Gustav Mahler "Urlicht" (movement 4 from Symphony No.2 "Resurrection") Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra Bernard Haitink, conductor Aafje Heynis, contralto recorded: 1968
This is one of those moments when beauty of voice, technique, and inspiration come together, along with conductorial understanding and purpose. Surpassingly beautiful!
One of the greatest contraltos of her time, one of the greatest orchestras ever and the greatest Mahler-conductor of the second part of this century. What a beautiful combination ! Hans NL
I personally have vivid memories of this wonderful performer, so talented and so humble at the same time, in various sacred works of Vivaldi, under the baton of the great Angelo Ephrikian. I'll never forget her...
I just love this symphony from Gustav Mahler. Aafje's pronunciation is very clear compared to some other contraltos' and it makes it easier for non-German speakers to learn the parts. Thanks for this video!
This is great! so pure and humble. Just how it has to be. PERFECT! Musicaly and also techniquely. In my opinion her voice is even better than Ferriers.
Ben echt overwelmed door deze absolute schoonheid en inzicht in waar het om gaat. Een talent die, vrees ik, nooit meer terugkeert. Zoals Callas en Ferrier!!! Adembenemend! Frans Giebels.
I think Aafje Heynis has sung in the church music festival in Kristiansand, Norway sometime during the seventies. She had a Norwegian parallel in the wonderful Astrid Hellesnes Hukvari (1937-1989), whose career was interrupted by illness and an early death. Both these singers seemed to have a direct contact with the divine spheres.
Aafje Heyni's voice has great character and individuality, and she sings with discipline. I wonder if she has had many opportunities to visit the United States and become better known and work with American musicians.
La chanteuse s'adresse à une rose, mais n'est-ce pas un appel au ciel ? Ô Petite rose rouge, L'humanité gît dans une très grande misère, L'humanité gît dans une très grande souffrance. Toujours j'aimerais mieux être au ciel. Une fois je venais sur un large chemin, Un ange était là qui voulait me repousser. Mais non, je ne me laissais pas repousser ! Je viens de Dieu et je retournerai à Dieu, Le cher Dieu qui me donnera une petite lumière Pour éclairer mon chemin vers la vie éternelle et bénie !
@ ssballs (43 minuten geleden) Oké, the last century. And: according to the Sängerlexicon she never appeared in the USA, only in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switserland. Hans NL
There are a number of wonderful recordings of this piece out there....they all measure about 5:30, so this is a tiny fraction faster...to me, it demands restraint, care, time...
+Dave Cochrane Would you please be so kind and point out the times she fails to hit the note as I (in my ignorance) can't find any... As for the recording quality: for a recording from the fifties it is excellent.
crocothemis Sure! The first couple of flat notes that stick out are at 1:45. Then again at 2:12, 2:16, 3:46 ('ach'), 4:20, 4:22, 4:38 (really bad one), 4:51 (out by a country mile). These are the worst examples. You're right, the sound quality isn't bad for the 50's, although there are better. Have you heard any RCA Living Stereo recordings from the 50's? They're exceptional for the period! I would also recommend to check out the 'RCO Live!' issue of this song (Concerthall Orchestra, Netherlands); the "Ach, nein!" line might send shivers down your spine, such is the passion in the performance.
This is one of those moments when beauty of voice, technique, and inspiration come together, along with conductorial understanding and purpose. Surpassingly beautiful!
Musique sublime. Quelle noblesse dans le chant d'Aafje Heynis. Cette femme s'adresse aux Dieux.
Wat kon die Aafje toch prachtig zingen. In 2021 nog een lust voor het oor.
One of the most amazing singers I´ve ever heard.
Rest in peace. Your beautiful voice will remain forever!
One of the greatest contraltos of her time, one of the greatest orchestras ever and the greatest Mahler-conductor of the second part of this century. What a beautiful combination !
Hans NL
Ja zeker!
Absoluut.. Prachtig en zo ingetogen.
zelfs na 50 jaar nog wonderlijk mooi
Hier geniet ik van. Prachtige herinnering aan een hele mooie stem van een heel mooi mens.
Glorious!
So Beautiful....one of my most favourite to listen to and sing
I personally have vivid memories of this wonderful performer, so talented and so humble at the same time, in various sacred works of Vivaldi, under the baton of the great Angelo Ephrikian. I'll never forget her...
Exquisite. Gave me goose bumps.
haar zang bezorgt mij nog steeds kippevel; heb dank mw Heynis voor uw kunst.
Absolument superbe!
Sublime!
Simply gorgeous...!
Maravilloso descubrimiento ( para mi) esta contralto holandesa fallecida hace un año. Una joya de voz.
Its so clear and loud Im gonna cry thank you
Pure beauté
I just love this symphony from Gustav Mahler. Aafje's pronunciation is very clear compared to some other contraltos' and it makes it easier for non-German speakers to learn the parts. Thanks for this video!
Magnífico!
Quelle beauté!
-- Merveilleux. --
Así deben cantar los ángeles.
This is great! so pure and humble. Just how it has to be. PERFECT! Musicaly and also techniquely.
In my opinion her voice is even better than Ferriers.
In terms of vocal technique, she is better than Kathleen Ferrier.
Right..softer, warmer
heavenly!
Dear Plato, Yes, you're quite right ... note that this singer is still living ! ... Cheers, from, del-boy.
Very difficult to choose between Ferrier and Heynis. I just love them both.
Ben echt overwelmed door deze absolute schoonheid en inzicht in waar het om gaat. Een talent die, vrees ik, nooit meer terugkeert. Zoals Callas en Ferrier!!!
Adembenemend!
Frans Giebels.
This is my favorite of Mahler
Beautiful post , I love Mahler and have corresponded w/ you in " tribes"
I think Aafje Heynis has sung in the church music festival in Kristiansand, Norway sometime during the seventies. She had a Norwegian parallel in the wonderful Astrid Hellesnes Hukvari (1937-1989), whose career was interrupted by illness and an early death. Both these singers seemed to have a direct contact with the divine spheres.
Marian van Schaaik
Geweldige uitvoering, zeer doorleefd.
genial!!
Wonderful. I can appreciate other artists, but I definitely prefer this recording to many available here on UA-cam.
Aafje Heyni's voice has great character and individuality, and she sings with discipline. I wonder if she has had many opportunities to visit the United States and become better known and work with American musicians.
You don,t have to choose...Just enjoy
you cannot compare Aafje Heynis with Kathleen Ferrier, They are two total different caracters,
das beste........
Hmmmm,nice to be reminded of this version/voice.
Marian van Schaaik
Geweldige uitvoering
La chanteuse s'adresse à une rose, mais n'est-ce pas un appel au ciel ?
Ô Petite rose rouge,
L'humanité gît dans une très grande misère,
L'humanité gît dans une très grande souffrance.
Toujours j'aimerais mieux être au ciel.
Une fois je venais sur un large chemin,
Un ange était là qui voulait me repousser.
Mais non, je ne me laissais pas repousser !
Je viens de Dieu et je retournerai à Dieu,
Le cher Dieu qui me donnera une petite lumière
Pour éclairer mon chemin vers la vie éternelle et bénie !
@Lactoris1 She did sing in teh U.S.,i remember a friend seeing her.
20.12.2012 the big expected bang
21.12.2012 day 1 after mankind - "Urlicht" is born, the birds are singing
Zwei dislikes!! Was fehlt diese Menschen?? Ohren ? Herz ? Ich werde es wohl nie verstehen,
Cornelis van der KRUK zwei? Sonnen 4. Das ist "a pitty for them" (Meine Deutsch nicht gut)
Alex Toussieh In the mean time 4 (four) dislikes. My comment was 11 months ago. Thats why. Poor music "lovers".
It often just means people who ticked the wrong point.
Her timbre also reminds me sometimes of Ferrier! Maybe less "silvery" but with better diction.
They both have the same vocal music teacher. In terms of vocal technique, I think she is better than Kathleen Ferrier.
@ ssballs (43 minuten geleden)
Oké, the last century.
And: according to the Sängerlexicon she never appeared in the USA, only in the Netherlands, Germany, France and Switserland.
Hans NL
best Urlicht ... ∞
As good as an ari w ever sung.
@qklq42 Well,the last century....:-)
love her voice, but tempo far too slow for me. loses the dramatic effect
There are a number of wonderful recordings of this piece out there....they all measure about 5:30, so this is a tiny fraction faster...to me, it demands restraint, care, time...
maureen forrester was better at this song, i believe.
I don't think so.
Indisputable
I love you Aafje
There are many better performances than this. Too many times she fails to hit the note and it comes out flat. Not a great quality recording, either.
+Dave Cochrane Would you please be so kind and point out the times she fails to hit the note as I (in my ignorance) can't find any...
As for the recording quality: for a recording from the fifties it is excellent.
crocothemis Sure! The first couple of flat notes that stick out are at 1:45. Then again at 2:12, 2:16, 3:46 ('ach'), 4:20, 4:22, 4:38 (really bad one), 4:51 (out by a country mile). These are the worst examples. You're right, the sound quality isn't bad for the 50's, although there are better. Have you heard any RCA Living Stereo recordings from the 50's? They're exceptional for the period! I would also recommend to check out the 'RCO Live!' issue of this song (Concerthall Orchestra, Netherlands); the "Ach, nein!" line might send shivers down your spine, such is the passion in the performance.
+Dave Cochrane I honestly can't hear them and I thought I had good hearing for these things, do you mean by "flat" they are of tune?
Yes, tonally flat. Off key.
+Dave Cochrane must be in your ears, I only hear a divine voice totally in tune