Katherine Ciesinski & Jessye Norman in Belle nuit ô nuit d'amour from Tanglewood

Katherine Ciesinski and Jessye Norman sing the barcarolle from Tales of Hoffman, Belle nuit, ô nuit d'amour, in a performance from Tanglewood with the BSO and Seiji Ozawa.
Special thanks to NHK, East/West Productions, AGMA, the AFM, and the Boston Symphony for allowing this performance excerpt to be shared on the Internet as a news item.
For more information: www.katherineciesinski.com

[@evansercombe]

I just can’t believe that I’m studying voice with Professor Ciesinski. She is a living link to Jessie Norman, my favorite vocalist *ever*. I am simply amazed by this performance, as neither artist outmatches the other, and by the fact that I have the honor to know one of the two brilliant women present here.

[@dawonwashington5503]

You are so blessed, I am happy for you and I wish that you have the most amazing life and career. Many blessings to you. This is one of my favorite performances. 😊😊😊

[@abigailhamiltonactor]

I stood next to her, in a concert interval once (she wasn't singing that day), but her sheer presence, was HUGE. So much so that when she smiled at me, I was reduced to a simpering wreck, (that's what it felt like). I shall remember that smile, for the rest of my days

[@fr1424]

Thats gonna be very few now if not 0

[@soldemujer17]

A cuál de las dos te refieres?

[@leshaunda]

​@@soldemujer17 she talking about Jessye

[@jimp4170]

Jessye is so known for being a powerhouse but it's easy to forget how delicately and exquisitely she could sing. So many others would really go for the high notes here, but she resists that and the results couldn't be lovelier.

[@raquelgoncalves5180]

Generosidade ❤

[@MountTheodore72]

I swear, if there ever was a mother of all life, I believe she would look like Jessye Norman. This woman is (was) a God in my book. Such a beautiful and majestic woman.

[@serious7179]

She had an extremely graceful, stunning presence...I'll miss her

[@chaqillenikita748]

That’s such a great observation, Mt Theodore Alan 👍🏼. She really does have a beautiful “mother goddess” quality about her - an easy regality. She was amazing!

[@leerhode1021]

If I could LIKE this comment ten times, I would do so.

[@williamhughmurraycissp8405]

And I love the dress!

[@williamhughmurraycissp8405]

And wouldn't you just love to be as good as what you do as she is at what she does.

[@gianraoul]

Maestro Seiji Ozawa . Magna Dame Jesse Norman. RIP

[@anitaandrews9810]

Jessye Norman truly your were truly our gift from God. Listening today Valentines Day Friday February 14, 2020.

[@sarakurd872]

This performance is just heavenly, amazing , beautiful, something out of this world !♥️

[@astridgerecke3555]

As I mentioned before: the two artists are singing TOGETHER! How rare! One artist does not overpower the other! I value this recording as a tribute to beauty and harmony. Just beautiful.

[@africo9104]

It's because Katherine is a counter soprano and Jessye a soprano.

[@dezziliodevellini9533]

Lady Norman was as well cultured as she was about social etiquette. Being the most powerful female voice in opera, she chose to be selfless and turned down her voice, in order to allow Miss Ciesinski to be heard. You are quite observant!

[@jenniferbattiglia4237]

Finally! One of my favourite pieces sung as it is supposed to be.

[@akrossmann1631]

Perhaps it is simply mutual respect for the sake of the best art performance! Manificent!

[@MK-ok6xr]

Ms. Norman’s voice rocked my little 10 year old musical world when I heard her perform live. I had never heard sounds such as the one she created. I appreciate them and admire them even more now. These two voices together complement each other so well.

[@MountTheodore72]

What an awesome privilege you had to hear her live!!! And it's sweet to know she was someone that had a positive impact on you musically.

[@andrew4patrick]

Everyone is praising Jessye, and quite so, but Katherine has an excellent voice too.

[@numetutelare]

Certo ma la Norman è una fuoriclasse assoluta e l'altra una buona professionista

[@leshaunda]

​@@numetutelare Well said

[@billyjenemusiclover667]

The ease and relaxed way Jessye Norman is singing this song makes one think she is lip-syncing! Of course, we know that she is not. This makes her performance all the more beautiful to watch as well as hear her.

[@allenjones3130]

Outstanding performance by two leading ladies of opera. May Jessye rest in peace.

[@vanessahawarden9028]

God bless you in heaven Jessye singing with your heavenly sisters...we miss you down here x

[@leerhode1021]

I never get tired of watching this video. I have watched it countless times. Ms. Ciesinski and Ms. Norman are a delight as is the orchestra and chorus. The demeanor of Ms. Norman is quite radiant, and it is compounded with the sadness of knowing we no longer have her with us.

[@katzparov]

This performance was Pure MAGIC.......Unbelievable.

[@skyhunk]

Sublime!!! Wow! Katherine Ciesinski has a gorgeous lower register, IMHO unmatched by many of her contemporaries. Hers is a rich and round sound and unlike many of her fellows she loses no volume when she goes for the lower notes. Simply beautiful, as is Norman -- goes without saying. Thanks for the post!

[@astridgerecke3555]

They really sing together! Each singer is careful to the force of each other. It’s rare to hear that one doesn’t overpower the other. A rare delight and absolutely powerful.

[@fr1424]

Duh elina garanca

[@skyhunk]

@@fr1424 Thanks! I adore Elina Garanca -- I love her tone, she is definitely a fave! However, in this recording I think I have to give it to Ciesinski because of the power/volume she shows in her lower register. Mind you, much of what we hear is due to the recording engineers at the time. Ciesinski here might have been 'mic'ed' closer giving the illusion of stronger breath control/more volume. I guess one would have needed to attend both performances live in order to decide which was the preferred version. And I wasn't there.

[@gill-e]

The voices complement each other's beautifully.

[@quinnlewis2003]

Jessye creates a spacial wall of sound and Katherine fills it with her haunting charm...

[@humbertotovar695]

So sad to hear she passed away:) What an admirable classic singer!

[@miriamzeltzerfialkow8017]

Por favor reprise a apresentação da voz de Jesse Norman para podermos nos maravilhar com. Está divina cantoram

[@williamlucas586]

😲

[@montmorency1950]

RIP Jesse. The great diva has left the stage.

[@bootman26]

I am, I am!! What a voice! RIP Jessye.

[@janneale3091]

RIP ....I saw her many times including her debut in 1969.....magic beyond compare....outstanding talent....it is a great loss!!

[@winstonscott4195]

Jan Neale you are a very fortunate person.

[@CherryBlossomskt]

I love ❤️ you Jessye. Beautiful Diva. I just love the way she opens up.

[@orvillelawton5057]

I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting her several years ago in Miami and she was very gracious. I listened to her often and was very saddened to hear of her passing. The world has lost another AMAZING talent. She will be missed.

[@heyandile]

Jessye Norman sings so effortlessly in a beautiful way.

[@leocollins3823]

Both have beautiful voice and well blended together.... Bravo

[@juliamartinezmaestro]

Es indescriptible. Es bello ‼️ Son voces de Blanca Alma❤

[@rydercj2239]

I think Jessye Norman has a spectacular voice

[@rohan212121]

And an enormous pair of tits.

[@jeffodonnell7371]

@@rohan212121 not that huge for a woman her size actually

[@tatjana9229]

and beauty

[@micarmo1948]

Jessie had an angelical voice and presence. Thank you, Jessie for all the emotions you made us feel. You still do.

[@connilane]

I loved her; she was so regal and I adored her gorgeous voice,

[@landoblu]

Who is here listening in 2019 upon hearing that Jessye passed away 😔

[@cairnmoms]

Me. I have been binging a bit since I heard the news. RIP to a powerful, wonderful artist.

[@jerimassi1889]

I am. Tears in my eyes.

[@barbelhesse9210]

Tears in my eyes...

[@malkahgeller728]

@@cairnmoms Me too! So sad to have lost her at this young age..I'm 72!

[@jeanmaslin6183]

me

[@serious7179]

Jessye Norman's beautiful presentation and delivery always brings tears to my eyes... no words, no words

[@leeparker6602]

Katherine and Jessye are both spectacular

[@marciahernandez2870]

Lee Parker

[@astridgerecke3555]

It is one of the most admirable interpretations ever! Ms. Katherine Ciesinski is gorgeous and overwhelming in her interpretation of the aria. What admirable stamina and vocal force, absolutely equal Jessy Norman! Any musician of feeling and beauty c’ant contest this performance. I applaud both artists or listen to each other and create a master peace of beauty. Thank you.

[@bernardcleary4330]

RIP Miss Norman. :(

[@nrynston]

The Queen has passed, long live the Queen

[@JayJury]

Simply amazing! How can anyone dislike such a pure form of art? Two dislikes from two souls that don't see the amount of talent, soul and passion that goes into an Opera. The voices themselves make me tear up, the lyrics are epic, and the instrumentals transport you to the scene.

[@radicalbee]

Me, me. I am binging and crying on Sunday afternoon.

[@iancaldeian]

This is a remarkable interpretation of this duet both lower voices. Pace everything. Wow!

[@gregoryludkovsky5185]

Madam Norman'S VOICE is angelic!!!!

[@jandamskier6510]

God bless Jessye Norman, now and for ever.

[@leerhode1021]

One year ago, (9-30-2019), Miss Jessye Norman left us. I still grieve over our loss.

[@THEDISH54]

Magnificent...I had the pleasure of meeting her. A delightful person and my sorority sister.

[@LJK77777]

Wonderful performance of a favorite song. Jessye's voice here is the perfect transcendent overtone.

[@nohdz1]

Absolutely stunning performance!

[@margaretnewman5855]

Amazing. Brings tears to gear her

[@leerhode1021]

This is one of my favorite videos. This is from August 19, 1989. Almost 31 years ago. I have watched this many, many times. The singing by both ladies is splendid, their blend, sweet to the ear. Whenever I watch this video, my mind cannot accept the fact that Miss Jessye is gone from us. This video puts me a state of pure denial of that sad fact. She was so full of life, stature, and grace. She left us way too soon...

[@MehlindaHeartt]

very impressed, I thought Jessy floated her way through it, and the Mezzo matched her perfectly, Lovely thank you

[@lejayarielle3877]

What simplicity and what balance. Neither voice covers the other. It is very moving. Thank you for this. +modernmusicalarts

[@jeromerichardson6306]

O how l miss the grand and stunning voice and grand talent of. Jessie. Norman

[@cindyj5522]

I know what it's like to sing in harmony with someone whose voice matches yours. It becomes an indescribable experience, unless you have also done it.

[@sarakurd872]

I will never get enough from of amazing performance . I listen it everyday day !

[@stanibol]

This is absolutely perfect.

[@wotan10950]

Surprisingly beautiful rendition. Rhythm and pitch spot on, singers and orchestra absolutely together. It’s so easy to mess this up.

[@MusikPiratCH]

Dave Glo Why "suprisingly"? Does the names Jessye Norman and Seiji Ozawa guarantee something special? For me it does! Jessye Norman is outstanding here!

[@wotan10950]

@@MusikPiratCH I guess I never saw your ridiculous comment before. Well, let's see, the F was probably the top of Jessye Norman's range at that time. But seriously, the Barcarolle is often an encore, and it's routinely sung in a scattershot rhythm and off-pitch. This is an excellent rendition. I can't imagine why you were angling for an argument.

[@josianesouchon1646]

Katherine Ciesinski sang very well also with Jessye Norman. Thank you for this video !

[@sandramartins6356]

Não consigo assistir, sem derramar uma lágrima. Maravilhoso.

[@LuzHernandez-wk6dm]

Es celestial!! Una bendición tener vida para verlas y escucharlas!!!.

[@malcolmdods7466]

We mustn't forget her outfits they were adorable.

[@ConstantinDV]

Amazing! It is hard to believe that human beings are capable of such enchantment. It is like touching the divine.

[@panagiotachristara7122]

Norman is a great diva!!!

[@gudrunhorst6289]

Rip she was wonderful

[@r.zimmerman3838]

I'm such a wimp...i tear up every time I hear this. 😢

[@Michael-ch6fd]

Absolutely stunning performance.

[@regand7830]

What perfection....my ears are so happy!

[@svetlanamonosova3238]

Я могу смотреть и слушать это бесконечно. Великая Джесси!

[@salvatorewongcastello564]

So beatiful!! Just heavenly!!

[@erisberber3458]

Jessye una diosa una Diva eres hermosa y celestial una Soprano con un color y registro inigualable Te Amo Jessye

[@sakbrat1]

Wow! What beautiful complements to each other's voices.

[@michaelhall547]

Rest In Peace Jessye.

[@numetutelare]

La Norman ha una voce con un timbro incredibile ed una pastosità di suono che ricorda la mitica Marian Anderson

[@DrAmericoPena]

This is the best version of all Belle Nuit' interpretations.

[@jamesbachreeves]

Sorry, but I prefer this one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqaTfmd5gtZqq6s

[@hmph7865]

@jamesbachreeves Apologies, but I prefer this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXW5nHqKl651iJI

[@meryr6753]

@@jamesbachreeves and me too!

[@raquelgoncalves5180]

Duo perfeito❤️

[@patriciaweiss4446]

I'm listening! People pass on. Their voices and legacies live on!

[@meirefeliz9127]

Her faces and expression!! Wonderful!!

[@circlzero]

so beautiful I want to cry!! amazing!!

[@PauloSergio-hl7uc]

Mágico

[@admirjuniorshow1]

Magnífico !!!!

[@bienvenulascony3544]

Inoubliable Barcarolle, éternellement inscrit dans mon cœur, moment de grâce indicible...

[@АлекпероваОльга]

Можно слушать бесконечно !!!❤❤❤

[@ardinsalim9048]

they do it so effortlessly

[@Olqa1955]

Очень деликатное, нежное исполнение...

[@raularango5973]

Great Miss Norman.

[@albuquerquejardinagem1893]

Bravo bravo bravo 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@BeachyGal1]

Actually, Bravi.

[@daniel_5606]

Beautifully

[@robertorrvilaformosa3437]

SENSACIONAL...MEU DEUS COMO PODE? QUE PERFEIÇÃO! BRAVÍSSIMAS

[@2000wattz]

The mezzo is really swallowing her sound. Jessye is divine 🥰🥰🥰

[@lalomendoza3077]

Bravo ! Bravo ! Amazing voices

[@ajrocks12x]

Jessye Norman - tres tres magnifique!!!

[@carol29carnegie]

Only one word, Beautiful and none can compare 🥰

[@marieponcet4890]

Magnifique !!

[@yanicallu2001]

Moon of Love look upon us 💜💫💛

[@emilsenhuitron]

El Director...simplemente excelso...Que sentimiento

[@lucianomorelli736]

Jessye Norman was a Top singer. Very very sad she passed away. Nice people like her shouldn' t.

[@sergioacostarivero5441]

Maravillosa actuacion. Eso se llama cantar acariciando la música!!!!!!, genial!!!!!!!!!

[@DNA350ppm]

Jessye Norman - divine!!!

[@robertobarriosgarcia5183]

No cabe duda, reúnen todas las cualidades canoras y sonoras;;;;; bella interpretación. Vivan per SEMPRE!!!!! Le sua Voce e di los Dioses!!!!!!!

[@goldielocks5252]

Just outstanding

[@ilynov]

This is real art!

[@NickPis83]

for 4 seconds the stage stay in silence, is incredible, like they don't want to stop that magic

[@ferraraenzo7]

Due grandi artiste del teatro musicale internazionale!

[@juanpablonicolasgiancola4042]

Maravilllosoooo y gloriosas vocesss

[@wendylewis4591]

SUBLIME!😍

[@klausmair2807]

It's absolutlie FANTASTIC 🧡 i Love this so much 👏 💗👍!