Jessye Norman - Liebestod (Tristan and Isolde by Richard Wagner)

[@AndrewRudin]

The woman's breath control is beyond what seems possible! How privileged I was to hear her so many times.

[@josephmosikili1902]

Blessed is you to have had the moments to enjoy the magnificent Jessye Norman...

[@angelicmercy8003]

There is a hymn she sings called O Divine Redeemer. Am overwhelmed every time I sit with this piece

[@carolewoodall9059]

How I wept. Such beauty. She is missed, remembered, and cherished.

[@bravaLiz]

COMPLETE PERFECTION. Remember when Norman was working her way up the ladder. I was a mere student (undergrad major.. 18 years old, with my own focus on vocal performance and Education).. later went on to receive my Masters, sang with Luciano and others, but NO ONE could ever hold a candle to Jesse. She performed a recital at our PA Bldg. on campus and I was blown away. Just KNEW this woman was special... and how right I was. Unfortunately never had the opp. to perform with her.

[@kinda4664]

Her voice has wings, those of gold. A pair of flaming gold wings to throw in the air and soar to heaven.

[@h-mh93]

What a beautiful image - it really captured my imagination! Thank you!

[@jincygne]

Wonderfully expressed!❤

[@gcmacyman]

Her voice was built for the Wagner and other German repertories. She slammed this piece live and in recordings. Such feeling and delivery. With her interpretation, I just close my eyes and imagine. The soprano has to rise above the music with Wagner and she delivers.. Amazing..

[@sergiovieiradacunha1726]

Magnífica

[@PaulinesPastimes]

I just heard the most moving and powerful thing I have ever heard. Words cannot say how good Jessye Norman was. Astonishing.

[@I.amthatrealJuan]

Rest in Peace Jessye Norman, you will be greatly missed.

[@Darrigrande]

She was one of the greatest! Her voice was like a gift of God!

[@lopeem45]

O

[@MegaRichard1980]

A sad loss to the world of Opera .Forever one my favourite Opera Singers.

[@jennifertomas560]

@@Darrigrande v0

[@白玉堂-o9h]

she definitely will be missed😢

[@rosemarysalt6391]

This recording catches me unawares every time I hear it. Nobody does it better....so much soul. Reduces me to tears with its beauty. Rest in peace Jessye and thank you for your lasting legacy.

[@violajohnson3726]

I am so very glad that I am not the only soul who finds tears on my cheeks listening to this.

[@iantang2866]

We will miss her but at least we have these wonderful recordings!

[@Darrigrande]

She left a great legacy of recordings, but she is gone! She was gifted with an extraodinary, amazing voice! She was one of the greatest!

[@patrickstringer8196]

Millions of us loved you Jesse and we will forever miss you, you always brought us such joy and peace .

[@andrewmitrovica4868]

Paying homage to an artist who changed and moved the world with her artistry.

[@daviddoyle1586]

Stunning heavenly voice must be one off the greatest Sopranos ever in my opinion .

[@Altonahh10]

not "must be" - is! Among others, of course :-)

[@erick-gd7wo]

She is mezzo soprano as far asci know. Many Mezzo Sopranos have become Wagnerian Soprano. They are only asked to sing untill c3 / c6 at the highest and it occures seldom. Maestra Norman is well known for EXCELLENT German Diction.

[@allaboutmyart5706]

Mezzo's (like Norman) are better in this role, imo. I really can't stand the heavy sceechy soprano Isolde's so celebrated. They hurt my ears. They lack tenderness.

[@robinblankenship9234]

THE greatest, ever.

[@bluerabbit47]

@@allaboutmyart5706 I like mezzos anyway.

[@BernhardRottweiler]

This is the most beautiful version I know of. And I don't want to argue about technique, about Flagstad, Nilsson, whatever. I am German and I know my language, she is awesome. This version is perfect, because it has a rich acoustic space, so colorful... ...and after all the emotional drama and pain, its ending has such a wonderful touch of forgiveness and peaceful surrender.

[@Peter0955]

+BernhardRottweiler So schoen ausgedrueckt lieber Bernhard. Ich heule. And I'm the grandson of Germans. Beautiful

[@ingebvander]

+BernhardRottweiler I agree

[@bratsch1123]

+BernhardRottweiler I totally agree! You put it very well.

[@Wayland444]

Fladstad was the perfect interpreter of this song, Nilsson gave it an edge. This Jesse Norman is just candy floss.

[@BernhardRottweiler]

+Spentmore Yearly You are entitled to your opinion. If you want to tell me in a roundabout way that this version is "Kitsch" (candy floss), then you're plain wrong. This is "Liebestod" - dying is "let go" - and it is a peaceful moment.

[@timkelehan5147]

I could listen to this ALL DAY LONG...it just doesn't get better than this. Thank you for uploading this.

[@4bigdawgs4]

Magnificence, chills up/down my spine and tears at the same time. Her voice was out of this world! Thank you Jessye, RIP!

[@markhall7646]

Hers is the performance of "Liebestod" that brings me to tears of the deepest joy. Like whatever performance and performer you wish, I no longer need to imagine heavenly strain and song. It is here, in Jessye's voice. I am happy to be merely mortal.

[@elizadevries6347]

Agree Mark ..

[@rogerjones1300]

Amen!!!

[@m472632]

Jessye I reard you back in 2001 at Carnegie Hall, signing exactly this song. Your strong but also smoth voice invaded my soul. It was one of those moments I'll never forget. Thanks sweet lady, RIP

[@geraldzimmerman6275]

I was fortunate to hear her in the Liebestod at Ravinia with the CSO many years ago, absolutely unforgettable.

[@tonypernthaner941]

Keine hat das schoener und beeindruckender gesungen, einfach weltbewegend.

[@phyllisspearman238]

It seems most of our African American greats are leaving us. I hope in time this generation and the one to come will realize how their gifts came thru adversity and great sorrow but they excelled through it all to become the best of the best!!! BRAVO JESSIE.

[@mscott3918]

Unfortunately all the greats are going and not being replaced. This incredible performance just shows what the younger generations will miss unless they start to be properly trained and understand that great singing needs more than just a high note. Jessye is certainly one of the most important and best to aspire to as a role model.

[@jlewis31510]

That rendition brings tears to my eyes. She is beautiful.

[@radbare1717]

Thank You Jessye Norman!!! You are an expression of God's love and beauty in this world, May you rest in peace and RISE IN GLORY!!

[@cromana5574]

Should have a million views at least. Heavenly, what depth of emotion, the height of artistry.....and the marriage of two great minds. Beyond words!

[@sbingham1979]

The power, depth, and tone of this woman's voice is phenomenal.

[@shanefelkel9966]

One of the greatest mezzos ever, and from my home state. Requiescat in pace, bella donna.

[@alinepages6520]

RIP JESSYE. I loved you, so many emotions😢

[@nigellaird8655]

The music demands performance non pareil ... Here it is .. Such utterly beautiful control, expression, nuance, tenderness .. complete understanding & passion. Best rendition, little wonder that Salvador Dali left this world to this artistry -- Jessye was Diva ...

[@CaroleRowe-Zaeske]

What a voice ! This is one of my favorites.

[@andrecliquot489]

Having goose bumps throughout this area. Jessye again sets the bar very high.

[@BernhardRottweiler]

It is perfect. It can't be sung better than this.

[@trudykretschmer9694]

Try Kirsten Flagstad. But Jessye is gorgeous too.

[@kennethstephens2434]

BernhardRottweiler -It can-and has been.

[@gernz1000]

by who?

[@allaboutmyart5706]

@@gernz1000 I love Norman but all her recordings of this are way too slow. I grew up listening to the breathtaking Christa Ludwig's version and hers has always been perfect, for me. Please listen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/gp7Qe4qHa5ynkKc

[@pianissimofortekeyboardpla5428]

@@allaboutmyart5706 Way to slow? She is following the conductors lead. It is a death song after all....

[@elizabethhenry9107]

Thank you for all the goosebumps and tears. The heavenly choir rejoices that you've joined them.

[@LeeBerache]

What a wonderful tribute to this amazing singer and human being!! The last photo brought me to tears! SOOOO well deserved!!

[@contravoice]

My tears had not stopped from the first note.... It is so beautiful.... The voice is so perfect....

[@pietalpha2]

Me too! It is one of those musical moments that never ever leaves you

[@MarkJones-ig5ui]

really? from the first note you cried? Like seriously tears flowing from your eyes?

[@altmannmariann8860]

igy van az én könnyeim sem állnak meg!

[@Kaydebee]

We are so blessed to have Jessie.

[@hankmesker]

I love it. Thurston High School shooting Bellisimo. Una obra de Arte.

[@adonirammarinho3160]

A melhor interpretação de Isolda de todos os tempos, insuperável. Bravo Jessye, sua voz permanecerá para sempre. Eternamente DIVA.

[@panchitoborja]

One of the most extraordinary perfomances I've ever heard!!

[@jacquesduchesnay3952]

Jessye Norman’ Merci, les sommets dans la pureté et les accents de votre voix , nous ont fait toucher le sublime pendant notre vie.

[@ainslieberrafella]

One of the most beautiful things I've ever heard.

[@v.g.r.l.4072]

Forty years ago her interpretation of this aria aroused in me the beauty of music. God bless her as I do.

[@marialuciakaufmann4591]

Grande grande Jessye Norman, le ciel est bien gris ce matin, Reposez en paix belle Didon et Isolde...

[@lanonyme]

Avez-vous lu son livre :"Tiens-toi droite et chante" ? Un bien beau témoignage.

[@lorenzoperez5096]

Maravillosa Jessy Norna.Descanse en paz tan naravillosa cantante.

[@LionelBrunet]

She is the American gift to the world of opera. I love her voice . It is a rich in tone and emotions that make her one the greatest opera singer in my life time.

[@tommyroen5161]

Rest in Peace. A Great voice will never sing again...How fortunate we are, to have all those fantastic recordings available..

[@andrecliquot489]

I had the honor to attend one of her master classes at the Carnegie Hall. Being in the same room with this incredible human being was magic.

[@pietcreutzberg7136]

This is absolute beauty. Music from heaven

[@jameswelwood4386]

She sings this. It is a song. Delivered over the softest clouds and deepest oceans of feeling.

[@lorenzoperez5096]

Es imposible que la emoción al oirla no nos llene de admiración ante voz tan maravillosa y limpia.Se ha perdido una más entre las geandes damas del BELL CANTO

[@kathleenmcdonald2389]

I could hardly breathe listening to this, it was so beautiful and emotional. Such a powerful, colorful singer with so much to give to us all. So very sad when she left us, but lives on through her beautiful voice! Sing in Peace

[@barnabasvissi37]

This music is out of this world... No words to express this emotional deepness... I'm in tears every time I listen to it...

[@michaeltaylor3937]

This is so heavenly, it brings tears to my eyes. BRAVO !!!

[@rr7firefly]

I will never (can never) forget watching the evening concert at the French Bicentennial celebration. Jessye Norman sang the Marseillaise and I did not fail to note that she, above all others, was entrusted with that great honor. And here she sings one of my favorite classical works from childhood. Aw... how sad to learn that she has passed away. She will always be an inspiration to everyone who is dedicated to the quest for excellence.

[@shirleyrombough8173]

Noe Berengena - You heard her sing La Marseillaise in person? How immense. You were very lucky.

[@georgesclermont1911]

Yes I was there also. She was THE star of that incredible show. Dressed in a Yves St Laurent creation in blue, white and red. Never forgot it.

[@mikeyirish1967]

Rest in Peace, Queen.

[@fideliofidelio1222]

What a beautiful voice Miss Norman , what a good balance with the orchestra ... Grandiose ! Thanks for sharing ...

[@lukewilson1467]

Amazing song by Jessye Norman. God bless you Jessye Norman

[@musighitta]

for me the greatest voice in the world

[@iakovosarvanitis8812]

Les deux plus grandes voix .N’oubliez pas Maria Callas !!!!

[@lavardineric5014]

Une des plus belles interprétations de cette oeuvre de Richard Wagner. Magnifique Jessye Norman !

[@idolatrystudios]

Absolutely incredible. My favorite version of all time. Just gorgeous.

[@mariobertora]

Norman a Goddess. No words can describe her immense talent .

[@williwacker2757]

Einfach nicht von dieser Welt... mir fließen gerade die Tränen... ich weiß nicht mal warum... es fasst mir so tief in die Seele.

[@MrFelixberlin]

Eine wahre Göttin mit einer solchen Stimme. Schön das wir sie hatten.

[@stephanebelizaire3627]

Forever Great and Beloved our Immortal Soprano Mrs Norman !

[@YThome7]

Wagnerian voice and statue, it is also good that her German is so pure, authentic.

[@martinstace8201]

Goodbye beautiful Jessye. Thank you for all the wonderful music. Your voice touches my soul..."höchste Lust!"

[@rosemarysalt6391]

Viola, I have just listened again.....first time for a while and have tears pouring down my cheeks......so moving.

[@patricksautour5963]

RIP Jessye Norman....Une Grande Dame et une immense voix nous quitte.....!!!!

[@lanonyme]

Avez-vous lu son livre :"Tiens-toi droite et chante" ? Un bien beau témoignage.

[@zachburton9019]

This is single handedly the best piece of music ever recorded in my opinion

[@1812over]

Absolutely superb! Never get tired of hearing her sing this.

[@latioselatias]

Absolutely enchanting

[@shirtale]

Just wonderful to have the chance to listen to this again. I was oh, oh so lucky to have heard her sing this many years ago at a BBC Prom, it was undoubtedly the highlight of my promming years.

[@carlosgalvez3412]

She was an extraordinary singer!

[@MaggieKrenek]

Never surpassed. A most moving and intelligent rendering. God bless you Jessie Norman ❤️

[@michalpietor1237]

Marvelous and absolutely tremendous! Mighty voice, which can express the inner power of this song!

[@maryokeeffe3528]

Amazing voice, amazing technique, great understanding of the music and interpretation, such supreme artistry.

[@Darrigrande]

Descansa en paz y gracias por habernos deleitado con tu voz maravillosa! Fuiste un regalo de Diós!

[@markm3286]

Que hermosura más sublime... Una voz de otro universo, la Norman. Gracias por todo lo que nos diste, Jessye.

[@rocco7131]

A pleasure to listen to this great singer.

[@CharlotteinWeimar]

Marvellous Jessye Norman. I once heard Kirsten Flagstad live. Hearing Jessye Norman a few years later I believe she is the only singer with a remotely comparable voice, of effortless beauty and amplitude. Brava!

[@eclecticclay]

Except Birgit Nilsson (surprise) - I'm not saying better, but those three are the only three (so far?) who don't make me wish one of them were singing instead. For Norman, here, I do love Karajan's slow pacing - it leaves her such wonderful room to complete each phrase and let that magnificent voice continue to wring everything possible out of the music. I so wish she could have done a complete studio recording with a perfect supporting cast. I envy you your live Flagstadt!

[@randysills4418]

You are so fortunate to have heard Flagstad live! I wish that I had been born earlier and could have had that experience!!!

[@gabrielaxelriosrodriguezbu4853]

Decades may go by and yet that angel's voice will be among all human beings of sensitive soul

[@Operacrazed]

What an Instrument she possesses. It is like a Cathedral organ, a never ever ending variety of tone , timbre and nuance. I consider her the culimination of the black soprano/mezzo.

[@dwightmatthias7396]

She gave us all. She sang to the fullness and beyond. Her smile is contagious, and she shines. Her voice brings to point of no return - you have to continue how ever you can. A voice that is contagious. Thank you Jessie - you are love ....always

[@ayeshaadger5922]

I was blessed to have dinner with her many years ago. Divine memory.

[@hankmesker]

Ayesha Adger Amazing Thurston High School shooting I love you.

[@Darrigrande]

A great Privilege to share a dinner with one of the most relevant mezzosoprano our times°

[@felicevincelette6756]

The performance with Herbert von Karajan is a soul shaking experience. Two great Classical Masters bringing Wagner to full fruition! Amazing!

[@bulova9284]

Thank You for posting this piece with the lyrics. This is Jessye at her best indeed!

[@byngostar6895]

One of the best nights of my life was watching Ms. Norman perform at Roy Thomson Hall In Toronto in the 1990s in her flowing green robe. She sang this piece from Wagner. O my goodness, I was elated….❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lass-inangeles7564]

Ahhhh! So beautiful. Jessye, we are already missing you, Queen of the opera! Rest in peace, you are so loved! Thank you for the captions in both languages, very nicely done!!

[@altmannmariann8860]

Elképesztő-a világ legnagyobb művészei!! Hidegrázásom volt amig hallgattam.Köszönet ezért a nagyszerű élményért.

[@bobgould8088]

What a gift! Jessye, you sing with the angles now.

[@strutherhill]

Many thanks for uploading this wonderful version. Such power, precision and beauty!

[@MrBluedanube]

you're welcome!

[@pollinseclectic8254]

Everytime I listen to Liebestod from Tristan and Isolde tears come to my eyes. Wagner was a blatant anti-semite and I am a Jew - and it makes absolutely no difference to me. Beautiful music is beautiful music

[@bluerabbit47]

It's hard to separate the artist from the art, but absolutely necessary.

[@jvincent6548]

I too cry - I know not why. I can simply put it down to the power of music to move one's emotions. In a perverse way it makes me happy to cry to such wondrous music. I think I might be crying because I can not fill my life with such genius. Or, maybe, I cry because such genius in humanity is fleeting and ephemeral!

[@boundary2580]

I find it easier to understand Wagner by understanding his situation. He was in constant turmoil, had a failing marriage, being ostracized for his political beliefs, and especially being in constant debt made Jews a scapegoat for him to blame for his misfortunes on. It’s just sad that such an inspired and brilliant composer was overcome with paranoia and bitterness most of his life. But I also wonder if this life is what was translated into the irreplaceable music that he wrote. It’s fascinating to think about.

[@jvincent6548]

@@boundary2580 ...is the right answer ! We’re all a mix of good and bad; if misguided and misled. But .... but .... walk with a stick and beware ... as if you walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Beware... always beware of that next fanaticism. Shalom my friend!

[@rossmerchant8435]

And there are so many wonderful Jewish interpreters of Wagner to enjoy! Regina Resnik, George London, Otto Klemperer, to name just a few

[@richardfeynman4315]

How can 41 people give this a thumbs down. It's probably the greatest randition of this aria. Jessye Norman has set an ultra high bar for all dramatic sopranos.

[@hankmesker]

Richard Feynman You are right beautiful lover. Thurston High School shooting I love you.

[@brucetucker4847]

Alberich and his kin, no doubt. She is wonderful and this is the most powerful expression of love in musical form I've ever heard.

[@MrSean22919]

A beautiful queen. Such a wonderful voice.

[@lightmotivable]

Marvelous. I've never heard anyone else who can even be compared to Flagstad's Liebestod. A little slow for my taste, but maybe they had the good sense to take it at a tempo where she could be fully expressive. I certainly would've been on my feet in the opera house after this one.

[@zahrasi-youcef8593]

The most intense Liebstod I've ever heard.

[@csudakov1]

Gorgeous instrument - sublime. ....Can't describe - only feel it.

[@leonoradelagardie]

This is beyond beautiful, it is superhuman, it transcends all other achievements in singing.

[@4bigdawgs4]

What a voice!!! Knocks my socks off! Magnificent!

[@aureachaves9827]

Maravilha!!!! A música, a voz de Jessye e a sua interpretação!

[@octaviohernandez18]

Her voice pierces the heart and the soul and lingers. Stately presence, a voice that mesmerizes and is at home in a variety of repertoires (soprano, contralto, mezzo), the interpretation haunts, whether Wagerer, Strauss (a vocal symbiosis), lieder or spirituals.." I am requesting her "Im Abendrot" at my memorial service. Her voice is with the angels, joining a select group (Sutherland, Caballe et al)--how lucky for heaven; here on earth her legacy endures. Thank you, Lohengrin, for the eclectic selection, a morsel of a delightful career.

[@waynepolk4179]

Liebestod is my favorite classical music piece of all time for its incredible beauty. The versions by Flagstag and Leontyne Price were my favorites for a long time but when I heard Norman I could not believe it! Too wonderful for words! Perfection!

[@gianraoul]

In these times of growing despair. Being exposed, by choice, to this larger than life art. (as a whole) helps me to recognize what it is to "feel". Thank you.

[@threethrushes]

Art is an expression of the creative good in humanity. The world is awash in ugliness: art, music and literature redresses that balance.

[@ferdiriordan1]

Now with the other angels R.I.P.

[@cheryltroutt8592]

omg, Jesse Normand as Isolde is so moving tears are starting. The Ring is my favorite set of operas,love Wagner, and am taking my 17 yr old grandson to watch Tristan und Isolde next month. We can hardly wait, I raised them like my fathrr did me listening to operas but especially Wagner.

[@vocalfan2008]

So agree with all the praises posted. This is phenomenal. The core of the voice is always warm and gorgeous.

[@olliet7739]

I'm young(ish) to the world of opera and this is my first foray into Jessye Norman. I'll see you in 4 days when i emerge tired and emotionally drained because i'm not stopping until I've heard all her KZbin content - then i'll go on a mission for the recordings. This performance is the best I've ever heard.