazer tudo parecer que tudo foi fácil (e a vida foi fácil). 😜 A faixa dinâmica do controle de volume dela dentro de uma mesma nota alta é simplesmente sobrenatural."
(Doctor, I had to translate your comment into Portuguese simply because it was the best one I could see so far here! Thank you for being able to describe in words, everything I feel when I see this performance!)
@@dOtrukdOrkut You're welcome. Obrigado.
Let Kathleen be Kathleen and Harolyn be Harolyn.
@@DigitalDezinesCEO Who told you anyone suggested otherwise?
Exactly! She's perfect.
That pianissimo on the high note was absolutely otherworldly....
I cannot believe that audience didn’t give a standing ovation. I also can’t believe that our most precious American works of art (and the superb performances of them) aren’t more widely known nor celebrated.
I'm in tears hearing how she came down from that last high note. Wow.
not just a high note, but that Blackwell starts in piano mode ... changes to pianissimo ... and in pianissimo slips / falls (does the glissando ...) 1000 x \o/
@@dOtrukdOrkut So exquisite! My body got the shivers listening to this!
I've heard versions of Summertime from so many genres from soul to rock to classical to blues and jazz but to me this is the quintessential performance if you're looking for sheer beauty.... ethereal... other worldly...I remember having the privilege of experiencing it live !
The voice of an angel descending from a clear, blue sky.
the best interpretation I've heard
I say the same!
Except for Leontyne.
@@shells500tutubo They're different and equal.
I remember this performance from watching the show back then. I've always been disturbed that she deserved more than a standing ovation from her fellow black singer Anita Baker alone.
exactly! everyone should have applauded your presentation, standing ...
@@SlavicGirl. Ah 0k ... very good your observation ... or on the other hand ... it is better to think so to accept because most did not applaud in the same way as Anita. Thanks!
@@SlavicGirl. this is true ... the Japanese, for example, are very restrained when they applaud ... even in the face of breathtaking interpretations (like this one from the classic Summertime ..) different from here in Brazil where I am from ... where I believe that a large part of the audience would be very euphoric, watching this presentation by Mrs. Blackwell!
@@SlavicGirl. Have a great weekend!
Probably one of the most pure, emotive, and beautiful soprano voices I have ever heard.
I remember watching her on the Grammy’s Award show and I could not believe how beautiful her voice was. I had never heard of her and she sang this song so perfectly. I especially love how she sang the last note, she just transitioned down so smoothly! Just perfect…bravissima!
The best version I ever heard.
Harolyn is outta this world magical here.
I remember her coming to my performing arts high school in the late 90's (DUKE ELLINGTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS). She did a master class!!!
it must have been as unforgettable as it was stimulating!
Probably the best I've heard. Exquisite!
Exquisite! it was really the missing adjective for this presentation by Mrs. Blackwell...
@@dOtrukdOrkut Agreed. What year is this from?
@@stillstanding6031 1990
@@dOtrukdOrkut
Gracias
Accompanied by those basses her tender and crystal voice shines and sparkles.
Beautiful! And that last note was pure gold.
goes from the piano pro pianissimo and back to the piano ... this is rare!
she has a great sense of dynamics
Wow. Beyond beautiful. Transcendent.
Breath taking
EXACTLY! AND JAW-DROPPING!😉
My daughter sang this song last night at her Winter Concert. Such a beautiful song and Such a beautiful voice Ms. Blackwell has.
Canta divinamente 🇧🇷
Absolutely amazing
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ BEAUTY AND PERFECTION AT ITS PEAK.
My favorite song and favorite recording of it. Truly heavenly. Amazing Blackwell.
What a beautiful voice she has. She is a beautiful person.
That was so beautiful. It was from the same show as that lip synced Milli Vanilli performance.
What a contrast, lol
Haunting!
most beautiful voice and performance 🙇🏻♀️
Phenomenal lyric soprano. Beautifully interpreted by Ms Blackwell
Beautiful voice and wonderful interpretation: divine!
How does this only have 11 comments!?
She sings summertime so beautifully l love this song ❤️.
Still love this after all this time! :)
should be because there was no more visceral interpretation of Summertime, than this
Harolyn's voice thrills me - i dare not say what her visuals do to me at the same time
this must be the 1990 grammies
Otra diosa total de la opera.
Just absolutely amazing 😭 I'm in tears💜
Gorgeous sound and pretty in pink 🙂
First time hearing this beautiful voice....I love it
Ooooh sooo beautiful, gorgeous
speechless
I also stay whenever I hear!
She lives this!
with the soul and with the body!
Unequalled. Very underrated!
I disagree. Unparalleled performance...will always be invaluable.
...that is: unparalleled performance...will always be...just unmatched...and nothing more.
I met her when I was 9 years old.
She sang at my Aunt's funeral
Comment on Black Music Archive brought me here
Very beautiful!!!!! Thank you for posting the video!
The best
chills and beautiful
BEAUTIFUL
so beautiful :'
How can this performance has 12 K views only
wow.....
But how old is she now ? Such good memories from my childhood in Paris. I'm french, by the way
That last note started a bit unsteady and under pitch @ 3:13 that's why she blinked right after but it's still a very good performance.
KATHLEEN BATLLE's shower song. ................🇻🇨🇻🇨✍🏿
I like how there are japanese subs randomly XD
Harolyn Blackwell sang the role of Clara in the production of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Sir Simon Rattle, but the actress who appears on the scene is someone else, unfortunately
Sigh...
Speechless!!!! AMAZING!!