Jerry Hadley 1997 L'arlesiana "Il lamento di Federico"

[chrisabide]

It's a damn shame he left us :/ what a talent

[CarmenMirandasHat]

What beautiful singing this is. Just watch the intense expression in his eyes. He is not just vocalizing, but creating a dramatic piece of art. He was natural singer of the best kind. Such a shame his life was tragically cut short. I am grateful that this recording exists. The end always brings shivers and tears. Thank you.

[SHICOFF1]

He was so fine and not appreciated fully as he should gave been. I heard him at lyric opera Chicago, he had a beautiful lyric sound. RIP

[Fegen]

Bravo! May he rest in peace. 

[Turandotopera]

Sure, one of the great American tenor, tendency to go sharp in some places, BUT, this is LIVE. Also, good to see Julius there.

C.M.

[romivr]

E' la solita storia del pastore… Il povero ragazzo voleva raccontarla, e s'addormi. C'è nel sonno l'oblio. Come l'invidio! Anch'io vorrei dormir cosi, nel sonno almeno l'oblio trovar! La pace sot cercando io vò: vorrei poter tutto scordar. Ma ogni sforzo è vano... Davanti ho sempre di lei il dolce sembiante! La pace tolta è sempre a me... Perché degg'io tanto penar? Lei!... sempre mi paria at cor! Fatale vision, mi lascia! mi fai tanto male! Ahimè!

[DonPaolissimo]

Just realized - Jerry was loads better than he ever received credit for! Poverino!

[ncvscody]

This is one of the best performances of this piece I've heard!

[TenorBarbilian]

This is a real artist !

[Alfifa]

Wonderful! Great great great voice!

Karlott

[musicalme27]

His was such a beautiful voice, and I am so, so sad that he left us too soon. I sit here, crying; for the music, for the passion and beauty he brought to this aria.... and for our loss.

May he rest in peace.

[papoocanada]

He shot himself in July 2007.........died in hospital in Poughkeepsie NY . Sad.

[ShawDAMAN]

Is it just me or is the instrument that plays that riff at about 33-35 seconds flat?? (oboe is it?) Sounds a bit flat to me after that violin lead plays.

[aaron3lee]

i didnt know he was dead. this version of the lament was oustanding. what a loss he and his voice are. i could learn a lot from this supremo. i shall listen to more of him here on youtube. once again, what a loss to the tenor reportoire he is.

[jesuisravi]

This guy knocks me out!

[Mrrsz1]

very nice!

[denisbxl]

yes, a very very great...and not enough known...listen him in french opera: a big tenor!!!

[gharusa]

He reminds me of Giuzeppe di Stefano similar timbre.

[tuadolcefanciulla]

I fully agree. Giuseppi di Stefano to Josep Carreras, followed - as an equal - to Carreras. (Forget the 3 tenors. Listen to

early youtube clips from Carmen, Traviata,

and the beautiful core n'grato.) In this - I love now other rendition more. I listen to this over and over. Also Jerry's "Vivi tu" from Anna Bolena. I, like many, was shocked and pained by his death by his own hand. He will not lose his place as one of the great American tenors. Neither here, or wherever he is singing now.

[rokbe4u]

@tuadolcefanciulla. add to your list Roberto Alagna, my favorit.

[gharusa]

Bigber that is so sad. I have never heard of this singer, His voice is so passionate.

He moves you to tears.

[rem1736]

Five stars is not enough!

[bigbearleeds]

Just stunning. How very sad and almost eery that he apparently shot himself just a couple of months before Pavarotti left us; two irreplaceable gods of song lost in the same year.

[vocede]

Sehr gute Stimme!! Etwas zu massive, schwergängige Höhe, wegen leichtem Passaggioproblem.

[Houndentenor1998]

He sure was marvelous - a great tenor and musican. I miss him

[adremoid]

very passionate rendition. almost perfect italian diction. Bravo.

[JoelBWeisberg]

To adremoid,

My compliments for noting his fine Italian pronunciation. Do you know what caused

him to end his life? He was a very fine

singer/artist indeed!

[grobaniteforever]

He is a fantastic Tenor. I just heard he had really bad depression.

[petion2010]

@JoelBWeisberg No, it was accidental. He shot himself with an air rifle.

[nickbigd]

@petion2010 I'm sorry to say that I've seen no reports suggesting that it was accidental. I'm not sure where you get your information. I followed this tragic story very closely.

[petion2010]

@nickbigd You're right! There was just an article in the NY times at the time in which the author said that the death appear to be accidental. My mistake.

[anjulirobin]

His timbre is wonderful!!

[pianist527]

Wonderful voice, beautiful singing. It reminded me more than once Mario Lanza's powerful voice and unique timbre. This says it all about Jerry Hadley's great singing.

[oggieguy]

Hadley at his best.

[rwsmith29456]

Man, that is the way this aria should be sung!

[guy1938]

magnifique interprétation dommage qu'il soit décédé si jeune.

[ncrunch]

very moving!!!

[golfroylan]

Nice performance!! : )

[imaphanxx]

he didn't age at all! through the years i've seen his performances and his voice and looks had pretty much stayed the same. i was so surpirsed to hear about his death! Rest in Peace Jerry and if heaven is half as good as it's cracked up to be they'll play your music there <3

[acceitunas]

i have not heard or speak the language if i like something happy or sad i play it.

[OperaBuff1935]

Upon learning of Jerry Hadley's death, I went out and bought a copy of Moart's "Requiem" in which he sang the tenor solo in memory of him. He was one of the singers in the 1990's that I absolutely fell in love with - others being Dawn Upshaw, Carol Vaness, Cheryl Studer, Thomas Hampson and others of that caliber who really blossomed for me.Jerry was the greatest American tenor of recent years. Rest in peace, Jerry. along Opera Buff 1935

[jablesj]

Such a great loss! His music will live on.

[Oudfreak]

Jerry is/was his own universe. Not really Italian sounding, not really German or French, but everything he did was so genuine, so true. Great!

[jesuisravi]

I love Pav's version of this but I must say, this guy walks away from eveybody on this one.

[leadingbyxample]

I have to agree...hands down, this is Hadley's song!!!!

[cmielak]

I`ve just painfully read in the comments below that he, well...don`t know how to say... isn`t here. I`m in shock. I`ve bought the Idomeneo dvd month ago. He is great as Idamante, gosh, he is so great. Idamante to fall in love with. gosh. Maybe those opera singers taking to seriously they job without any distance. They`re travelling all the time, not having families or any regular life. Only the MUSIC,MUSIC,MUSIC. If this is a price: FUCK THE MUSIC

[teteglitter]

I agree with you, my friend - I had never heard him until yesterday - and, when rehearsing about him I found he is no more. I sing opera and I know many depressive friends - It may take all of a sudden sensible people like artists in general. It is a medical issue and must be detected and treated - I hope he's found his peace - and listening to this aria, I can understand the price of such a wonderful interpretation...

[john44402]

WOW, I never heard this mans voice before.

Wonderful!

[tenorismo]

Povero  Jerry , resta in pace . Elias : )

[macciboma]

In questa bellisima aria ,

bella interpretazione col cuore ,

ti avvicini a di stefano .

auguri.

[OperaCT]

God rest your sould Jerry! That was MAGNIFICENT!

[waynetenor]

WONDERFULLY SUNG!

[karnak767]

Has anybody heard what funeral arrangements were made for him? All I heard was that they would be private.

[gurrytenore]

Pitty , this is a lost for the singing comunity, and also it is so bad that, as it seems, nothing could be done to avoid his decision to put an end to his life. What a painful event..

[BelliniNorma1]

The question remains - did this man have a true friend ? If not - why ? Seemed to be a nice guy but maybe people no longer appreciate those attributes.

[karnak767]

A true friend is there for you during good and bad times. My guess is that he had a lot of leeches-people who were there when the money and the fame were plentiful. As soon as that was gone so were they.

[BelliniNorma1]

I am truly sorry to hear this. Your guess sadly is BINGO !

Not to be arrogant in any way - but perhaps he should have known me. I am lifelong opera fan with not a fake bone in me body !

[smartsteve]

nobody has a true friend any more ,it is the way of life nowadays,the education system,the marketing strategists and more.

[BelliniNorma1]

How sadly true !

[BelliniNorma1]

Wonderful rendition which I now find most eerie !

He seemed to be actually living this aria as he sang it.

The torment in his life had been brewing for quite some time and many just did not seem to care.

Why could this fine artist not have a true friend ?

[Isidore98]

By 1997 when this was made one can see the start of some problems (albeit just a hint, listen to notes above F/G) - a distinctive voice: a sad loss...

[sebastian122]

What a loss. ;__;

[newyorkernut3]

A great singer sorely will be missed by those who have

heard him sing.

I hope he & Fritz Wunderlich are rehearsing a duet.

I also hope Jerry was being treated correctly for

depression,we have read that some anti-depressants

can make suicidal ideation more pronounced.

A couple of fans grieve and hope a memorial service

will be here in NYC ,time future

[igorazem]

r.i.p. Jerry :(

[peaceconnections]

How tragic that this talented man is one more victim of the alcohol industry. Since 10% of people are alcoholics, and drink far more than 10X what the rest of us do, this destructive industry derives most of its profits from destroying people's lives. The alcohol industry should be made to pay for all of the pain and loss they impose on the rest of us.

[BelliniNorma1]

Opera Managements need to wake up and the smell the coffee. Phasing out a vital artist just cause PETER GELB doesn't happen to like that person - this has to stop !!!

[ssvvieira]

Thanks Jerry, we love you so much! "Anch'io vorrei dormir cosi,

nel sonno almeno l'oblio trovar!

..."

[organboi]

just incredible. a great singer. these mental illnesses must be stopped. just think, with the money spent on bush's evil war each day, a complete and total cure for every mental illness could be found. this is indeed a very sick world. it's a shame no one was there to stop this man's action or to really help him in the days leading up to it. i also blame society's unwillingness to support artists with financial difficulties. this world would be TOTAL crap without great music and musicians.

[joelweisberg]

Organboi, 2 yrs ago you said something that I agree with completely today. The good that could have been done with the trillions spent on phoney ass wars is so

lamentable. Hadley was brilliant. He is missed even today.

[marcellny]

que descanses en paz jerry... y que la otra vida te sea generosa, tierna y te de la felicidad que a muchos nos trajiste con tu voz.

[lisag6]

God Bless. May you find peace to your soul. I hope that joy and love await you. Thank you most sincerely.

[stevevandien]

God bless and rest his soul.

[poyma]

Bye Jerry, you will be missed

[joycehays]

good bye Jerry...........you'll be missed.....

[taminotenor]

I wish someone was there to help him..

[BelliniNorma1]

Why are people so in awe of these artists that they are actually reluctant to befriend them ? I am sorry but they are often placed too high on the pedestal to their general detriment namely LONELINESS.

[tklogan11809]

RIP Jerry Hadley, great, rich and passionate tenor sound.

[azakio]

Rest in Peace Jerry. A voice silenced too soon.

[kendot]

I heard him in recital in the late 80s. Amazing beautiful voice! Years later I worked with him in Dallas. He was the same person off stage as on. Kind. Genuine. I was low man on the totem pole but he didn't care. KC is my home and he quizzed me on BBQ. We both agreed that Arthur Bryants was tops. For X-mas I gave him a bottle of KC BBQ sauce. He was thrilled. At least I think so but he would've never let on otherwise. The world will be a much less musical place with his passing. I will miss him.

[BelliniNorma1]

Your tale makes me wish I knew the man. My Loss !

I had a lousy experience with a baritone last year. Turned out to be an encounter from HELL !

[BelliniNorma1]

I think he was most grateful for each and every kindness extended to him. Did not strike me as a person ever capable of meanness as his was a sensitive and beautiful soul.

[johnhasaname]

please let him rest inpeace!!!!!!if that's whT HE WANTED SO BE IT.

[yellehs2]

No, he is not dead yet but has been removed from life support and the news service says his death is imminent.

[sgnmath1234]

All this RIP? He's not dead yet. Be a little more sensitive to his family!

[aguacun]

He was not my favorite tenor at all but I have to say that there's a video of Il Re Pastore  where he sung with Silvia Mcnair and have to say that he was outstanding... I think that´s the way that all tenors must sing mozart: with balls in the voice, like men (and I do not mean volume). The tiny soprano that sung Il Re was very good too!

[drewski67]

What a sadly appropriate song for his situation...

[THEMAN200711]

Rest in peace!!!

[musicmama76]

What a performancer. RIP Mr. Hadley.

[bradoperaman]

We have ignored him. If he had an active fan support system maybe it would have helped him get over his life's hurdles that drove him to do what he did. This is a reminded to everyone to care for their favorite artists and show support because these artists thrive on our love and admiration. Singing is their passion they chose to share their gift with us. We must always show respect and gratitude for the treasures they give us. Rest in peace our beloved artist.

[vincitor]

amen to that!!!

[BelliniNorma1]

I totally agree - Bradoperaman !

These people NEED our friendship - same as everyone else.

[damiengenardi]

Rest in peace, brother.

[alsvid37]

Thank you Jerry Hadley for the gift of your voice and your art and the beauty that you gave us all these years.

[azuremusical]

I am forever grateful to you Jerry; your star is the brightestin my sky.....how could we let you go like this?

[rafe45]

Jerry was a wonderful singer. He was also my friend, fellow tenor, and fellow sufferer from depression. I ache for him. Be at peace, Jerry.

[cleanears]

bye jerry!!!!

[EmilyGreene1984]

Actually they say he had been having alot of financial trouble and even filed for bankruptcy. As well as having troubles getting his career back together, before he shot himself. :(

[EmilyGreene1984]

And dealing with those problems, as well being the fact he was divorced with two sons - that could explain why he was "depressed".

[1THEFLY]

He probably felt everything coming down on him, deppression is a killer, we have lost so many talented people because of it! RIP JERRY!

[WENDYWAZOO]

Actually, he is still on life support as of this morning. He is not expected to recover. I'd like to know how an air rifle works? It is reported that he shot an air rifle to his head and it caused the brain injury. Depression is so underestimated.

[operabitch77]

rip jerry!!!! you are a great AMERICAN tenor. thomas, mccraken, crooks, martin, peerce tucker, lanza, and you!! rest easy.

[BelliniNorma1]

Don't forget JAMES MELTON !

[Bigman240]

Depression

[godivapaw]

FABULOUS!!!! What would have driven this man with such a voice to try and take his own life???

[tommyopera]

I am very sorry to report that Hadley as of 7/11/07 has passed from us. A truly fantastic tenor. It is always humbling when such an artist as this leaves the world.

[tklogan11809]

what a great rendition, thanks Jerry. May you find peace in such a difficult phase in you life. All the very best to you and thanks again for all those 'tenor tricks' =)

[tenormcgee]

you've just made my LIFE!  This is stupendous!

[hightenor123]

This is very kind of you, thank you very much!