I met Jessye Norman that year at an art museum in Madison, WI. I had no idea who she was or even that she was a singer. I was about 10 years younger, had just graduated high school and was backpacking cross country. She stopped to speak to me for a long time, and invited me to go into the art museum with her. I wish I had said yes but she was such an elegant lady and dressed so fine and I was a raggamuffin and didn't want to embarrass her. She was sweet to me and I wish I had gone with her. I also wish I had told her the truth when she asked me what kind of music I liked. I never told the truth because I was the only kid in high school who sang, "The Messiah" in an adult chorus with my Daddy. Other kids made fun of me. I should have been brave enough to tell her. I think our conversation would have been much longer. It was many years later I saw her on tv, after I had gotten into Pavarotti and opera. I was in my 40s. When I looked up at her on the screen, I knew that I knew her from somewhere and eventually realized who I had the privilege of speaking with all those years ago. She was undoubtedly the most beautiful woman I have yet seen in my life, and was so kind to me, who was no one.
Often overlooked what a wonderful Mozart interpreter she was - I also love her performance of Ch'io mi scordi di te?...Non temer, amato bene. (As found here on UA-cam). In both, the tempi are a touch slow - not sure if that's her choice or the conductors' - but it does allow you to relish every nuance. Such delicacy in such a big voice, such intelligence in her phrasing and interpretation. Thank you for posting this!
This should be performed more often by Donna Elvira! Beautifully sung by Norman. I would never have pictured her singing such florid passages. Thanks for posting! Her early voice is gorgeous.
I had the pleasure and luck of attending a concert at Barbican Hall in which she sang. The accoustics were absolutely dreadful but her velvety voice was so powerful it perfectly arrived to the remostest corners of the hall. A rare treat!
I met Jessye Norman that year at an art museum in Madison, WI. I had no idea who she was or even that she was a singer. I was about 10 years younger, had just graduated high school and was backpacking cross country. She stopped to speak to me for a long time, and invited me to go into the art museum with her. I wish I had said yes but she was such an elegant lady and dressed so fine and I was a raggamuffin and didn't want to embarrass her. She was sweet to me and I wish I had gone with her. I also wish I had told her the truth when she asked me what kind of music I liked. I never told the truth because I was the only kid in high school who sang, "The Messiah" in an adult chorus with my Daddy. Other kids made fun of me. I should have been brave enough to tell her. I think our conversation would have been much longer. It was many years later I saw her on tv, after I had gotten into Pavarotti and opera. I was in my 40s. When I looked up at her on the screen, I knew that I knew her from somewhere and eventually realized who I had the privilege of speaking with all those years ago. She was undoubtedly the most beautiful woman I have yet seen in my life, and was so kind to me, who was no one.
Of late, I am finding a plethora of thrilling arias sung by Miss Norman. I never tire of devouring them! Thanks to all those who post these wonders!
I'm glad you enjoyed it. She had such beautiful tone and style early in her career.
@@songbirdwatcher I don't think she ever lost those "beautiful tone". She simply add needed dramtaic nuances and power.
Often overlooked what a wonderful Mozart interpreter she was - I also love her performance of Ch'io mi scordi di te?...Non temer, amato bene. (As found here on UA-cam). In both, the tempi are a touch slow - not sure if that's her choice or the conductors' - but it does allow you to relish every nuance. Such delicacy in such a big voice, such intelligence in her phrasing and interpretation.
Thank you for posting this!
This should be performed more often by Donna Elvira! Beautifully sung by Norman. I would never have pictured her singing such florid passages. Thanks for posting! Her early voice is gorgeous.
I had the pleasure and luck of attending a concert at Barbican Hall in which she sang. The accoustics were absolutely dreadful but her velvety voice was so powerful it perfectly arrived to the remostest corners of the hall. A rare treat!
Thank you for sharing.
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Small correction. Her Berlin debut was in 1969. This is wonderful -- thank you for sharing!
Thanks for that! I misread her Wiki page -- Oops.