BBC Radio: Jessye Norman Interview

American Mezzo-soprano Jessye Norman talks to BBC radio interviewer Martha Kearney about her love of singing diverse genres and in equally diverse places around the world.

Topics discussed:
- Norman's fondness for the poetry of Toni Morrison
- the song cycle Woman.Life.Song created by Jessye Norman, featuring poetry by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Toni Morrison, and Maya Angelou, and set to music by Judith Weir, which chronicles the life of women - written, composed, and sung by women
- the diversity of genres that Norman sings - from jazz to new works to traditional spirituals to Wagner
- Norman's thoughts performing world-wide and in languages other than her mother tongue
- Norman's passionate selling of...GIRL SCOUT COOKIES!!

Musical excerpts from:
- "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" - traditional spiritual
- "Schmerzen" by Richard Wagner

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Jessye Norman
• BBC
• radio
• mezzo-soprano
• music
• opera
• singing
• singer
• Martha Kearney
• interview
• Toni Morrison
• Clarissa Pinkola Estés
• Maya Angelou
• Judith Weir
• poetry
• African-American
• women
• girls
• teens
• old age
• Schmerzen
• Richard Wagner
• German
• traditional
• spiritual
• girl scouts
• selling
• cookies

[ronfast]

she's a dramatic saprano get into it...

[SsteinwayS]

@ronfast She's a dramatic EVERYTHING! :P Handel to Bizet to Verdi to Wagner to spirituals...what can't she sing?

[peduzzi89]

She's a soprano not a Mezzo

[SsteinwayS]

@peduzzi89 Depends on how you look at it, but only she knows where she's comfortable!

[peduzzi89]

@SsteinwayS She always said she doesn't prefer to classify her voice. She definitely has sung parts and music throughout the voice parts. She is generally listed as a soprano, though.

[SsteinwayS]

@peduzzi89 Generally...I think having that sense of mystery is fun. It's interesting, since Cecilia Bartoli (completely different voice though!) has a huge range too and sings TONS of soprano roles, but she firmly asserts that she's a mezzo! :) Voices are truly personal and unique instruments.

[MademoiselleGore]

she´s lovely!!

:D

I just adore her

[newhotmailit]

she's the best!!!

[SsteinwayS]

@breton2 Hehe sure :)

[breton2]

@SsteinwayS Wow !! That would be great... I'll search for it as well... Will keep in touch.. It was broadcast 2 years ago, I think..

[SsteinwayS]

@breton2 Hmmm...sounds familiar...I'll definitely let you know! :)

[breton2]

@SsteinwayS That's true !! I can't find a recent interview she gave for Arte, the French/German channel, which followed her up to Morrocco, where she talked about her art and life.. If you hear about it, please let me know !!!