Christmas Concert at Ely Cathedral with Jessye Noman | Christmastide

[@babbsc3272]

Jessye Norman - a voice from heaven - such passion and perfection brings tears - a blessing in this tumultuous world.

[@martynlewis9378]

I came up on this glorious concert a few years ago while channel surfing at home alone one evening. I remember vividly, lying on The sofa and being absolutely mesmerized buy this phenomenon called Jessye Norman ! I was literally STUNNED by what I was hearing. All of the superlative words in any language or simply in adequate to describe the beauty of Miss Norman‘s voice. I did pretty well holding myself together until the final “Amen” which was written especially for her. At this point I completely fell apart. I was lying there on that sofa just sobbing, tears running down my face, at the sheer magnificence of the gift Miss Norman was giving me! I instantly became a Jesse Norman Devotee. Now that she has left us and is undoubtedly singing with the Angels, my heart is quite broken and I find myself crying at this terrible loss! I am a grown man of 72 years and probably should be somewhat ashamed to admit that! However I’m just not!

[@colleencupido5125]

That has to be one of the best eulogies I have heard for the once-in-a-century phenomon that was/is Jessye Norman. She did a TV Christmas special a ways back the was in her hometown in Georgia that contained warm and lovely descriptions by herself and those who knew her growing up. IF you are an opera lover, two outstanding Jessye Norman Met performances were her debut as Cassandra in Berlioz's Les Troyens, and as Seglinde in Wagner's Die Walkure. She also gave a wonderful performance in the title role in Stauss' Adriane auf Naxos. All 3 are available on DVD.

[@stephenbrown4211]

I first came across Jessye at Wembley Stadium, at the end of the Mandela 70th Birthday concert. Dire Straits were closing out the day and, like many others, I made for the exit. Then this huge voice sang out the opening line to Amazing Grace. She literally stopped me in my tracks, along with the hundreds of others at the top of the steps mesmerised by this voice that more than filled the huge Stadium. Later on my Mum had a chance to go and see her. Like me, she was no opera fan. I told her to go, it would be worth it. The concert was this one and she loved it.

[@colleencupido5125]

@@stephenbrown4211 Thanks for the anecdote. If you are not a fan of opera, Jessye Norman recorded at least 2 CDs of Spirituals, and both are gorgeous!

[@martynlewis9378]

@@colleencupido5125 thank you for your lovely reply to my comment about our beloved Jessye Norman. Prior to hearing this concert I was not a big fan of Opera, in fact I knew very little about it other than the names of some very famous operatic Stars. Pavarotti, Dame Joan Sutherland, and of course Maria Callas to name a few. Jesse Norman changed that. Thanks to KZbin I began watching every Jesse Norman performance I could find. On each of these sites there were a large number of other performances of operas and I began to watch those as well. And found myself absolutely loving it. Fortunately living here in California I have been able to attend many performances of the Los Angeles Opera and the San Francisco opera where I had the great good fortune of seeing Ms Norman live in concert. That evening she sang the Aria " Mon coeur d'oeuvre 'a ta voice"

[@martynlewis9378]

That should be"voix" . At the end of that performance the building was literally shaking from the applause and people shouting . There were a lot of people in tears. I remember all I could say was Oh My God! Sounds melodramatic but nevertheless true. Thank you so much for the DVD recommendations. I have ordered them and await their arrival anxiously

[@elenamironenko2600]

Jessye Norman's voice was a force of nature, a gift from the God.

[@lugubrioz]

gift from ALLAH

[@artistinlederhosen]

a few observations... i first saw this aired on pbs in 1988 and i knew it was the definitive sacred christmas concert. time has not changed my opinion. the majesty of her voice in that setting is unparalleled. it surprises me that the carol "christmastide" has not become better known as it is so beautiful. it sobers me to think these choirboys are now grown men in their 40's. time goes on but we still have the gift of this very special concert.

[@jdewey55]

Agree about the carol written just for her. It is a thing of rare beauty and she sings it like the angel she is.

[@jeffnally3127]

This is still my favorite Christmas concert. Jessye Norman in her always-perfect, best voice. Merry Christmas.

[@peterchisholm1463]

O Holy Night, was awesome.

[@del19803]

She was the daughter of a Baptist minister in Augusta, Georgia, my hometown. I did not know her but my sister-in-law knew her well. She gave many free concerts during the summer. She was a fine lady and Christian. I have been to Ely Cathedral and when I listen to this concert I imagine I’m there.

[@leerhode1021]

I think you got the wrong person. Her father was not a minister. Please check your facts first. This is misinformation.

[@ZuraBalanchivadze]

As if time goes back and we all appear in times of Dickens. Such amount of love in one concert is unbelievable. Rest in peace, dear Jessye. Finally, you're with the ONE to whom you sang.

[@colleencupido5125]

This video is just one more star to add to the count in the sky as to why Jessye Norman is my favorite Soprano of all time. She came across as a wonderful human being, too, coming from a far from wealthy family in the segregated South, yet far from bitter, a Christian who took her faith seriously, and a class act all the way. When I heard she had died, I posted on Facebook, "I am sure Jessye Norman has heard by now the words of her Lord, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord."

[@jurgenahlers1633]

Words simply cannot due justice to the sublime gift of Norman's vocal instrument and PRESENCE ! ! !

[@paddynoble]

The Oh Holy Night was amazing, the key change to go up took it to another dramatic level. Jesseye Norman's voice just opened the heavens! I can just imagine what it was like to be sitting at that concert. OMG. That would have been a spiritual moment.

[@ron-waynehoekstra7007]

She was my favourite opera / gospel / contemporary singer of them all in her class . For many years followed her career . Alas never had the privilege to have seen her live . She passed last year regretfully as we all must do at one time or another . But have a wealth her records , CD s and listen to her often still .

[@mitchellwhite9920]

I will never forget sitting next to this phenomenal woman at an Easter dinner In Manhattan nyc. The restaurant was Raouls in Soho and everyones favorite. Her aural energy of kindness was overwhelming to me. The proximity made me feel special that day.

[@G8fulguy]

You were definitely in the presence of an Angel!

[@philipsmith3084]

As you should feel special! Anyone that was able to be in the same room with her was special.

[@rodhacking1549]

It was in fact filmed in JULY 1988, not December. We in the congregation were asked to wear winter attire. It was wonderful to be there and she is a great loss to the world.

[@m.antoniosims342]

Ms Norman was a powerhouse & was gloriously gifted with the ability to deliver both power and softness so eloquently! She was indeed a master of her artistry. Her confidence was sure & her presence was spill-bounding! Bravo Ms Norman, a Citizen of the world for a life well lived! ❤️

[@utahdan231]

The singer and the place are divine.

[@divox9pqr]

Sumptuous was her sound....a stellar gift of God.

[@amvamabossolo3987]

The proof that heaven is within.

[@annelieshergert2669]

Wonderful

[@balfourjulien6251]

Ever since I first saw it on PBS years ago, I watch this concert over and over at any time of the year. It lifts my spirit. What a voice! What presence! What elegance! Calling her beautiful and magnificent is not hyperbole-I wish I’d visited Ely cathedral when I had the chance. Now the opportunity is gone forever. But I rejoice in Jessye’s voice, and thank God that she graced this earth. She was certainly one of God’s gifts to this world.

[@Mark_Dyer]

I watched this concert, televised, when I lived not far from the cathedral, and when a much younger man. Of all version of Veni Emmanuel, this has to be one of the finest. Thank youy for posting the concert and bringing back fond memories from the 1980s

[@samuelthomas6332]

She truly was an exception. May she rest in peace! May her contribution and legacy in the fine arts live on!

[@martinwright4125]

it's christmastide....wonderful!

[@XxQueenChristinaxX]

An opera queen.

[@orange_light_pictures]

I've been looking for different versions of O Holy Night, as it's one of, if not my favorite Christmas songs. There are so many, with lots of good versions but this one, with the backing of the choir and organ, especially at the crucial point of the song; that change was amazing.

[@colleencupido5125]

O Holy Night was the favorite Christmas song of my late beloved Mother.Jessye indeed does a superlative job of singing it.

[@thomascabantac5054]

BRAVISSISSIMO, Miss Norman! You have the most powerful, dramatic and soulful voice I've ever heard. And while you perpetually rest in peace, your songs will continually inspire and enthrall humanity. Thank you ever so profoundly.

[@christinenabuguzi]

Jessye Norman will be remembered on every Christmas celebrated you will be singing with us both on earth and in heaven

[@jonesusa1111]

What a voice ❤

[@markhatchett6341]

RIP dear lady. This was the first CD I ever purchased and never imagined I would actually get to visit Ely.

[@catherineouriaghli6396]

RIP!!! Am in tears...

[@Kruzifan]

At 31:00 , 35:47 and 44:28 together with the Boy Choir. And more ? At least her last performance at 47:41 is absolute fantastic...:)

[@user-rc5tr7dj7r]

She is still my favourite. What a voice. ❤

[@andreasthiel4496]

Jessye Norman radiates joy and light and life. Her gift was precious and continues to lift the hearts of many. Our world was better for having had her.

[@josem.rodriguez1121]

Watching this in the New Year 2022. Absolutely Stunning.

[@christinewedge8980]

Glorious is the only word for this.

[@MusicCharl]

One of the greatest opera singers of our time. You will be missed!

[@deisevs5714]

No words ...Art at its finest!!!

[@tommydenzio]

The best opera christmas performance . Jessye was the last of the great black sopranos.

[@davidwahler]

Leontyne Price, also an African American super-star operatic soprano, alive as of Dec 2022.

[@tommydenzio]

@@davidwahler Leontyne Christmas album is glorious

[@Dal-bm7xd]

Leontyne Price was also a force of nature. I love both of these remarkable women. I could NEVER choose one over the other.

[@olkapolka99]

She is the joy of life incarnate... her whole spirit lights up when she sings. Phenomenal

[@Taoseno2007]

The VOICE!! Merry Christmas everyone!! RIP Jessye!

[@jla3bc]

“Jessye’s Carol” has brought tears to my eyes from when I first heard it more than 30 years ago.

[@davidgalchutt5021]

the sounds that emanate from her vocal chords are unparalleled and indescribable. a true powerhouse of the most beautiful sound. that is a huge, huge joyful voice.

[@jdewey55]

She sings with the love of a Saint for Christ wrapping us all in such an ecstatic state of divine love. It raised me up to realms of love for God and Christ that only exist in heaven. She brought it down to us on earth with her lovely voice and spiritual depth. An angel has come to help us know what Christmas is really all about. Joy Joy He is born, He is love, love Him love Him and rejoice in the divine. mercy and love that He brings with Him.

[@henrykianduma8621]

She was so beautiful🌹 forever with the Lord

[@ellengreenlaw8839]

Bless us from spirit, Jessye Norman. Help us heal our nation. Thanks for your gift to us of this music.

[@LamentationLaments]

I came across this program while looking flipping through late night tv back when I was in high school. It was the first time I even heard of Jessye Norman. Almost 20 years later and I am still listening to this treasure of a woman. Thank you and RIP Jessye Norman...

[@G8fulguy]

I was 58 years old when I ‘stumbled’ upon Jessye Norman on a local college’s classical radio station. The more I listen to her music, the more I am more amazed at her talent! I shall listen to her for the rest of my earthly life.

[@prayersprayers3419]

T

[@susandelongis885]

Magnificent!

[@j.f.699]

Saw the original airing way back on pbs. It was one of the best Christmas concerts I ever saw. Jessye Norman blew me away how great she was. 👏👏🎄🎄 👏👏

[@ernlwjr2]

Jessye’s Carol is absolutely divine!

[@janerowland4160]

RIP my dear Jessye. You were a role model and listening to your voice was as close as one can get to heaven on this earth. Thank you for making the world a little nicer. I have the Christmastide CD and have visited Ely many times. It takes your breath away as does Ms. Norman's singing.

[@rhodagreen6496]

This is the most glorious Christmas concert I have ever heard!

[@Mark_Dyer1]

Rhoda, it's available on CD! I bought the original LP when she sang at ElyCathedral, and have loved it ever since. It's the way she just flows from carol to glorious carol: and in THAT setting! WOW!

[@arlenehutchinson9259]

As you watch the great Jessie Norman move her mouth you understand that her voice is an instrument that she actively through the movement of her mouth and lungs, played.

[@SirenaJones]

lol! as I cry, and omg So so true

[@bulova9284]

Yes indeed! Thank you for stating it this way! Hopefully people will understand the Value of a voice and of Her Voice! Will always miss Her

[@cynthiaorourke9673]

Perfect description. I’ve been thinking the same thing watching her. Almost doesn’t seem human. However, we know she was one of the finest humans ever.

[@philipsmith3084]

Thank you to the person that posted this magnificent performance on youtube. Ms. Norman had such an incredible talent and she utilized it! What a voice! I cry every time I listen to her because of the beauty of her voice. The choirs and orchestra were magnificent as well. I miss her as the world should miss her. Thank you Ms. Norman!

[@K4CMU]

Recommended recently by the New York Times' music editor, I listened. What magnificence. Christmas Concert at Ely Cathedral with Jessye Norman. Her ethereal voice soaring in gorgeous arrangements with choir and orchestra. On headphones, its audio production lifted my heart.

[@biker5662]

Utterly beauteous!!! What a treat to get to hear. Ah. Joy!

[@sitar99]

This is EVERYTHING!!! The fresh arrangements and her irreplaceable voice make this an absolute joy and a new Christmas tradition for me! Thank you Jessye for your art and beautiful voice.

[@operafreak535]

Hi Jonathan! ;-)

[@neiderodrigues9424]

l

[@psammiad]

Funny seeing myself in the Ely choir! Funnily this was filmed on a fairly warm June day, though the audience were told to wear coats as if it was Christmas. So they were sweating as they came in, but mercifully the cathedral is always quite cool.

[@howyoodoon]

I've watched this every Christmas since the year it came out, and it continues to be one of my all-time favorite concerts. You're lucky you were to be a part of it. Do they give you any camera time? They kept zooming in on the blond cherub. In any case, you're part of history, since this was the premiere, right? A nice memory for you, I'm sure! Cheers!

[@GaryNReese]

Oh, My God. Beautiful, you shared that. This is my all-time Christmas special to watch. If I don't watch it, something is missing from Christmas.

[@veronicatolliver1842]

The most beautiful voice I ever heard

[@arlenehensley7305]

Great concert with beautiful voices and orchestra!

[@beatrixvantil8623]

sublime , still today after almost 30 years , never never something more beautiful than This Christmastide

[@Taoseno2007]

No one like Jessye. God Rest her Soul!! Thanks for the Music Jessye!

[@johnfletcher9410]

You will be greatly missed by many

[@mametteraye1056]

AUJ’OURD’HUI. 12 septembre 2021 je viens de découvrir JESSYE NOMAN. 🇫🇷 ❤️❤️❤️ QU’ELLE MERVEILLE 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽. Une VOIX si douce et Si BELLE. Je PENSE Que Je VAIS SOUVENT L’ÉCOUTER . 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷. ❤️❤️❤️. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽. 👏👍🌻 ❤️❤️❤️. 🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷

[@eefjekolkman3650]

Jessye Norman is Ohio's pride and African-American pride. Thank you Jessye. Such a beautiful voice!

[@walterf5651]

She is black excellence at its finest!

[@PennTrafford]

Actually, I think you might be thinking of Kathleen Battle, who was born in Ohio. Jessye Norman was born in Georgia.

[@nanajockel]

Actually, wherever she is born, the whole world is proud!

[@direfranchement]

Yeah Jessye Norman was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia.

[@gungagaolu8869]

Thank you Jessye and American Boy Choir, Ely Cathedral Choristers, Vocal Arts Chorus, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Robert de Cormier......Bravo bravo bravo.

[@ceicasilva9819]

Que coisa linda!!! A música é algo realmente transcendental, podemos não compreender uma palavra, mas não impede de sentir a emoção do canto a energia e a beleza!!

[@jeanettedawson8500]

Sounds like a thousand angels tones coming out of her mouth. I get goose bumps and tingles all over. Wow! May you sing forever.

[@jayrobi87]

I’m here because a friend at a bar told me of this masterpiece. And how glad I am that I am here. We could write volumes about the good that Ms. Norman brought to this world - and that we should. But, for now, at this very moment, I listen and hear her message that she brought to us during this concert.

[@claudesummers9530]

So sad to learn that this magnificent voice has been stilled. R.I.P.

[@ellengreenlaw8839]

She blesses us from spirit.

[@bidadarikalem]

Today is the 1st time to know this voice. God thanks so much for the amazing voice I have ever heard

[@barbaralewis6766]

Absolutely gorgeous. Thank you.

[@Phil99470]

Oh my! The angels paused and listened, marvelling that such beauty should be produced on Earth!

[@paulgreen6921]

Listening to this glorious sound brings to mind THE LORD JESUS crying out on the cross “It is finished” then giving up THE GHOST. The veil in the temple was rent in Twain from top to bottom signifying the presence of Jesus is available to all who would believe. He became our LIVING TEMPLE AND ETERNAL HABITATION! Hallelujah!!! PWG

[@annabolena7663]

Lenyűgöző ez az érzelmekkel telített roppant energia!

[@fernandoandrade8172]

Marvelous.Fantastic woman

[@rees9471]

This concert is now more beautiful and meaningful... So grateful for the voice and presence of this woman. Rest in peace and love.

[@johnwhitehead4518]

An amazing voice, and a truly beautiful person in every sense of the word. RIP Jessye, and thank you!

[@ernie7453]

Today is September 30, 2020. A year go she left us to be with the Father.

[@zerizzimo]

Good bless you Jessye... your voice will never be forgotten

[@elzevanderlaan5007]

Beautiful singing Jessye in a wonderful Cathedral! I always turn on this music when I decorate the Christmas tree. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

[@hojunglee1305]

It's been 20 years that I listen to these songs at Christmas season, it is the best! Thanks

[@miareal1746]

What a beautiful prove that God is Real

[@califfaluz8707]

A voz mais potente de todas! Um agudo absoluto... Estupenda!

[@noabaak]

Thank you. - from your New York, 12/21/2020

[@kadeemjones9227]

Love you Jessye sleep in peace

[@kimotoole6290]

Beautiful

[@tomgeydan]

One of the greatest and most beautiful voices of our time! Thank you for sharing!

[@barnaby6511]

Of ALL time!

[@user-tx6cz3ty7k]

Джесси. Норма просто чудо.! Певица на все века талант.!

[@inagy2792]

Tudom , hogy sok levegő és energia kell az énekléshez , valosággal játszik a levegővel , gyönyörűen formálja a szavakat !!! Van mit tanulni a művésznőtől !!!!!.!!!!!

[@stephanebelizaire3627]

Farewell and R.i.P. our Beloved and Immortal Soprano Ms J. Norman, Bravo the Classical and Lyrical Music will never forget You. Well-done !

[@georgeking4730]

HEAVENLY ANGEL RIP MS. JESSYE NORMAN

[@RonaldBarone]

All songs were well sang but her AMEN OMG I think even God stopped doing whatever He was doing to listen. How beautiful it was.

[@j-bird97]

Miss Norman's voice was absolutely breathtaking. This concert has been a favorite of mine since I first saw it on PBS many years ago. You are likely singing with the choirs of angels now....thank you for the joy your magnificent singing brought to so many.

[@Mr21Nubia]

The way she sang "Amen" specifically sounded like the HEVENS opened.

[@leerhode1021]

You too?

[@falcon664]

Amen, an affirmation. So Be It, Truly, a solemn ratification. Sung by Jessye with absolute belief and authority. Beautiful.

[@ruisousacorreia1013]

Absolutamente fantástico! Que maravilha! Inesquecível!

[@yuk1634]

她是这世纪当之无愧之第一女高音。我自20岁就听她的歌，始自 HOLY CITY JERUSALEM. 她在19年接受访问时，精神气如 舊，祝福!

[@magoulianitissa]

This is the most wonderful Christmas concert!

[@jrdonasco7185]

@13:05 PROCLAIM! The Greatest American Soprano of all Time.

[@lawrencebrown3677]

The greatest soprano anywhere in the world and there were quite lot scattered around the world in those days!

[@rickythe2nd63]

This presentation has moved me! How thrilling! May God rest this great daughter of His!

[@j1a2v3e4]

thank you so much for uploading this christmas concert with the wonderfull Jessye Normann.

[@janemazzola4454]

What a beautifully orchestrated concert w/Ms. Noman, the orchestra, conductor, & choirs in this magnificent Cathedral! May I also note how much I appreciated that Ms. Noman was wearing that elegant conservative blue gown, rather than more bare dresses as many female performers wear, even when performing religious music. So Ms. Jessye Noman certainly appeared & sang like an angel commissioned by GOD. Thank you!

[@herbertvanmarion]

Sure a voice from heaven, that's why God called her back home, she will be missed on earth, but I think she and God are both very happy now, think about that. Greatings for Holland to everyone hoe is listening to her, we most be happy!❤😢😅😊

[@leroyvenn9374]

Excellent! She was the best. Mina

[@didiellies1106]

A true gift from god

[@alainmolitor2238]

Superbe ! Enorme, Minuit chrétien !.... Jessye Norman aua été notre dernière gde voie d'âme.

[@victoriaprice2692]

I'm weeping,too. I first saw her at the Kennedy Center, and forty years later, not only her voice, but also her radiant face, express her love and her joy, and the soul of this music, as I watch and listen.

[@daveelcock607]

Fondly remembered in the legacy of a voice left to keep you alive in many hearts, especially now in a world hemmed in as a result of the covid-19 pandemic.