Jessye Norman as Ariadne: "Ein Schönes war"

MET production from 1988, James Levine conducts. Please, see also • Video .

[@Cor6196]

Though she died today, she is truly one of those very few who will live and be loved as long as the human race and her recordings survive. Brava, Diva!

[@orion8835]

Ed Esso Amen for that .

[@canalflp]

Rest in peace Miss Norman

[@loiseaunoir1021]

I was there.... 30 feet from her.... this cannot be described

[@iferca5]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@claudiorb3437]

She is Ariadne. You can feel the emotion in her colleagues when she is singing. They are as moved as the audience.

[@jrosings1]

I love Ludwig, Nilsson, Rysanek, Janowitz, and many other singers. There can never be too many beautiful voices. However, when it comes to Ariadne there is Norman and then everyone else.

[@enriquerivera3140]

jrosings1 exactly i think to listen about Ariadne the main reference is Madame Norman, absolutely

[@jianchaowang7063]

Try Lisa Della Casa

[@crazyorganist1609]

​@@jianchaowang7063Norman is untouchable as Ariadne

[@ian.marais1202]

Oh wonderful. The noblest voice that ever grazed the opratic stage. It is tear jerking beautiful. RIP darling Jessye. Sing with the angels and charm heaven with your beautiful voice.

[@panajody]

There is no other Ariadne, pure and simple. No other soprano rivals Jessye Norman's command of German (not even native speakers), no one else invests so much meaning in each word.

[@WalterTonetto]

a rather stupid thing to say! You obviously don't speak German, or are not a native speaker. There is no difficulty in the few chopped German phrases here .... having said that, Norman is superb!

[@francoisbessing]

Wow. Beautiful, high yet fitting praise.

[@kathyking1694]

I have seen many Adriadnes over the years and Jessye is still my favourite. I still miss her (she also does my favourite Four Last Songs - first time I ever saw this live it was Jessye singing)

[@toddmurphy523]

@@WalterTonetto She has great diction in whatever language she is singing in. When Caballe sang German, it was not as exact as Norman's diction. You can hear every vowel and consonant perfectly. She is correct in saying Jessye takes her time with each forming of a word.

[@TheBeverly7]

@@WalterTonetto Your comment is stupid except for " Norman is superb!"

[@Rawrlor]

I believe that many people will agree with me that Miss Norman is indeed the "ideal"Ariadne...

[@alejavipervivere]

Agree

[@crazyorganist1609]

​@@alejavipervivere she was destined to sing this.

[@pfau1960]

Simply astounding! The opening legato phrase seems unending and brought off with consummate perfection, to say nothing of the magical ways in which she modulates her tonal color while singing that line.. Norman's is an astonishing feat of vocal artistry in a star-studded recording that will almost certainly not be surpassed in our lifetime.

[@axe7064]

Your appraisal is very befitting of this performance and you understand the music. May I ask you a question? Was Jessye Norman not particularly popular among the opera establishment? The professional bodies? Classic FM didn't even include her in the top 20 sopranos of all time and the obituary of Jessye by Classic FM ,was maybe 2 paragraphs with no mention of Wagner! just a few orchestras she's worked with, the awards she had gotten over the years but nothing about her voice or talent and no links to her greatest performances

[@francoisbessing]

And so it was than when the Queen settled herself in her castle forlorn with the quests of love that she did sing a song so pure that even the birds hushed their singing to hear the utterances of royalty. And O how the Queen did sing. #foreverQueenJessyeNorman

[@kenndogg]

This made me cry when initially viewed! She has ALWAYS been one of my FAVORITE sopranos!!!! #RIP

[@josepelaez3223]

Amazing that a human can make such beautiful sounds

[@Sir.Larselot]

Since i´ve heard Norman as Ariadne i ´m ruined for other ones. Everything is a question of taste - but her interpretation and singing in this part is a monument. There finds wide breath lines like she´s got the lungs of an elefant... unbelievable.

[@crazyorganist1609]

She'll always be my favourite Ariadne and Sieglinde

[@orion8835]

This entire rendering is beyond words. R.I.P.

[@xbcg9489x]

She is absolutely stunning! i will always love Jessye Norman for her fearless yet tender executions. She is so stinking talented, it blows my mind!

[@soprano1176]

I can not believe that 11 people did not like this, they are completely clueless. Jessye is a genius, RIP Queen Diva!

[@Marcel_Audubon]

not everyone is required to like what you like, dearie ... you're getting a little long in the tooth not to have learned that

[@fredalwatkins4506]

Beautiful

[@Sir.Larselot]

I come always back to this performance for the most delicious execution of this opera. We all have the right for our personal illusions: Jessye is so fine here :)

[@pepevaladez8096]

The incomparable Miss Norman ! Thanks for sharing !

[@richardallen3810]

I adore Jessye! I love her in Ariadne but consider her Seiglinde magnificent. This is a true artist where you cannot take your eyes off her every move.

[@dantewalston2755]

There will never be another Ariadne that can hold a match to La Norman's!

[@Sir.Larselot]

This is an unique, rich singing- Jessye was so noble in this part :)

[@randywoolf]

so glad to find this on youtube. this is one of my favorite moments in all of music...this performance of this aria. at once deeply moving and meticulous and perfect.

[@wallenstein72]

Thankful, that she was here.

[@bronxboy47]

Ever so thankful.

[@Foxy-qx4pd]

what a stunning voice, great control and emotion.

[@embrymarcon2012]

One word... ETHEREAL!!

[@dennischiapello7243]

She is mesmerizing to watch.

[@smoothskin46]

+Gabriel Acevedo I third that....she's very very mesmerizing and beautiful.

[@HJKelley47]

+Jacqie Miles I thoroughly agree with all three of you! Her voice often leads me to tear!

[@rosy3385]

Une immense artiste avec une voix magnifique !

[@jordipanadesribera6890]

Bravissima Jessye. Indimenticabile. R.I.P.

[@nthotomosikili1653]

Thank you , thank you Miss Norman for All you did with your Voice. Your Voice made life easier upon myself indeed.It gave me all I need to move-on...

[@francopignat1931]

I love Jessie Norman! She’s amazing one of the best voices

[@josephmosikili1902]

Miss Norman may have left us; her magic is with us forever..what a gift to us !

[@krrainey77]

My god that is exquisite. Nobody else comes close in this role (maybe Leontyne Price!)

[@arnoldamaral7406]

Kevin Rainey MADAME PRICE DOESN'T GET DOWN LIKE THAT!!!☝😘Arnold Borbon Amaral

[@spencophany]

Leontyne nowhere close

[@liedersanger1]

@@spencophany Close.

[@kenoverbay-baker4653]

As good as Jessye Norman is I still prefer Christa Ludwig for this. Now as for the Four Last Songs Jessye cannot be beat.

[@elijah24567]

i've heard her sing wagner's Gotterdamerung, wagner's Die Walkure the part where she speaksto Brunnhilde " O HEHRSTES WUNDER" and this one and wow so far i love her voice

[@g_vezz]

She had so much expression and feeling. No one comes close. You wonder what the others are thinking.

[@musicandme1982]

We love you Jessey and will.never forget you how can we your truly unforgettable and Thank you 💜💜💜💜🎭💃🏾You are a gift to the world

[@carolinamha]

Rest in heaven oh so graceful and beautiful Ms. Norman! 🕊🕊🕊

[@thetankproductions33]

Perhaps the greatest thing about beautiful singing is that each singer is blessed with different "extraordinariness". Viva la difference! Jessye and Renee are different, and both great. Each brings something different, wonderful and unique to whatever characterization or role they sing. Singing is a subjective fine art, and what is "best" to one person is different to another. If all singers sounded alike, or "ideal", we would be in the age of digitized vocal production. God forbid!

[@newhotmailit]

wie einfuehlsam und ueberweltigend. BRAVA!!!

[@olguiq1013]

Thank you for sharing this precious gift Jason.... so ❤

[@gausslins6066]

There is no Ariadne better than Jessye’s! Simply amazing ♥️❤️

[@alexisvassiliev4372]

Incomparable unique ... Merci Jessy! Bravissima... Que regret pour ton départ...

[@amesavis]

feeling abandoned myself tonight, i could just cry my eyes out

[@WolfyGreen]

The incarnadine sunset of a musical tradition; the love-song of late romanticism given a true and impassioned voice. I heard this music at the age of of 18 many years ago - and the thrill of its grace and loveliness does not fade; in this particular recording the memory is intensified, the sense of witnessing something beautiful and unique, made perfect.

[@panajody]

Jessye Norman is THE Ariadne until the end of time: her understanding of German surpasses any other (of many) interpretations I have heard. Listen to the way she declares the name Theseus: she captures all the loss, disappointment, and tragedy of the role. Jump to the end of the opera if you want to know what ecstasy is.

[@FranciscoFerrerGaliana1930]

Me quedo sin palabras , escuchando esta portentosa voz

[@FoggyRoad81]

Having seen this whole performance before let me say that I absolutely LOVE the duet between her and James King. Yes he is way past his prime, but he makes it work somehow anyway. And her voice (amazingly) becomes even more open and free after the Zerbinetta and troupe break. Plus it has the Dryad Trio.

[@LimmiePulliamOfficial]

This is a lesson in breath control!

[@ewaldriedel2391]

Wunderbar!

[@crazyorganist1609]

This is how you sing Srrauss, with your heart and soul. She sils through a tricky sria with absolutely no effort. She was one of a kind.

[@Professional_444]

Rest in Peace 😥

[@MrShunyata]

Indeed, the trio that opens for Ariadne's big arias is one of the best parts of this opera AND this performance of it on DVD; of course look at the quality of the singers who make up the trio. Finally, Tatiana Troyanos tears up her role in the Prologue; and Ms. Battle: well she's her usual self -- mischievious and stunning.

[@benoitndi5976]

Just anormous ! Amazing Jessye

[@shadaviongrant7605]

A true queen. Bravo Jessye Norman 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@jeamphe]

Et bien, quel plaisir que de retourver cet extrait sut yootoob, car les amis, j'étais la, j'étais la, j'ai vu de mes yeux ce que vous voyez, j'ai entendu.... dans la huitième rangée! C'est impossible de décrire l'émotion que cette scène m'a fait ressentir.

[@paulleclercq635]

Imponente!!!!!!, magistral!!!!!!!!GRANDIOSA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@baritonebynight]

There is STILL time because she is not retired. I heard her in recital last Sunday, and although did not include any classical or operatic offerings on her latest recital, you won't disappointed. Nobody does it like Jessye.

[@markspano3468]

Saw her in this role among others. She gave thrilling performances.

[@the-chipette]

Is it possible to die temporarily from such a majestic and transcending voice?

[@johnerdmann2700]

eternal noble voice!!!!!!!!!!

[@ericfluellen8957]

A Grandmaster at work. Brava!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@ernlwjr2]

Brava, dear Jessye!❤️

[@ludmilaportnova4490]

Fantastisch

[@newhotmailit]

i cant stop looking this video. thx for the upload...i forget breathing as well ...

[@samueljaramillo4221]

Magnificent voice. 👏👏👏👏

[@sopranosmom]

WOW! Jessye Norman, awesome.... soooooo gorgeous.

[@chelseall83]

I used to shy away from Norman b/c of her "diva antics" but after this....wow! Just WOW!

[@Crysalla]

Wundervoll die die Stimme wie eh und je, faszinierened, ergreifend mit dem wunsch nach Darstellung aller Musik, die ihrer Stimmlage entspricht

[@FranciscoFerrerGaliana1930]

Bravo, Bravo, Jessye norman, maravillosa voz..¡¡

[@petelinca]

Absolutly Fantastic. Maravilhosa...competente...divina !!!!

[@MrBluedanube]

I love her!

Heavenly... Compelling...

[@randyc9999]

I don't remember all of it, but I remember the first glorious words: Ein Schones war: hies Thesues - Ariadne Und ging im Licht und freute sich des Lebens There was a thing of beauty called Theseus - Ariadne That walked in light and rejoiced in life Never have the words seemed more true than with Norman singing them.

[@alexlecheyne9095]

Speechless

[@palashvictor]

❤

[@brenodocarmo9816]

Simplesmente reluzente 👏🏾👏🏾

[@RBP1963]

Norman was really great and with Caballé an adorable Arianna !

[@1968KWT]

#OTD (30 September) in 2019 💔💔💔 RIP #JessyeNorman 💐💐💐

[@ALEXISVASSILIEV]

unique way! I am agree! Je l'adore depuis mon enfance dedans! Bravissima! AV

[@MMotta-mk8uq]

Que linda voz!

[@wTrevorh]

wonderfully done!!

[@pilouetmissiou]

what a great artist....

[@2loperadeparis]

Divine !!!!

[@rogerlikion7711]

La reine ❤❤❤❤

[@killoa2002]

@FoggyRoad81 Unfortunately people these days seem to favour looks over talent. Thank god however for people like jessye whose voice is so majestic and wonderful that her physical appearance bears no meaning to her role.

[@marco-marchi]

Magnifica.

[@jcriedijk]

Your reply was exactly what I expected. How clever that you know others knowledge of the Art of Singing. Particularly in my case, as I did not even mention the quality of either artist or aria!!! I simply asked you to respect people. So we might have a lot to learn regarding opera, you have to learn how to behave in society. Poor creature. You must be a real pleasure to live with!!

[@Paniolo06]

So many tears...

[@MMotta-mk8uq]

❤❤❤

[@FoggyRoad81]

@promptersbox You are a fraud, how dare you. No one sang this music as ethereally beautiful as this woman. Slight intonation issues on the highest notes only. But no one can beat that timbre, that tone that committment, that breath and that truly ecstatic reading. She is a goddess.

[@mariomazzi7894]

Beautiful voice! However, I think she was really a mezzo with high notes.

[@tuadolcefanciulla]

@FoggyRoad81 Bravo! well said. Beauty is in the eye and ear of the beholder. And Jessye is not only talented, but beautiful as well. A human being is one whole thing. Tearing apart a person, from this body part, from this eye, from this bellybutton, from this breast, from this voice, from this heart is meaningless.

[@pablofernandez8148]

Es de otro mundo!

[@cmauer1658]

RIP goddess of earth

[@jordipanadesribera6890]

Unbelievle!

[@bcom11]

if you're such a newbie and apparently know nothing about it, why would you make a comment like that? Regardless, it is about the voice and artistry that makes the singer. None of us "know" them personally to make such judgements.

[@adamlaliberte3439]

Jessye and Deborah Voigt are the only soprani that do this aria justice

[@newhotmailit]

1000 e 1 nights 4 the first frase !!! awesome!!!

[@DabneyJonesSoprano]

bless you!

[@ariabispo5647]

❤❤❤❤ bravo

[@Orfeo68]

@FoggyRoad81 THANK YOU. NUFF SAID.

[@HRJohn1944]

I hope that I'm not intruding on a private quarrel, but I think that most people would consider prompterbox's remarks to be beneath contempt and not worth replying to. However, I think that you should not be drawn down to his level: music - and great interpretive singing - is beyond national or racial boundaries. And with respect, it was after success in Europe that many great black American singers first appeared at the Met.