I loved her. One of the most daring things she did was singing Sieglinde in DIE WALKURE, with a white guy (Gary Lakes) as Siegmund. The reason I call this daring is the two are supposed to be twins, children of the god Wotan (Odin), and their incestuously conceiving a child together was taken as a symbol of racial "purity" by Nietzsche, Hitler, George Bernard Shaw, and other Wagner-freaks. The child is the "pure-Aryan" hero Siegfried, one of the earliest explicit manifestations of the "superman fantasy" in literature. To cast a mix-race pair as these twins was, well, daring.
Having said that, one of her flaws was an inability to sing German with a convincing accent despite working with the best language-coaches in the world. (Placido Domingo suffered from a similar problem when he tried to sing certain Wagner parts, such as Parsifal and Walther von Stolzing.)
Another of Jessye Norman's flaws was that she sang some parts written for a high, clear, "crystalline" voice, not for her deep, earthy, super-abundant voice-type. Like, for instance, the title role in ARIADNE AUF NAXOS, Elsa in LOHENGRIN, the Countess in THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, Donna Elvira in DON GIOVANNI, and the soprano solo in Brahms' EIN DEUTSCHES REQUIEM. (Birgit Nilsson sometimes made a similar error, early in her career.)
She made a very smart decision later in life, to take up lower parts in the mezzo-soprano range.
8
Imagine had racism kept this powerfully beautiful voice from enriching the stage of our lives.
25
i was in paris for the french bicentennial of the french revolution in 1989.
i watched norman perform la marseillaise live at the place de la concorde on TV on bastille day. i could see the lights glowing in the night sky from my hotel room.
it was a magnificent performance and controversial, if memory serves, having an american perform that stirring anthem. also, again if memory serves, she started with the second verse.
i still get goose pimples when i watch it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QQ2k3UpHwQ
22
Too young.
22
And Ms. Norman was wonderful in the 1981 French movie "Diva".
She will be miss. Her voice and spirit live on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lugx0xX2G54
11
Jessye Norman was (and always will be) one of the most gifted sopranos to ever grace a stage. One cannot say enough about her talent. This will confirm that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bU6h4LbUSH8
10
I remember sitting in the second row at Tanglewood in the early 70's and an unknown Norman knocking us all dead with that glorious sound. It was a rare transendent moment
22
The music world was a better place for having had her in it.
18
One of the commentators to her obituary here compared Jessye Norman to the Statue of Liberty.
On July 4, 2004, she inaugurated the world's second largest Statue of Liberty, in Colmar, France, the home of Auguste Bertholdi, who designed the original. The inauguration coincided with Colmar's annual international music festival, where Jessye Norman was the featured artist that year.
11
Idol of my childhood, briliiant woman. Once drove cross-country to watch her perform Ring of the Niebelungen in New York. So sad I'll never see her live on stage again. Sad to learn she had been so ill. Grateful for the gift or her life and her singing.
24
The world has lost a consummate musical artist. Now, the judgement of either a bema or a great white throne for this wonderful singer, a voice now stilled until revived to determine its eternal abode.
7
As for many of our great African-descended artists, she ascended abroad before she was acknowledged at 'home.'
38
A true American Icon!
Larger than life!
RIP
9
What a loss!!! I didn't even know about her spinal cord injury which the article doesn't discuss. If you haven't, you must listen to "This Christmastide". It is the most awesome Christmas album ever. How very sad to lose her!
15
RIP, great and inspiring diva.
6
Fantastic person- inspiring. The world lost someone special.
7
Rest in peace, Jessye. Your legacy remains with us.
6
Philip Yancey told this story in his book What's So Amazing about Grace. Bill Moyers’ documentary film on the hymn “Amazing Grace” includes a scene filmed in Wembley Stadium in London. Various musical groups, mostly rock bands, had gathered together in celebration of the changes in South Africa,and for some reason the promoters scheduled an opera singer, Jessye Norman, as the closing act. The film cuts back and forth between scenes of the unruly crowd in the stadium and Jessye Norman being interviewed. For twelve hours groups like Guns ’n’ Roses have blasted the crowd through banks of speakers, riling up fans already high on booze and dope. The crowd yells for more curtain calls, and the rock groups oblige. Meanwhile, Jessye Norman sits in her dressing room discussing “Amazing Grace” with Moyers. Finally, the time comes for her to sing. A single circle of light follows Norman, a majestic African-American woman wearing a flowing African dashiki, as she strolls onstage. No backup band, no musical instruments, just Jessye. The crowd stirs, restless. Few recognize the opera diva. A voice yells for more Guns ’n’ Roses. Others take up the cry. The scene is getting ugly. Alone, a capella, Jessye Norman begins to sing, very slowly:
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found— Was blind, but now I see.
A remarkable thing happens in Wembley Stadium that night. Seventy thousand raucous fans fall silent before her aria of grace.
46
Your life and musical contributions have made us richer. Ms. Norman's interpretation of Strauss' Seven Last Songs is the standard, flawless technique and breath control, my refuge in dark moments. Thank you.
10
Of all Mme. Norman's memorable performances that I was privileged to witness, the one that remains most vivid in my mind is one of the nights when she sang both lead soprano roles, Cassandre and Dido, in Berlioz's "Les Troyens" (I think it must have been Feb. 8 or Feb. 18, 1984). Just as she was preparing to launch into Dido's great last-act aria "Adieu, fière cité," the scaffolding on which she was standing collapsed beneath her, depositing her on her backside. The audience gasped; but without missing a beat, Mme. Norman launched into the aria from her sitting position with imperturbable sang-froid, singing through to the end with her usual opulence and majesty. Of course, the ovation was enormous. RIP, the grandest of the grand divas.
27
I am (mostly) deaf. I can hear music and voices, but I can't understand lyrics. But I made a point of going to a concert of Ms. Norman's at Avery Fisher Hall in the late 1980s. I wanted to be able to say that I had heard this great voice. I did hear it and I will never forget it.
For those of you who were not privileged to hear her live, go to YouTube and search for "Jessye Norman La Marseillaise". You will hear her at the French Bicentennial, and see her incredible figure draped in the colors of the Tricolor.
If you are not moved to tears, you don't have a heart.
19
I had the chance to hear Ms Norman live in Paris in 2005. In true "Diva" form, about to begin Berlioz's Les Nuits d'Été, she noticed a latecomer making his way to his seat. Her eyes followed his every move, and when he was seated, the look on her face said "are you ready for me to begin now"?
In the same concert, she starred as Queen Dido in a full semi-staged performance. Jessie Norman, I will indeed remember you. Thank you for bringing so much joy to my life through your recordings. I doubt your rendition of Isolde's Liebestod (under the baton of Karajan and the Vienna Phil) could ever be surpassed.
7
I remember going to hear Ms. Norman in "Les Troyennes" in which she sang the part of Dido. Although not mentioned in this article, I believe she may have even sung both Cassandre and Dido in that performance. As I recall, the set was a raked round disk platform with maybe two steps down to the stage level. As Ms. Norman slowly walked forward and down those steps to sing Dido's aria, the steps, which had not been properly secured, slipped out from under her and she fell on her bottom. The audience gasped. But not missing a beat, Ms. Norman quickly rose to her feet and sang the first notes of the aria pianissimo. That, ladies and gentleman, was poise! At the conclusion of the aria the audience erupted in applause.
12
Thank you NYT and writers, Daniel Waken and Michael Cooper for this tribute to the talented Jessye Norman.
Unfortunately, I missed an opportunity to hear Ms Norman perform. However, I recall the first time I saw her on television when Norman was among famous artists featured in Bill Moyer's documentary, AMAZING GRACE when it first aired on PBS in 1990.
Oh my! What an lasting impression Ms Norman made on me!. I will never forget how exalting she was expressing her love for this famous sacred hymn. Nor will I forget the power and passion in her moving rendition when she sang Amazing Grace.
Above all, during her long career, Ms Norma commanded a regal persona in her many performances. She was truly an opera "diva", an extraordinary women, and a great artist!!!
Again, thank you. Jessye Norman will be missed.
5
Strange coincidence, but last week, I picked up the c.d of Ms. Norman and Kathleen Harris's stirring Spiriuals in Concert at Carnegie Hall
( beautifully conducted by James Levine). I've become obsessed with the recording, playing it every day. I realized the audience reactions indicated U was missing something, so I ordered the only VHS copy of the concert in the Los Angeles library. What the video revealed was the remarkable connection and contrast between two of the great divas of the period. Battle was, as always, girlish, charming and, perhaps, a little full of herself. Norman was regal, effortless, the ultimate earth mother. The combination so worked, and their obvious connection with the material was undeniable. Only wish I'd been in attendance (along with the great Marian Anderson) that Match night in 1990. RIP
8
Her voice will be missed. I have many of her recordings but remember hearing her in recital at Severance Hall in Cleveland. She was truly a diva.
1
A great artist! I grew up not far from Augusta, Georgia, and always wanted to go back to Georgia and see if I could visit with her. I loved her work with disadvantaged children and the arts -- a wonderful way to live in retirement. Do wish she had lived on a lot longer.
4
A revolutionary voice that bought joy and passion to millions! She will be missed!
4
Although no longer with us in body, the spirit of her voice will be heard for generations to come.
2
A great artist, and woman. The video link from Bastille Day was truly inspiring - and I’m not French.
11
A talent for the ages. RIP, Ms Norman
13
Goodbye Jessye... you graced our lives with your voice and your presence. Your spirit lives forever in the music you left behind... as I stand here with tears rolling down listening to your sublime recording of Strauss's Four Last Songs...
23
So sorry to hear this: I loved her singing of Strauss’ Vier letzte Lieder. These will move you to tears.
8
Heartbreaking. Oh I wish I could have seen her sing, live. Had no idea she was ill with that injury. So sad.
5
Fearless. Extravagantly herself. And that huge, rich, stupendous Voice that she shared with us. Thank you, Jessye.
37
A wonderful voice.
6
My life is richer for having heard her. God rest your bountiful soul.
39
A voice that will literally move your soul to tears; I ask for it every time I listen to her sing Dido’s Lament.
10
Perhaps a brief mention of the libel suit Ms. Norman pursued.
5
Ms. Norman, anyone who heard you live, as I luckily did, will understand why you are a diva (goddess), in it's TRUE sense.
12
Ironic, and a little bit sad, to read this quote:
“They have made it possible for me to say, ‘I will sing French opera,’” she said “or, ‘I will sing German opera,’ instead of being told, ‘You will sing “Porgy and Bess.” Only to learn, in the next paragraph, that the Met has chosen to dedicate a performance of "Porgy and Bess" to Ms. Norman. Could the Met not find a more fitting tribute?
13
@Julie: It's what's currently running at the time of Ms. Norman's death. Tributes are generally made promptly, as this one is. She also sang "Porgy and Bess," but was justly determined not to be limited to it. That, I think, was her point.
6
@Julie I think it was fitting for the moment. She had passed away just 4 hours before the performance. I was there; that was the first I'd heard she'd passed. Not to worry.
5
@Julie
The Met did not know Ms. Norman would die on the day that Porgy and Bess debuted. Perhaps “there are more things in Heaven and Earth....than are dreamt of in your philosophy.”
3
Goodbye Jesse. You left us way too soon. Millions of hearts are aching this morning.
32
Her reading of Strauss' Im Abendrot, a live performance viewable on YouTube, could melt the steeliest heart. What a wonder she was.
9
Jessye, your "Little white activist" sends love and fare well. You were a quiet catalyst to the world through music and your voice.
6
I'm truly sorry. The world is a worse place without her in it.
7
For those who did not know Jessye Norman, I suggest that you search the internet for a video of her singing the Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde in concert, with the Wiener Philharmoniker conducted by Herbert von Karajan. If it does not move you to tears, then music might not be your thing.
13
Brava, Jessye!
5
This is a beautiful and thoughtful tribute to Ms. Norman. She was an inspiration to many; her memory of singing in French as a middle-schooler, to her classmates, reminds me of my opportunity as a third-grader to hear a fifth-grader song from “Porgy and Bess.”
My schoolmate also went on to sing opera.
The African- American experience, as related by Ms. Norman, is nuanced and often rich in moments such as these.
Rest In Peace.
6
What a tremendous voice and incredible presence. Her legacy will continue to inspire us all, of all ages. She has graciously and gracefully bequeathed a timeless treasure.
4
While not gifted musically myself, my aunt sang in light opera in the late ‘20s and gave me my passion for classical music, especially opera. I do not recall when I first became aware of Jessye Norman, but when I did, I was overwhelmed with the intensity and purity of her voice. Sadly I own only one CD, allowing me to appreciate her unmatched power. Having never heard a live performance, it is time I acquire other recordings.
As a native Georgian, I am proud to claim her for my state! She will always be regarded as a true gift to me and the world.
6
@julia I recommend Strauss' Four Last Songs. The third in particular is wonderful.
3
I remember attending the opening night of the new Newark Center for the Arts. The lights dimmed, the audience waited and a single pure note rang out for what seemed forever. The curtain went up and there was Ms. Norman still holding the note. She celebrated the human spirit.
22
I remember her unforgettable interview with Morley Safer on '60 Minutes.' The interviewer moved the discussion from her professional life to her intimate life. Had she one, he asked. "Jessye Norman may be alone," she said. "But she isn't lonely." Amazing artist. Amazing human being. I loved her. I miss her.
14
I was fortunate to see her perform in the 1980's. I've never forgotten that evening. Jessye Norman had grace and presence, a total command of the hall, more than I've even seen before or since. I was moved and impressed. My condolences to her loved ones.
8
Rest in peace. I remember the
tribute concert with Kathleen Battle and Wynton Marsalis in the early 1990's. What a treasure she was.
9
A great loss. She was one of the most glorious sopranos. I saw her in recital with the San Francisco Symphony some years ago. It was unforgettable.
5
Her version of Richard Strauss's Four Last Songs (at least the one I know, if she recorded it more than once) is phenomenal. My favorite that I've heard. If you've never heard the piece, check out especially the last one, Im Abendrot, which you may recognize from David Lynch's Wild at Heart, which uses the amazingly lush and moving orchestral introduction at one point.
That's a piece worth playing at your funeral, even though you'll have some trouble appreciating then. :)
7
Jessye Norman was a unique and very special artist. Bless you Ms. Norman, rest in piece and thank you for filling our ears, eyes, hearts and souls.
2
My Mother worked at Detroit Receiving Hospital in the 1980s and 1990s. She knew a Dr Norman there, who at some point, I think in the 1990s, told her he was going to leave to be a physician at one of the large State prisons, as he felt an obligation to provide medical care to the many incarcerated black men. My Mom lived in Ann Arbor and had a subscription to the University Musical Society. One performance was Jessye Norman. At the end, my Mom spotted a little boy going up to the stage to present Ms Norman with a bouquet. My Mom saw the child was accompanied by Dr Norman. My Mom was shocked to realize that he was Ms Norman’s brother. He, a modest man, with his altruistic outlook, had never mentioned the relationship.
53
Such immense beauty her voice and her presence. She is a National Treasure whose voice will live on forever.
6
Among my favorite opera CD's is Jessye Norman singing Strauss's "Four Last Songs." Nowadays in California some speak of "centering prayer" or "mindfulness" . . . well, listening to Jessye Norman's gospel collection is, what shall I say, beyond belief, bringing one as it were "on the wings of an angel" into the stratosphere while deeply grounded on earth. When needing strength and courage along with tenderness (to face life's challenges) I turn to Jessye Norman's singing. With gratefulness and an Alleluia! for a magnificent woman!
9
What a loss, what a voice! Just two days ago, I listened to one of Jessye Norman's recordings (again), headphones on, for full enjoyment. Very sorry to learn of her passing, and also grateful that some of her great performances were preserved in her recordings. My condolences to her loved ones!
4
A tremendous loss. Jessye Norman's version of Strauss' 4 last songs moved me like no other. She was a truly iconic artist.
3
For me Jessye Norman was opera. I was very fortunate to hear her sing with Andrew Davis and the Toronto Symphony several times and in a Brahms recital. Her voice, powerful,rich, dark and dramatic was totally mesmerizing. My greatest operatic thrill was to hear her sing Sieglinde at the Met. But her debut in Les Troyens was astounding. Last night I Iistened to the Radio Broadcast in which she sang the roles of both Cassandra and Dido. Who else could have done it? And the Marseillaise! The memories come fast and furious. How fortunate I was to have lived in her lifetime. RIP.
10
I first heard Ms. Norman in the early 70s in an extraordinary German song recital in Rome. She went from strength to strength, not afraid to go beyond herself.
5
Ms. Norman was such a rarity. When I was a child, she was the first person I had ever heard singing, where I came to the regard the voice as an actual musical instrument. Those of us fortunate to have heard her in concert, where I did as an adult, were transformed to what seemed like another universe. Ms. Norman had such amazing control and precision, it was fascinating to watch this musician play her instrument.
6
Paris and France for the 200th anniversary of Bastille Day was and remains a most magnificent performance. I continue to replay at least every Bastille Day. No doubt the Heavenly Angels are glad she is singing with them.
1
Her recording of Strauss’ Vier Letzte Lieder with Masur and Leipzig is ravishingly beautiful. Out of literally thousands of recordings that I own, it is the single one that I could never do without. The solo horn and violin parts could not be bettered. Its poignancy, grace and power are overwhelming. It’s transformative and magic. I plan on it being the very last thing that I hear on the Earth. Rest In Peace, Miss Norman. You were incredible in every way and my heart breaks that we no longer have you with us.
24
I will always remember seeing her with my late wife Jill in London at Festival Hall alongside the Thames in a performance of Mahler's "Symphony #3" and the London Symphony Orchestra conducted by the late Caludio Abbado back in September 1985. The concert was sold out when we got to London the day before, yet I went to Festival Hall that Sunday morning and joined a small line which by the time the box office opened hours later stretched outside. I was ninth in line and asked for 2 tickets and got them. The man behnd me got the last turnback tickets. We were sitting dead center row 12 orchestra. And Jesse and Mahler's masterpiece overwhelmed us that evening!
5
I never tire of listening to her recording of Richard Strauss's "Four Last Songs." Her voice brought Heaven to Earth. Rest in Peace after a life well lived.
2
May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.
Thank you for your beautiful art, Ms. Norman. Rest in peace.
5
Norman was truly a diva in the very best ways. But unlike many divae, she was never the subject of unflattering rumors. Her astonishingly gorgeous voice, phenomenal musicality, and magnetic personal presence were accompanied by a rare generosity of spirit. Just as her voice could not be captured by the grandest sound system, her spirit could no longer be constrained by this earthly flesh. Thank you for sharing your gifts with us, Ms. Norman.
11
Jessye Norman has been missed on both the opera and concert stages, and now will be missed in life. I had the great fortune of seeing her at The Met and here in Miami and New York at concerts on several occasions. Her talent was huge and I will never forget at one of her concerts, a lady in the audience handing her what turned out to be a jar of jam at the end of the performance. She roared with both joy and laughter at the kindness of the gift!
8
Jessye Norman was a fantastic singer and role model for anyone aspiring to reach levels not dreamed of. I can listen to her operatic singing all day and never become bored. She also had a tremendous grace and personality that was so soothing and inviting.
2
Jessye Norman was a huge inspiration to me. I am neither African American nor a classical singer, but her affirmation of life and womanhood were part of the impetus to my direction in the arts and life. We have to many remembrances of her in other women she prompted to take charge of both glamor and intelligence. Rest in peace, Jessye, after such energies in your life here with all of us. You earned it.
2
Thank you Ms. Norman for your grace and for providing another avenue for not just Black women but Black people to excel! My mother required that I attend summer school when I was 12 years old. Not something a young black does in the late 1960s. One of the classes was an art class where we would attend the opera at the Cincinnati zoo. I am so grateful my mother did that and at 66 years old I am grateful to have been able to share time with your grace. Rest well my Sister!
10
Brava, Ms. Norman! Rest in peace.
Know we here can say: "Magnifcently done." Your Cassandra, your Ariadne, your Mahler, your Wagner, your 'You,' remaining 'You.' in all these, changed my life direction through your artistry/artist by letting me know that all things are possible -- never once were you the singer/messenger separate from the song /message.
3
I'm not an opera fan but when I heard MS. Norman sing it was a thing of beauty. RIP
I was shocked to hear of Norman’s untimely death.
I had the privilege of seeing her in many of her great roles at the Met.
That voice!
If I had any quibble at all, it’s that it was difficult to imagine her portraying day-to-day characters — her strength was in her portrayal of powerful symbols, not the put-upon damsels in many operas.
If you wanted to know what the Statue of Liberty would sound like, Jessye Norman was that singer!
14
Sumptuous voice. Beautiful person in every way.
Farewell to a great lady.
Beautiful article, for a beautiful soul. Well written and well-deserved.
Who can every forget Jessye Norman swathed in the French Flag singing the Marseillaise in Place de la Concorde for the 200th anniversary of the French Revolution. Still sends shivers down my spine. What a great voice, presence and artist. A loss for us all.
4
The world is a little less bright this morning as I read the announcement of the death of Jessye Norman. I will miss her bold musical sound and her wonderful way of speaking that I came to love while listening to her detail events from her life and career. We cannot stop time or roll back the passing of the "greats" but just for a few more moments I wish we could...
5
Thank you for this lovely obituary. She really was larger than life.
1
The first voice I heard that got me interested in listening to opera. Thank you Ms. Norman, you're a treasure.
RIP Diva.
2
Sad sad news! My first Jessye Norman album was Christmastide and at that time I have never been to a live opera performance. Her voice was so beautiful and powerful! Sadly I have never seen her live. Luckily we can still watch operas performed by her on the Met opera on demand stream, and listen to her many albums. Thank You and Rest in Peace Ms Norman!
I had the great good fortune to hear Miss Norman in recital in Peekskill at the Paramount Theater, a refurbished (former) grand movie palace. She performed with just a piano....no orchestra, no string quartet. She was magnificent. I missed dinner and the next train home and had to wait on the platform for 90 minutes until the next one came. I didn't care because I'd just heard Miss Jessye Norman and nothing else mattered.
May you Rest in Peace Miss Norman.....and thank you.
5
Thank you for your music, diva. I never got to see you on stage, but your recordings have impacted me in ways I struggle to articulate. Your art remains a precious blessing in this transitory life.
2
What a mighty woman. Her voice was an entity unto its own, powerful, soaring, and crystal clear. Blessed be all of the recordings of that magic, I'll cherish them. As a black woman who loves the song (opera, in particular), I found solace and encouragement in every note you sang. Thank you for sharing your gift, Jessye Norman. Rest in eternal peace.
And, have mercy, how will we survive the loss of both Jessye and Toni, both in the same year?
6
Wow. What a stupendous loss. But how lucky were we to live in a world with Ms. Norman in it? Condolences to her loved ones.
4
Jessye, you were the greatest! A singular voice for the ages. We miss you!
1
RIP Jessye Norman
Your rendition of Strauss’ Four Last Songs is one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever.
2
A very fine person offstage she brought friendship in rehearsal and in performance and a concentrated tone which sesmlessly filled the house with glorious and well modulated sound.
1
I am so filled with emotion as I read this. That's what her singing brought to me every time I heard it. What a voice, what a voice, what a voice.
3
Thank you for your art and your bravery, Ms. Norman.
May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest...
3
A beautiful voice gone too soon.
3