Jessye Norman was indeed a hugely talented and respected diva, and her legacy is large. Over the course of this 105 minute YouTube extravaganza, and in between all the fawning and praise-singing, we were treated to 11 performances of songs from both the opera repertoire and other classical sources. These songs were all performed by current creatives who had either known Norman or who had been heavily influenced by her.
The show started with a Gospel song "Sinner, Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass" sung by operatic baritone Chauncey Parker, setting the mood and pace for the whole concert. With music by Mahler, Bizet, Richard Strauss, Saint-Saens et al, the songs were beautifully sung but all temded to be somewhat sombre and downbeat; but the quality of the artistes delivering these songs could not have been better, they were all superb... Sidney Outlaw, Krysty Swann, Karen Slack, J'Nai Bridges, Justin Austin among others.
A couple of the songs served a curve ball, but in a good way. Brandie Sutton, accompanied by piano trio, sang the Duke Ellington song, "In A Sentimanetal Mood", and Measha Brueggergosman sang the traditional spiritual, "Goin' Up Yonder".
A celebration of Jessye Norman's life it certainly was. Part historical documentary, part Eulogy, part film, all under the umbrella of concert.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 19/9/20
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