Jessye Norman!
My Life; My Song!
Over a period of many years, Jessye Norman has been one of my favorite singers. I recall her performances of Richard Strauss songs, as well as songs by Schubert, Wagner and so many others.
On this amazing recording, there are 2 CD’s with many songs that show us the diversity, humor, and emotional depth that Ms. Norman can achieve. Above all, her voice is this dark, plush, rich, wonderful instrument which is so uniquely her trademark. Here are some samples of several titles on this collection:
Another Man Done Gone
Pretty Horses
God’s Gonna Cut You Down
Les Chemins De L’Amour
J’ai Deux Amours
April In Paris
Habanera
Take The ‘A’ Train
Blue Monk
Solitude
It Don’t Mean A Thing
Don’t Get Around Much Anymore
In contrast, and as a tribute to the range of capabilities of this artist, here is her rendition of Strauss’ “Morgen” from his “Four Last Songs”: (Tomorrow the sun will shine again…).
Can you believe the amazing beauty of that voice? And note particularly her ability to sustain a long line of melody that becomes seemingly endless!