Jessye Norman - Samson and Delilah 1987

[@deborahmerritt4094]

Jessye really has the seductress mastered both with her facial expressions backing up her wonderful voice, and rhythmic mastery! Can’t you just fall under her spell, and understand why Samson succumbed!

[@OregonGarage]

In 1983 I lived next door to Jessye Norman and her mother. They had an apartment on the second floor of 129 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn. Their corner apartment had windows that faced Clark Street and Columbia Heights. When the weather was warm they would have their windows open during practice sessions. Her mother would play scales, chords and phrases on a grand piano that sat in the living room next to those corner windows, and Jessye would respond by matching the phrases and chords and scales in perfect pitch. Many times I paused on the sidewalk below, just listening to them practice.

[@Muttonchop_USA]

You're lucky she wasn't practicing the finale of Tosca. You might have been crushed. 😅

[@TheoTolmay]

How lucky!

[@waynesmith3767]

What an amazing experience for you; how wonderful that you had that an the memories must make you very happy today. Thank you for telling us ❤️

[@adeeo]

LUCKY!!! What I would give to had heard her at least once!

[@Norma-f8b]

What a beautiful experience...!

[@adisabrankley5759]

My aunt and the late Jessye Norman were good friends. I wasn't aware of the connection until years later. They collaborated on the PBS Special: Jessye Norman Sings for the Healing of Aids, a Balm in Gilead, Inc. production which garnered an Emmy! such a beautiful soul!

[@juliabushkova]

This is the year I played with her in several Strauss songs... Words cannot describe what it felt like sharing the stage with her - that voice sent palpable waves through the space around her! And the Meaning behind every word, every sound... Unbelievable and unforgettable. RIP, beloved Ms. Norman

[@jimp4170]

People who only know her from recordings just can't understand what a physical presence her voice had. You could feel her sound.

[@aschkinable7748]

😔💝🍻

[@Marcel_Audubon]

@@jimp4170 lol well, aren't you special!

[@jimp4170]

@@Marcel_Audubon So are YOU!

[@tiiamariasaari]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@tonykelly1334]

No one sings this aria better than the late Jessye Norman. Perfection in every department. Truly incredible. I really miss her. May she rest in eternal peace. Amen.

[@David19553]

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Extremely good. Live long and prosper.

[@norapillar7851]

I agree!

[@aleksandarstavric2226]

Elena Obraztsova owns this aria

[@David19553]

@@aleksandarstavric2226 Live long and prosper.🖖😇

[@stepaushi]

@@aleksandarstavric2226 Elena Obraztsova does not *own* this aria. Why not say something nice about JN in a forum about her amazing performance rather than just that someone else is better?

[@adoris864]

OMG! Those smoldering, beguiling eyes and that VOICE!!! She was a force! RIP Queen!

[@jarenmorris4621]

Beguiling indeed!! Those eyes could sail the ships of a thousand army's! My word!!

[@davebradford8393]

She was a beautiful woman, no doubt. And a singer with no comparison.

[@rose-marietrembloy243]

No wonder Samson could not resist! Everything is so unbelievably perfect. She was too young to leave us.

[@David19553]

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Extremely good. Live long and prosper.

[@David19553]

Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Extremely good. Live long and prosper.

[@bronxboy47]

She gave us the entire opera in one aria.

[@marymargaretblumhorst5359]

Terrible overacting! She embarrassed many young opera lovers, because of overuse of facial expressions. It really does not take the use of every single facial muscle to produce lovely sounds,nor to transmit emotion. The voice was basically lovely, but the constant distraction made her to appreciate. I wish I had only heard her recordings.

[@bronxboy47]

@@marymargaretblumhorst5359 This was a recital performance, not a staged opera. Her facial expressions helped those unfamiliar with the opera to understand what was going on underneath the deceptive seductiveness of the aria.

[@phebus2005]

@@marymargaretblumhorst5359 In other words, you’re an idiot, and probably deaf ! I wish you were mute, too !

[@TheDeal007]

@@marymargaretblumhorst5359 Nonsense!! Her facial expressions are fine. She is PERFORMING, not just singing. Her expressions and body language only adds to the performance.

[@LorandPercsi]

She gave us the most beautiful part of the opera....

[@ChezFeroce]

Jeesye Norman didn't die. She went back home.

[@helenacorreia7613]

The best comment!

[@archihi6957]

이말이 왜이렇게 슬프지..

[@alcraw2551]

@@helenacorreia7613 wow! fantastic insight and commentary! You won the day Helena! :)

[@hansmiller664]

THANK YOU for this TRUE comment! We poor mortals were gifted with her heavenly art. 🌹

[@Marcel_Audubon]

pretty sure she died. don't need those cutsie-pie ways of saying it. She died.

[@hs7921]

You can listen to this, okay. But you can watch Jessie Norman as well, as she animates every nuance and subtlety of this, and be absolutely astonished. What an extraordinary performance.

[@ericfluellen8957]

My God, this woman was incredible; not only is she giving a master class in singing opera, but her breath control is beyond amazing.

[@soniasamith9742]

Maravillosa aria y fascinante voz

[@e.conboy4286]

True! It is palpable! Watching her actually creating the notes is thrilling. Dear One, we love you so. Rest In Peace.

[@giannirizzi1031]

Eric Fluellen Listen to Elena Cernei, a true mezzosoprano kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5uah5qgerJ2bLc

[@AGMundy]

Indeed, but if you want to hear breath control at perhaps its finest - Montserrat Caballe.

[@ericfluellen8957]

@@AGMundy Montserrat Caballe is a fantastic opera singer. However, Jessye Norman has better breath control than any opera performer. That is best displayed in the 1994 version of this opera at the Avery Fisher Hall.

[@robertzsombok7661]

What a breathtaking artist! not to mention she looks like a Goddess!

[@e.conboy4286]

Robert, she IS a goddess! Do read her authorized biography.

[@rt3593]

Yes, I think she is strikingly beautiful.

[@happygucci5094]

She is everything. Her voice from God.

[@Norma-f8b]

For me, Jessye Norman is the best who interprets this fabulous theme!

[@barbarabutterfield2679]

Her face...her eyes....the emotion....the voice the mouth. I'm going to miss her. Rest in peace Queen

[@ЛикаХоломеева]

Да! Красавица с прекрасным голосом! Жаль, что не будет продолжения... Покойся с миром!💖🙏🏼💎

[@assuntaboglione910]

Sublime semplicemente!!!

[@thomasvanantwerp728]

I had the privilege of hearing Jessye in recital two times; once in Houston, and once in Chicago. She was marvelous!

[@thinkmackay8954]

She understands the lyrics, the plot, the story! She made a mental/visual movie for us!

[@shorimatatov6019]

That’s what I thought too

[@e.conboy4286]

Such a passionate performance!

[@yseson_]

100%

[@anjee.3261]

Beautifully said

[@rosemaryallen2128]

Like a great wave breaking on the shore, and gradually diminishing, leaving us spellbound.

[@Johnmag1976]

What a gigantic Artist ! I hope her talent is valued ,glorified ,and taught to youngsters in USA ❤

[@nickalternativo]

All. over the World!. She was a GENIUS.

[@pamelacorbett8774]

What an artist! How she caresses this wonderful aria, she might be singing to herself.

[@e.conboy4286]

Oh my God! What a tender and stunning performance. We were so blessed to have this filmed! Rest In peace and sing with the angels.

[@laurentdumontel5680]

J’en ai des frissons. N’oublions pas que Jessye Norman fut éleve de la grande Lotte Lehmann.....le génie du chant.

[@griffinmoore6819]

Incredible artist. Truly one of the greatest voices ever to walk earth. And all these years I just thought there was Callas, Leontyne, and Tebaldi. There is a gift to the world that is called Jessye Norman. I'm honored to be listening to her.

[@rose-marietrembloy243]

And Montserrat Caballe…

[@tailor383]

griffinmoore : Callas has NOTHING on her !

[@happygucci5094]

Listen to her sing Wagner, Strauss and Mahler- her voice the richness, the breath control the phrasing- sublime. She is a complete singer- mastery and something else… something godly in her singing- truly. And her performance 🎭 s enthralling. She is my DIVA. The one and only.

[@ChuckMusicDinoLover]

Besides the amazing control and passion in her voice, her presence was always as captivating. You simply did not only listen to her.... you experienced her! Thank you, Jessye, for sharing your many gifts with us; for helping us feel with more depth than we might not have had before.

[@wandatinsley2555]

Yesssssss ....the truth!

[@shirleyrombough8173]

She was truly an artist. This is one of my favorite arias and sung with such clarity, beautiful middle and upper range, and her passionate interpretation make me want this never to end. Brava.

[@svetlanakossatch125]

Прекрасный голос!

[@Claudia-fb3ws]

Hola

[@DiomedesDioscuro]

You said it all: bas singing, but impressive eyes.

[@maxmustermann7903]

Just by looking at her face you can learn how to sing. What a great artist.

[@philipvanlidth]

By this time, she had gotten her technique fully in hand, and she could sing anything. She was incredible, and I wish she had done so much more than she was ever allowed to do...

[@Carlos31416]

Tout est sublime ici. Jessye, tu restes dans dans nos ❤❤

[@judeirwin2222]

What puissance! What clarity and expression. Pure one, deep emotion that elevates the score to something beyond perfection. Ineffably divine.

[@judeirwin2222]

Pure tone, not pure one. Predictive text ambushed me.

[@judeirwin2222]

should have read "pure tone". Fat fingers.

[@e.conboy4286]

Forgiven!

[@helencheadle5285]

I think she is stunningly beautiful, and her face is so superbly expressive as she puts every emotion she can into singing this part….and with such an incredible voice!! I can’t stop playing this over and over….when you know what she is singing about it makes this even more moving…the love, the incredulity,the anger and hurt, then almost demonic rage that he is not coming back to her… I actually felt her pain! It’s such a gift! I’ve listened to Maria Callas version as well as two other singers still living, but to me this is the most Angelic voice I have ever heard, and such a sweet woman!! I’m very sad I never saw her perform during her lifetime, and sad to learn how her singing career and life ended after the back operations that put paid to everything. God bless you Jessye…Thankyou for such perfection and pleasure of hearing you perform. God is very lucky to have you as his top choir member with the Angels. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻❤️🌹🙏

[@peacebeyondpeace310]

Wow Helen I read your entire comment and felt exactly the same! If you are familiar with other clips of Jessye please share with me!

[@alainfont5492]

Inégalée !!!! ❤❤❤

[@terryhammond1253]

My heart is broken. I adored her. She was so cordial to us when we went backstage after her concert at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale 25 years ago. And no one sang this Magnificent aria quite like Jessye Norman. She was a unique and cherished artist. You will also love her in the Met's Video of Ariadne Auf Naxos. Though her Artistry lives on, I am deeply saddened tonight.

[@Falstaff1000]

yes yes yes!!!

[@rosepinkpop]

Estoy de acuerdo en que nadie mejor que ella... Sin embargo Klaus Nomi tiene (para mi) un encanto especial...

[@michaelmiller1215]

Terry, you were so fortunate to have heard Ms. Norman! ( I always felt like the Broward Center was a second home when I lived in Fort Lauderdale, having sung there with the Gay Men’s Chorus and also as a Clarinetist with The Flaming Freedom Band.

[@AGS64]

Послушайте Ерика Курмангалиева ( Erik Kurmangaliev)не меньше поразитесь его исполнением. Обратите на его дыхание при исполнении, не пожалеете

[@AGS64]

@@rosepinkpopErik Kurmangaliev🙏🌹

[@margaritadubrovina7063]

Breathtaking! Goddess of beauty and grace ! The happiest moment in my life. ❤

[@Amntiskinner]

Listened to so many versions of this aria and with out doubt she wins, such power,

[@glennnaumovitz9428]

I am weeping. I saw her perform live five times. Each time was phenomenal. And I'm not even that much of an opera fan. What a presence.

[@rodolfoandrade4708]

Blessed

[@beatricescroggin3406]

I am an opera fan and therefore can appreciate and agree with the posted comments. What a joy to hear such beauty during a pandemic

[@jbut1208]

RIP diva! The world is a poorer place without you!

[@PavelDGromnic]

They say that the opera is in decline, as a result of the covid virus and changing population. I hope not. Opera is where chaff is spun into gold, and where all our lives are really lived. Our days, rising, going to work, our love and partners, our complicated relations with all that really matters are all told out here with great clarity.

[@wm.traynor1143]

Not much of a fan? Saw her five times? I think you misjudge yourself😃😉👍

[@paddynoble]

I love the pace of this version. It's as if her time with Sampson is the last time she has with him. She knows what his fate would be. In some way she has regrets too trying to coerce him into the secret of his strength. I love how she paces her time in this. I've always loved her style of singing opera.

[@alanwilhite7034]

I was thinking the same thing. She takes her time, and really lives the part. Just a treasure.

[@e.conboy4286]

I have chill bumps every time I listen to this stunning performance!

[@noeldunsky]

With her operatic prowess, Jessye Norman showed the world that she is beyond singing, she is the very essence of OPERA itself, which for me is EMOTION IN MUSIC.

[@aygulerce]

One of my favourite opera singer!Absolutely amazing!👏💜

[@samyap5471]

RIP angel. You bring heaven to earth with your voice

[@gustavooscarbevacqua53]

Tu voz será eterna

[@judysiciliano7923]

A blessing for us to still hear and see her magnificence!

[@wandatinsley2555]

Amennnn🌷🌷🌷💝🌷🌷🌷

[@trans-formandoconsissel6826]

No sabía que murió, es una mujer que me inspirará por siempre

[@junhoyun2886]

Beautiful singing

[@christopherbrooks948]

Phenomenal artist. She owned this role.

[@michelefritze3988]

I play her version of this aria over and over. She is perfection. Brava forever!

[@operabilia]

Ai assisté à un concert à la Salle Gaveau, assis à côté de Claude Pompidou qui exultait en écoutant la superbe Jessye! Grand moment. Aujourd'hui ... on est tombés très bas.

[@raphaelpisano5462]

That woman was a miracle

[@christianpauchet4863]

Jésus christ only did that. For. Us. And. Harmony

[@christianpauchet4863]

Only Jesus christ. Did that for us and harmony

[@Zviezda1]

Furor!

[@junhoyun2886]

superb

[@NCMame]

I will thank her in heaven. Her voices surpasses all others, and I am sad that she is no longer on earth.

[@YThome7]

Monumental! Majestic. This is passion of a strong women. Who can resist such love except Samson? Amazing dramatic soprano, easily reaching into mezzo-soprano area. Her voice is so powerful that she can afford even to slow the tempo a little and it makes it even more convincing. Jessye is extremely intelligent singer, deep person. She created a style. And she is also a Siren and her singing is hypnotic.

[@OlgaMizyuk]

Divine singer, brilliant actress, beautiful woman!!!!

[@willmartinez5496]

She is so regal.And beautiful.

[@gobluts]

a richness of voice that was just wonderful to experience

[@MatthewIanWelch]

My god, what a talent. I come back to comment. Jessye Norman, thank you so much for what you gave to the world. No one else can sing slower and still convince every single person that they were being impatient

[@divox9pqr]

So sublime....study this performance young people. The characterization of Dalilah in the voice, the facial expressions, and the body...Sublime... Rest in eternal peace...Jesse Norman

[@clarape1]

Pour moi la meilleure interprétation de cet air. Que dire sinon que tout est parfait et me procure à chaque fois que je l'entends une émotion renouvelée. C'est toute la complexité du personnage de Dalila qui est devant nos yeux et nos oreilles éblouis.

[@perezbermuda]

This is what perfection sounds like folks!

[@mariakilson5851]

OMG. HOW? HOW did I not know her? Her voice is so beautiful. Its a presence that enters you and moves your body from within. I travelled to a different world without leaving my seat.

[@BluRey100]

YOU MUST LISTEN TO HER VERSION OF PURCELL'S "WHEN I'M LAID IN EARTH".

[@jeans3374]

The most sublime I have ever heard.. her Strauss Four Last Songs. Especially beim Schlafen gehen. where she soars and literally takes you up into the heavens. Magical

[@alanwilhite7034]

Absolute perfection She was just one of a kind, and she shared it with all of us. Thank you

[@marcorenfroe5685]

Her facial expressions impeccably matched her voice.

[@EIM-eg-89]

Beautiful! Such power and force…

[@Azilis1976]

En plus de cette voix magnifique le visage de Jessy exprime toute la duplicité séductrice de Dalila. Du grand art ! ❤❤❤

[@BangkokVoiceCoach]

I think I would know that voice anywhere. Not just an opera singer. A great singer.

[@janedoe4316]

One of my favorite divas... her voice brought me to tears when I first heard her... rest in peace legend...

[@mikemikie975]

She was no “deva” she was a Lady

[@janedoe4316]

@@mikemikie975 diva simply means a talented female singer in opera.

[@Roheryn100]

Jane Doe “Diva” means Goddess. That works for me. ❤️❤️❤️

[@Bernsteincopland]

I had the chance to shortly learn from her 8 years ago. I was mesmerized seeing her, learning and listening to her wisdom. I’ll never forget you Ms. Norman.

[@BluRey100]

YOU CAN SEE WITH HER GESTURE AT THE END THAT SHE FULLY "CAPTURED" A PERFECT REDITION OF THE SONG. YES. AMAZING.

[@paddydesetoiles]

Je me souviens d'un récital dans ces années là, peut être en 87, au Théâtre des Champs Élysées. Elle nous avait offert plusieurs bis dont cet air de Samson et Dalilah; j'étais au balcon et quand elle commença à chanter je me suis retrouvé à genoux; l'émotion m'avait complètement emportée. Un merveilleux souvenir.

[@Mshumanique]

You feel the song. Such pronunciation and feeling in the language she is singing. It's like she is floating with each word. What a voice!

[@guillermobernasconi8129]

Dame Norman you brought heaven to earth, and you still do from heaven.

[@WoodsG1]

Words fail me.... GLORIOUS night said!!!

[@lorihunt7318]

One of my favorites! 🥰

[@mikegray2609]

I am a veteran musician, thought I'd heard it all and of course I know this wonderful aria. This, however is the first time I have heard Jessye Norman perform it - glorious! And that last 'Ah! Verse moi' comes straight out of heaven!

[@MasonBarge]

The weight and authority in the chest notes is incredible. I got to shake her hand after a performance once and she was so charming and gracious. She greeted every fan who lined up!

[@RRSS2009]

R.I.P. DIVA! You made this world more beautiful!

[@christianpauchet4863]

With. Jesus christ. All is possible

[@imyafamiliya7066]

👍

[@nickalternativo]

I am speechless!. Is. this is. not perfection what else could it be?

[@RomeoMaestro]

She is absolutely incredible. I have fallen in love with her voice many decades ago. Best Delilah ever.

[@AndreCaronCaron]

Magnifique interprétation de ce grand moment d'opéra. Bravo Mme Norman.

[@ЛикаХоломеева]

Сколько страсти! Сколько энергии! Сколько красоты! Как жаль, что земной путь закончен... Покойся с миром! 💎💞

[@ТатьянаКарасева-х9с]

Такие не умирают и не покоются

[@paolastafficci9987]

Grandissima voce e interpretazione. Grazie

[@markbeck8384]

Wow. Never saw this before. Seemed a little slow, but super sexy. She really acted, expressed this. No wonder that Samson caved in. She killed this, and yes the breath control was amazing.

[@AGS64]

Послушайте Erik Kurmangaliev🙏🌹

[@pepevaladez8096]

Wonderful ! Miss Norman. Her breath control was, is and always be stunning ! She was, is and always will be a goddess !

[@mariefrancoise12]

I met her in person! Just a scant 4 years ago. Such an amazing presence! I felt that I should curtsy. One of a kind. Be blessed heavenly one. Take flight!

[@dwightmatthias7396]

You’ll said it all. Ms Norman Godly gift was shared with us all- THANK YOU.

[@yinlianglu7130]

My eyes are full of tears. There is no word to describe the beauty of this performance. Paradisiaque ... c’est incroyable pour une telle finesse, l’expression de sentiments profonds et émouvants.

[@debandlibirdy]

she sounds like an angel... she looks like a goddess.... absolutely beautiful.

[@АЛЬФАВИТЫ]

Какая же глубина голоса,чистая медитация: божественное исполнение!!👏👏👏👏

[@AGMundy]

I first heard this piece from Samson and Delilah on my grandfather's wind-up 78 gramophone as a little boy. I did not hear it again until many years later with Jessye Norman. I was instantly transported back 30 plus years, I could see the room, the heavy disc, its beautiful purple label and so many other memories. Thank you Jessye....still gives me the shivers almost a further 30 years later.

[@Raymond13000]

Une grande dame s'est éteinte Une voix magnifique Au revoir Madame et merci a vous pour ces beaux moments Bonjour de Marseille !!!!!!!

[@christianpauchet4863]

La relève arrive avec l émission. Prodiges à la télévision. Française. C est une martiniquaise !!! MERCI LA VIE !

[@suzyanderson7395]

What a blessing to find her ❤

[@lisamcdonald4215]

Her facial expression makes you want to listen . her eyes are memorising. Captivating the very essence of your soul. What a woman. Rest in peace. Gone absolutely too soon

[@jeremycouplan3526]

…not only vocally gifted, but she felt the music, and this shines. Unsurpassed, brava.

[@giorta]

I'm crying. It' s to much for my old heart. Great, Fantastic. Wonderful. Thank you for all and... goodby Divina Jessye!

[@dumspirospero-s1l]

Comment le pauvre Samson pourrait-il résister à une telle déclaration d'amour ? Interprétation inoubliable. Merci Madame Norman.

[@zamadeapio9]

So very beautiful. Her phrasing, breath control, and expression are amazing.

[@e.conboy4286]

I love her little smile of satisfaction at the finale. Like ‘ that sounds ok to me!’ Brava, brava, brava. We will love you always.

[@sugarbist]

Norman was a terrific soprano. A rich round beauty of tone with a beautiful quality while caressing this beautiful music with her mesmerizing translation. ''GORGEOUS'' R.I.P.

[@adrianespedido5418]

sleep well my favourite delilah. thank you for your magnificent voice.

[@josevaladez]

Miss Norman was, is and always be a marvelous star, incomparable singer. Thanks for sharing this jewel.

[@emmystarlight]

the world is a poorer place without her,miss you Jessye💝🙋🏼

[@utahdan231]

She was my beloved soprano.I was very lucky to hear her on stage a few times. Simply marvelous.

[@richardgrosso1636]

Awesome interpretations of "Mon coeur s'ouvre à toi" !! RIP Mrs Norman, you will stay in our hearts as marvelous Artist !!

[@pianolo123]

She makes me cry every time I listen to her…❤

[@numetutelare]

Timbro incredibile, controllo assoluto, arcata vocale da strumento musicale... impeccabile !!!

[@ladylove8907]

So much fierceness and attitude I Love it ❤💕💜

[@YThome7]

Over her life Jessye often performed this aria and her rendition was changing: this is one is the most lyrical plea of a women. When she sang earlier in her life her appeal sounded almost threatening.

[@shushuwu]

Just 1 million more times Ms. Norman! I beg you , please💕

[@operaFan-tn8ng]

She was surely the best singer of this aria ever. ❤

[@leshaunda]

YES!!!

[@moniquethomas9819]

As much as she was great , Maria Callas and Christa Ludwig were even better , in my opinion of course

[@operaFan-tn8ng]

@@moniquethomas9819 Both of whom were outstanding singers. You have good taste. x

[@rose-marietrembloy243]

Did you see and hear Montserrat Gaballe inNorma, Orange 1987. Another perfection.

[@Mamba1966]

She was absolutely Beautiful with a Voice that draws you to her.

[@annetait8123]

This is the best singing of Delilah's aria that I've ever heard - and the slowest. Jessye is full-throated, with amazing sustained notes, an unexpected volume charge, and such seductive appeal to Samson! A great singer and actress!

[@lilywhitemeadow1900]

I saw her in 1996. Beautiful and so unique. I am glad I can hear her voice anytime. Thank you Jessye Norman for gracing this earth.