Jessye Norman, the renowned soprano with a voice of unparalleled power and grace, presents a captivating collection of operatic and classical pieces in her album "Classics." Released in 1991 under Decca Music Group Ltd., this album spans a little over an hour, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that showcase Norman's extraordinary vocal range and interpretive depth.
The tracklist is a testament to Norman's versatility, featuring iconic arias and songs from some of the most celebrated works in the classical repertoire. From the dramatic intensity of Verdi's "Il Corsaro" to the tender beauty of Schubert's "Ave Maria," each piece is performed with a mastery that underscores Norman's status as one of the greatest voices of her generation.
The album includes excerpts from beloved operas such as Bizet's "Carmen," Mozart's "Le nozze di Figaro," and Purcell's "Dido and Aeneas," as well as lieder by composers like Richard Strauss and Hugo Wolf. Norman's rendition of Gershwin's "Love Is Here To Stay" adds a touch of modern elegance to the classical selections.
Recorded live at the Alte Oper in Frankfurt in 1988, the album captures the essence of Norman's live performances, offering an intimate and powerful listening experience. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Jessye Norman's "Classics" is a timeless collection that highlights the enduring appeal of these masterpieces and the extraordinary talent of their interpreter.
Il Corsaro / Act 1: "Egli non riede ancora!" - "Non so le tetre immagini"Giuseppe Verdi, Jessye Norman, New Philharmonia Orchestra, Lamberto Gardelli
Les chemins de l'amour, FP 106Francis Poulenc, Jessye Norman, Dalton Baldwin
Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492 / Act 3: E Susanna non vien!...Dove sonoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jessye Norman, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Carmen / Act 2: "Non, tu ne m'aimes pas!"Georges Bizet, Jessye Norman, Orchestre National De France, Seiji Ozawa
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60 / Opera: "Es gibt ein Reich"Richard Strauss, Jessye Norman, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur
Dido and Aeneas, Z.626 / Act 3: "Thy hand, Belinda...When I am laid in earth"Henry Purcell, Jessye Norman, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Auf dem See, D. 543Franz Schubert, Jessye Norman, Geoffrey Parsons
Les nuits d'été, Op. 7: 6. L'île inconnueHector Berlioz, Jessye Norman, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
4 Lieder, Op. 43: 1. Von ewiger Liebe - Dunkel, wie dunkelJohannes Brahms, Jessye Norman, Geoffrey Parsons
Kindertotenlieder: No. 4, Oft denk' ich, sie sind nur ausgegangen - Live at Alte Oper, Frankfurt, 1988Gustav Mahler, Jessye Norman, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa
4 Letzte Lieder, TrV 296: No. 1, FrühlingRichard Strauss, Jessye Norman, Gewandhausorchester, Kurt Masur
Love Is Here To StayGeorge Gershwin, Jessye Norman, Boston Pops Orchestra, John Williams
Ave Maria, D. 839Franz Schubert, Jessye Norman, Ambrosian Singers, Christopher Bowers-Broadbent, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Alexander Gibson
Messe solennelle de Ste. Cécile CG 56: SanctusCharles Gounod, Jessye Norman, Ambrosian Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Alexander Gibson