Jessye Norman Samson and Delilah Improved Sound

[@lynnereynolds866]

There are at least two versions of Madame Norman singing “Mon Coeur...” on the Internet but this is the one wherein she absolutely slays. Her loss is nothing less than heartbreaking to all lovers of great vocal music. Rest in power, queen.

[@neallydeedeleeuw1861]

You were always my favorite soprano

[@janickrei]

RIP. primadonna. Our hearts are broken. You will always be loved, admired and missed.

[@susanthomson6868]

Her beautiful voice brought tears to my eyes. The best rendition ever.

[@cmjcj2ktn]

I have never been exposed to Opera in a way that attracted me. Today KZbin suggested this video, and my life will never be the same. It is exquisite. It is almost painfully beautiful. Brava!

[@cmjcj2ktn]

That moment when she hits the last high note gives me shivers and is exhilarating like jumping into a fresh cold body of water. So beautiful.

[@cmjcj2ktn]

***** Thank you sir, and I thought I was verbose, but encomium was a new one for me, so bravo to you to :)

[@danielferrero6070]

Need to admit that this particular interpretation from Jessye Norman is quite spectacular. Her immense talent is particularly visible at 3:05 and 6:25

[@hectordavid4201]

Welcome on board dude! :) You are right, she is truly captivating in this role and what an articulation and power.

[@cmjcj2ktn]

Lately the thing that's really been getting me going is Bach's compositions for the Lute and Harpsichord. Simply awesome.

[@trissyton]

Something happens at 8:06 to the end... something that cannot be explained. So enchanting. Its as if every cell in her body works together to produce each note, expression and gesture. The result is beauty beyond words. What a gift.

[@maury0009]

Brought me to tears 😭

[@Everything_Ju]

Literally! Even the way she delivered his name is one of the most powerful moments in this aria. Fully of emotion, masterfully done. Her voice is like none other.

[@cathryncampbell8555]

Yes! Ms. Norman *inhabits* the psyche of Dalila so effectively during this one aria that one comprehends the entire opera's character arc from this performance.

[@cmjcj2ktn]

8:24 is like diving into freezing waters or being on top of a mountain on top of the world. Absolute shivers.

[@OnceUponLater]

Can we talk about how amazing the conductor was to keep everything together with the singer?! Conducting much rubato to match a soloist is no joke. Excellent jobs

[@theogoldberg8919]

Absolutely right and The Imperator certainly liked her tempi... Sloooooooww haha

[@lucianobezerra4380]

Missing the Diva...forever.

[@svendbosanvovski4241]

Enough has been written and said about Jessye's great vocal skills, but what a stage presence. It's spellbinding watching here reach for those high notes and investing the delivery with such passion.

[@orlandomoore4325]

Stop it Jesse! Stop it! I give in - I can't take anymore - here is my heart.

[@Jikusss]

Best comment!!!

[@sethdylanhunt3523]

I’ve heard this aria for years and this is the first time I’m really hearing it. What a towering talent.

[@cmjcj2ktn]

Rest in Peace Jessye, thank you for sharing your gift!

[@Patrick11030]

Other singers sang this aria, Miss Norman WAS Delilah. Hers was a voice we are not ever likely to hear again. RIP Jessye.

[@Durchlacht]

Gives me chills. I never get tired of listening to her singing this. Absolutely incredible!!!!

[@vonciamoneake4119]

Jessye Norman voice is so therapeutic!! My escape!! I Love it!! ❤❤❤🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@beab8738]

I sent this to a mezzo soprano who was truly splendid but kept comparing her voice to lyrical soprano for her to see how beautiful the tone of mezzo are. She was inspired and practiced it and sent me an audio. She nailed it and it was so beautiful!

[@davidgamache3035]

I wish I was allowed to like this more that once. Sheer magic. It makes me proud that such people exist.

[@Danihogwda]

Rest In Peace madame Norman 🌹🖤thank you for giving us so much

[@jeremyflanagan7718]

This was my first exposure to Mon Coeur. Ms. Norman has poisoned me against other interpretations. I can't even with how utterly perfect this is in every way.

[@stellawong3018]

samson Delilah vickers

[@monicadasilva9288]

I've seen a number of performances of this aria, but had never seen Jessye Norman's. It was perfect in every way. Far superior to all the others, past & present. Brava, Jessye.

[@timofreeman4574]

STUNNING, magical, otherworldly.

[@axe7064]

your comment sums it up to perfection. Yep I have nothing else to add

[@monicadasilva9288]

@@axe7064 You living in JA? Where?

[@scotgat]

My first exposure to Jessye Norman was in June, 1990, (when I was 29) on the PBS broadcast of Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen. She played Sieglinde in Die Walkure. When she is told that she is with child (Siegfried) Norman breaks out into the aria. I had never heard the aria of Sieglinde sung as she sung it. It was like waves and rivers of a sound that I had never experienced from any singer, opera or pop. I will never forget it as long as I live. May she rest in eternal peace. She died on my 59th birthday.

[@livb6945]

Amazing. Shae draws me in...not just a listen, but an experience.

[@MySensualWorld]

Her facial expressions, she was really acting this out better than most other singers have been seen to do.

[@JWP452]

Every time I come back to this, I find it as breathtakingly awesome as the first time I heard it. It's a "Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix..." like none other. God bless Jessye Norman!

[@richardfeynman4315]

Every few months I come back to this video. It still amazes me. Probably one of the top performances of any opera singer.

[@serious7179]

Same here... this performance by Ms. Norman is absolutely mesmerizing... I can't resist returning every few months. She is truly amazing.

[@neimanmario]

I do it every week!!!!!

[@leonardilaurenti8720]

A VOICE evev STRONGER than the POWER within Samson!With this Dalila, SAMSON truly had to surrender! What an overpowering dramatic soprano! I love YOU, Ms NORMAN!

[@CookieFavorites]

Beautiful in every sense. Brings tears to my eyes.

[@AndrewRudin]

Rest in peace, Jesse Norman. There are few if any like you... ever.

[@philrobertson2904]

I hope I live long enough to hear a comparable voice. Rest in Peace, Jessie - you are preserved in music history.

[@drezuil]

Jessye Norman is beyond words! I have seen other sopranos sing this aria and NONE has delivered as brilliantly as Jessye. She is incomparable! A living legend! Superb!

[@TheYokeIsh]

6:26...a moment of magic and great theatre coupled together

[@thomasbrian3227]

go Howard University,,,,:)

[@aneamarlivana172]

Gorgeous! Her voice is beautiful, her French excellent, and the interpretation exquisite.

[@PeterJ001]

Mesmerizing! Absolute perfection. Bravo Miss Norman!

[@matthewmosca5002]

A performance for the ages! Ms. Norman was a force of nature, I saw her 3 times at the Met in 3 separate performances of Berlioz's Les Troyens titanic experience. I am so sorry that she did not since the entire role of Dalila at some major opera house when she was in her prime; which could have been recorded.... great to have this posting, thank you.

[@barbaraflores8788]

Jessye is exquisite! My favorite version. Her voice is so rich. Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing this.

[@albertoalvez8940]

She has got an overwhelming commanding presence on stage: voice, face, gestures. And she brought those operas which were forgotten or not so "commercially easy to sell at ticket offices". Dared to sing Wagner which always posed a controversy when sang by non-German vocalists. Von Karajan, in her last concert with her (Tristan und Isolde Liebestod), kissed both her hands after her performance of the aria. Her gifted voice let her sang several pieces of an extended repertoire either in the German, French, American opera music.

[@MarxHuancas]

This song is the one that made me love ❤️ opera 15 years ago. When I was in a rehearsal I just couldn’t helped, I stopped playing my violin and I started to listen, and I stared to cry 😢. It was so powerful.

[@anti64]

Aw this is so cute ❤️ Wish you all the love

[@davidwhyberd7612]

I was very sad to hear of the passing of this great artist. There are voices that thrill me such as Tita Ruffo and Enrico Caruso, but I cannot think of a female voice that can match Jessay Norman's: In fact I consider it to be the greatest voice of all. It's rich and voluptuous mezzo soprano, the dramatic soprano top, the sheer power and depth surely, will never be surpassed. I sang with the Philharmonia Chorus in 1983 in a performance of Oedipus Rex by Stravinsky with the Philharmonia Orchestra under Seji Ozawa. Jessay Norman, Gwyn Howell and Robert Tearsere the soloists and Alan Rickman was the Narrator. When Jessay Norman walked on stage to sing the part of Jokasta, there was a beautiful, rich and sumptuous sound from bottom to top. Her ringing top register was spine tingling and I could hear the octave below that. It was an utterly thrilling and unique experience. I queued to meet her afterwards and have never experienced charisma like it. It was like an electric charge. She was very gracious and my time speaking to her very short, but I will never forget it. RIP. Ms Norman.

[@radkemariacristina]

I Love you madame Norman

[@MzFive5Planets]

Thank you for this very moving anecdote.

[@TheJohnpandy]

She had a voice like a Rolls Royce. John Sivorn

[@andygerong3033]

A breathtaking performance...Ms Norman's voice is amazing....i love that grimace, or grin, or is that a smile.....been replaying the song since i discovered her...pls listen to her other arias, i love the finale of Tristan and Isolde, then, L'amour L'ardente Flammè etc.

[@Tenortalker]

Jessye Norman will never be forgotten - never!

[@Zashorigin]

A completely different interpretation and to me, the one that really makes sense. For me, the best interpretation this aria. Bravissima!

[@serious7179]

Zashorigin it does make sense. I think ms. Norman's interpretation is the only one that captures the deceit, insistence, and desperation that the biblical Delilah portrayed.

[@Zashorigin]

serious Definitely!... many other mezzosopranos sing it beautifully but they're all the same. Miss Norman really made a difference. Bellissima!!!

[@didierschnitzler2401]

I agree with you Zashorigin. Her dramatic ability is truly superb and makes all the difference.....

[@jabreelgrundy5290]

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[@jabreelgrundy5290]

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[@jmacias6569]

I'm in absolute awe. What a gorgeous voice. Discovered her today. Wow.

[@nobodyspecial1733]

Mesmerized since 11 years old watched her on PBS. thank you ma'am.

[@luisrossetto5247]

Absolutamente increíble. Que interpretación tan magistral como convincente! Sobre todo Jessye Norman despliega una belleza en el canto y en la actuación incomparables. Vi el video miles de veces.!!

[@garyblais8602]

Jessye Norman always brings the very best to all things music. Her interpretation here is the Ultimate . All she needed was the voice of Jon Vikers to complete the Duet . How we miss her inordinate beauty and sound .the Music world has lost one of its Greats .

[@52chatnoir]

Astonishing. You will never hear this done better. Not by anyone. Not ever.

[@Altonahh10]

It´s a wonderful rendition but I know some others who are equally good. And different. Superlatives are not helpful here because they only state the writer´s opinion, not the facts ;-)

[@giovanniarioli3021]

Gregoricus Maximus a gyant voice, meravigliosa.

[@arlenehathaway3076]

Rise Stevens is my favorite, but this is definitely on the list at #2

[@michaelellis8263]

Marilyn Horne gave a wonderful performance for he Met's 100 anniversary concert but itis not a mezzo part at all when sung like this.

[@gustavotbf]

This is definitely the best rendition of this aria I've ever listened to. I've never seen a soprano with such big lungs who can sustain the notes for so long and her interpretation is so expressive compared to the rushed version of Callas you can find on youtube with millions of views. I'd love to see this video in high quality. Thumbs up for great Jessye Norman and conductor Jane Glover!

[@ericscam2]

+Gustavo Fernandes I agree. Astonishing.

[@thisusernameisstolen]

+Gustavo Fernandes Took the words right out of my mouth! This is breathtaking.

[@canalsoloparaverunvideodem8451]

it's a CATASTROPHE she didn't record it in studio, this and "d'amour l'ardente flamme". I wonder how much better a sound quality could be obtained from broadcast tapes and if we'll ever get to listen to them

[@danielthomas8432]

She’s always exquisite but I prefer Denyce Graves’ interpretation of this piece because there’s more of a sense of urgency and desperation in her version. I adore Jessye Norman and her ability to sustain incredibly long lines and she seems to always end her phrases with the utmost care and sensibility but for me, this tempo seems to work against the playful accompaniment. Ps, if you haven’t heard Jessye Norman sing Four Last Songs by Strauss under Kurt Masur and the Gevandhaus Orchestra of Leipzig...it’s a must!!

[@anthonytaylor4968]

Gustavo Fernandes i

[@fakerating]

I saw her in Paris a few times in the 80's.... R.I.P...

[@almavorhauer8910]

Oh my giddy aunt! Such fantastic breath control what a wonderful voice and she used her precious gift as a gift for us!

[@victorrugo1131]

Encore une lumière qui s'éteint....Merci, Madame, pour tant de bonheur et d'émotions, vous nous manquerez tant. Reposez en paix.

[@nathanaelsantiago4535]

RIP Jessye Norman🌹🙏🏻

[@michaelrimmington2458]

She IS Delilah!

[@robertfontello6286]

She brought tears to my heart SPLENDID JUST SPLENDID!! Bless her singing voice😇

[@hollyklarsen]

no words ... there is no one that has ever sung this as perfectly as she does. a dramatic soprano singing a mezzo soprano role has such an amazing affect. every hair stands up on my body. i weep that this is not available as a formal recording.

[@giovanniarioli3021]

Holly Larsen che dolcezza

[@penelopehilsdon9313]

Andre, are you mad? The facial expressions are a large part of vocal training. What appears to be a grimace is called a smile and is necessary to produce certain vowel sounds. Her breath control is astonishing! The extended vowels are breathtaking. Perhaps you would prefer a daintier Delilah. Sarah Brightman comes to mind.

[@TCt83067695]

Shaaaaaade lol

[@brianepetty]

OMG Sarah Brightman... lol... the shade of it all...

[@jenniferlopezjennifer7310]

Wow the passion in her eyes ...priceless 😍😍

[@danafripp4120]

Like a woman possessed! Intentions fully known! Dame Jessye...GLORIOUS!

[@africanzionflo]

Icannot believe how beautiful she and this song is. I play it over and over again.

[@makhosonkejele302]

May she rest in power. She has offered the world her best, to the heartbroken due to her passing. Find comfort in her gift and keep it close to your hearts. Diva Extraordinaire. RIP

[@dantonio111]

The way she finishes this aria inspired me so much as an artist. Every time I see her perform this aria I am overwhelmed at her artistry and interpretation. I have seen her seven times in concert, but I wish I had attended this one.

[@mircavalcante]

What a superbe singer!!! She carries all of us with this wonderful interpretation. The conductor is as amazing as the singer, very clear to the orchestra which just followed her. The orchestra was perfect too. Thanks for posting. :-)

[@iancaldeian]

This is my favorite performance of this "Mon coeur...": absolutely enchanted by the pace of the conductor. Is it the acting the aria the sense of authenticity and makes her so believable? A sophisticated Delilah: every note a caress.

[@professordodo1]

Absolutely breathtaking perfomance, the fantastic voice control, the feeling put into the pèrformance, the beauty of the composition itself. What more can music lovers want?

[@carlosasmarab]

Maybe one of the BEST videos on You Tube. Absolutely speechless.

[@BalinSilay]

I did not realize I was holding my breath while paralyzed listening to all these beautiful passages...I had to exhale at 6:42. Just got back from Sunday choir and this is my reward to me. Thank you for sharing this video. Peace.

[@BikerBabeDK]

Rest in peace. ❤ Thank you very much for the wonderful songs you interpreted so beautifully for us to enjoy. ❤❤❤

[@avesraggiana]

The last great, great DIVA...they don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

[@guyritchie7504]

nope. they don't.

[@pecero12]

You are just right!

[@billandhelenpowell6816]

This is beyond compare! I grew up listening to Marion Anderson singing this beautiful area - but - THIS - is just something else! Thank you, Jessye Norman - and Rest in Peace. You have given the world such wonderful memories! xx

[@Tdubsish]

Her dedication to the character and the story is absolutely stunning.

[@jimp4170]

It's magical the way Saint-Saens, Norman, and Glover transport the listener to a place outside the universe and outside time.

[@janetridgnal9328]

I have watched this multiple times and every time, she just pulls me in. I just love her ! A beautiful voice stilled, there will never be another. Rest well my sister.

[@NashAndreLouisWNorat]

It’s as if we’re right there at the Opera House in Paris in the 1800’s watching Samson and Delilah ourselves for the very first time !

[@carlosgarcia33333]

the ending gave me goosebumps-

[@NashAndreLouisWNorat]

One of my absolute favorites on KZbin ! What an awesome amazing performance, would love to have been there. God I miss New York City Lincoln Center and the great Jesse Norman !

[@NashAndreLouisWNorat]

She's up there with Joan Sutherland , Beverly Sills , Maria Callus , Monserat Caballe , Pavoratti , Mario Lanza and all the other few beautiful greats we have lost !

[@jotaone]

This is one of the most interesting, enchanting and imppresive renditions of this aria. I always loved Ms. Norman, and here we can see her artistry. I can't stop listening to that beautiful piano in the second part of the aria and how easy she breaths and controls the phrasing masterfuly. This is a class of singing of the highest level. La Norman, a diva in the old style which is so hard to find today and most of us long for! Aguante la Norman!!

[@patricialegros1135]

My favorite song sung by a Diva. Dear Jessye rest in peace.

[@santosgeorgeg]

Jessy Norman sang this piece of opera so beautifully and no one can equal her performance on this piece. So magnificent voice and so dramatic rendition. such a gift and talent. Thanks a million for sharing this :)

[@mushy3626]

+jorge santos We are lucky in this day and age that we have the technology to hear such superb singers.

[@leonoradelagardie]

Her French is impeccable and every word can be clearly identified. An artist of the highest honour. Fascinating in her integrity.

[@123grly]

As a first time opera singer Jessye Norman has become my ULTIMATE obsession. Her deep rich warm tones embrace me and inspire me to love classical music......#heaven

[@Dragonfly741]

I have no words...is a perfection....moves me to tears....so wonderful!

[@piali60]

This was one of the most moving musical experiences I have ever had. Thank you for uploading.

[@NashAndreLouisWNorat]

I’m mesmerized every time I see and hear this wonderful video, and what a fantastic memory to save ! And Yes, she totally deserves that standing ovation ! One of the most beautiful arias in all Opera ! Genius !

[@avolantes]

Una actuación virtuosa en todos los sentidos con perfecto control de la orquesta y público. Me emocioné mucho viendola.

[@raaadja99]

Heavenly voice with a pure artistry of Norman's blended in this masterpiece! BRAVA

[@bigjoetube]

Jessye you left us much too soon. But thank God for KZbin and recordings. I have watched this thousands of times and the performance is outstanding. We will always love you Jessye. Rest in peace.

[@likelake111]

Her facial expression seems to tell a lot of details of this opera. :) I love her expression. Brava !!

[@iwillliftupmyeyes]

Magnificent,.and captivating to the end ,I will never forget her voice a true artist and a great loss ,sadly missed ,

[@Bashkii]

It's painfully beautiful, that's what it is. There are no words to describe her artistry. RIP JESSYE!!💞💓💕 Time to sing for the "Saints" .

[@andrewhillis2269]

I am speechless ! ! ! Truly A-W-E-S-O-M-E Performance ! ! !

[@RobbieF63]

I have but two words to describe this performance by Miss Norman. Velvet - pure Velvet & such artistry.

[@TillyDuijts]

This is so beautiful... I cry everytime I hear it. What a voice ❤

[@bigjoetube]

No one will ever sing this song this perfectly again. Not ever, ever again.

[@operviva]

She is in heaven now .... singing with angels ...... R.I.P queen

[@JWP452]

Every time I listen to this... BLISS!

[@krzysztoflechanski6356]

Jakże szkoda ,że jej już nie ma ... szczęscie ,że pozostaną nagrania ! Kocham jej głos ,niepowtarzalny dźwięk i styl .Są jednak ludzie niezastąpieni !!!

[@BearAZ]

There are no words. **melt**

[@JoFrSc]

She breathes in all the 'wrong' places, but she breathes new life into the interpretation of this superb aria! This has been a 'go to' KZbin clip for me for years now.

[@brianchambers1508]

a wonderful interpretation a truly remarkable voice. thank you miss norman

[@thomasbrian3227]

Exquisite artist! I was there via this presentation, I was entralled and I cried. Bellisimo!

[@paddynoble]

I've watched this so many times. This is the most amazing version of this aria. It's like we're hanging on every word she sings. She is amazing.

[@zeynjenkins2073]

Wow... best intepretation I've seen. beautiful singing.

[@jdgreenlantern]

Tremendous power and control on every level. One gets the sense that her very life depended upon seducing Samson.

[@rhonesilva]

What I really love about this performance is that we are seeing Dalila's SOUL. This is her underneath all the beautiful aesthetic features. I love this.

[@anti64]

But isn't she deceiving Samson during this song?