Even though Joplin intended this to be a slow drag, the melody itself is so beautiful (and this finale isn't even the best part of his wonderful opera Treemonisha). I'm always a little bothered by all the comments we're used to hear about Treemonisha being an "African American operetta" or an "opera with black rhythms". I mean, it's a great romantic operetta with the sounds and influences of Joplin's homeland, just like any other composer. We don't associate other operas with a race.
you idiots its perfect in context of the whole opera, there are slow drags and fast drags as they are not durges as you white folk think they are about an emotion but god forbid you figure that out
Goodness. Jessye is almost as big as the entire Royal family. ( Which came from Germany a couple hundred years ago and are no more or less than welfare recipients.)
Wonder what the tempo would be if the title were A Real Fast Drag.
THIS "perfomance" is a little rushed--it's supposed to be a SLOW DRAG--obviously the musical director of this piece does not have much respect for Joplin--listen to th DG version (with Carmen Balthrop)---this piece is REALLY beautiful when sung correctly
I have to say while I love that she's singing this at all, I am a little bit shocked by her or the conductor's inattentive to the spirit of the music. It's a DRAG, it's supposed to be slow and sensual, you should be able to drag your hips to this and this is like a British march. It's sort of wierd to see the white queen in the background for this. Anyway it is unique.
@FoggyRoad81 It was performed for the Queen of England at one of her birthday gatherings. That's why you see her in the background. I'm shocked no one told you about this in the passed 3 years...lol
I was there. Great to see the young Lisa Gasteen with Jessy Norman.
whiting122 3 months ago
Just wonderful!!
travelerxx 10 months ago
Even though Joplin intended this to be a slow drag, the melody itself is so beautiful (and this finale isn't even the best part of his wonderful opera Treemonisha). I'm always a little bothered by all the comments we're used to hear about Treemonisha being an "African American operetta" or an "opera with black rhythms". I mean, it's a great romantic operetta with the sounds and influences of Joplin's homeland, just like any other composer. We don't associate other operas with a race.
Homoclassicus 1 year ago
come on. this is a truly hideous piece of music. Scott Joplin? Rubbish!
kevinrainey 1 year ago
you idiots its perfect in context of the whole opera, there are slow drags and fast drags as they are not durges as you white folk think they are about an emotion but god forbid you figure that out
markhahl 1 year ago
Alright for high notes jessye
candide43201 2 years ago
Do that fast Drag o o o oo Do that fast Drag Fast Fa a ast...:) poor Scott.
0zenith 3 years ago
Goodness. Jessye is almost as big as the entire Royal family. ( Which came from Germany a couple hundred years ago and are no more or less than welfare recipients.)
Wonder what the tempo would be if the title were A Real Fast Drag.
rockgor 3 years ago
you cant see the great voice and personality, is so poor to see what you can see
I am really sorry about your values
mklambatsea 3 years ago
THIS "perfomance" is a little rushed--it's supposed to be a SLOW DRAG--obviously the musical director of this piece does not have much respect for Joplin--listen to th DG version (with Carmen Balthrop)---this piece is REALLY beautiful when sung correctly
illidnarg 3 years ago
stunning!!!!!!
newhotmailit 3 years ago 4
Interesting to see Jessye do this. I can't help remembering that Kathy Battle did her debut in Broadway (yes, in Broadway!) singing Treemonisha!
TheAleph74 4 years ago
Thanks for the info. I did not know that Battle debuted on Broadeway with Treemonisha.
It really makes me feel isolated living Down Under in the Far North!
Thanks Youtube et al
hsoenario 3 years ago
I have to say while I love that she's singing this at all, I am a little bit shocked by her or the conductor's inattentive to the spirit of the music. It's a DRAG, it's supposed to be slow and sensual, you should be able to drag your hips to this and this is like a British march. It's sort of wierd to see the white queen in the background for this. Anyway it is unique.
FoggyRoad81 4 years ago 3
Comment removed
oversnap 4 years ago
@FoggyRoad81 It was performed for the Queen of England at one of her birthday gatherings. That's why you see her in the background. I'm shocked no one told you about this in the passed 3 years...lol
megiltelzeke 1 year ago
This is AMAZING!!!! I never thought I'd hear Jessye singing this music which I have always loved.
FoggyRoad81 4 years ago