I love how the high notes at the end don't come out as just high notes, but rather as a grieving wail, all while singing beautifully. Gershwin would be proud to hear his music sung with such feeling.
@rodcoates7027
5 ай бұрын
That visceral howl of grief gets me every time.
@CASantos
10 жыл бұрын
Just completely nailed it. From a technical vocal standpoint of course, in addition to emotional delivery and the acting aspect. Perfection.
@thepianodude
9 жыл бұрын
The very best I've ever heard, and I've heard many great sopranos sing this aria. Audra lives it, and I believe her. The pacing, the breathing, the articulation -- perfection.
@lindafowler4659
4 жыл бұрын
Yes Audra's rendition is very beautiful. I invite you to view the 1993 movie version of Cynthia Clarey's rendition. I promise you won't be disappointed. The poorly named title on KZitem is "My Man's Gone Now (Old Man Sorrow). It is a brilliant performance.
@prplhze2000
4 жыл бұрын
Dunno. Latonia moore nailed it this year at the Met.
@benjaminjackson9449
3 жыл бұрын
@@lindafowler4659 I think Cynthia's version is the pinnacle of operatic performance. But I also think Audra's rendition is the most technically good one I've heard. It's clear and resonate and doesn't suffer from the heaviness that this song can suffer from when over performed.
@fredalwatkins4506
2 жыл бұрын
Leontyne price
@sue.byrd3767
2 жыл бұрын
@@lindafowler4659 I completely agree with your post. Cynthia Clarey sings this aria to perfection. 👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽❤️❤️💯💯
@jamesmurrell2306
8 жыл бұрын
This performance is so full-out, so beautiful and raw and abandoned --- it caught me unaware (and I've heard this aria sung many times by many excellent singers). This is an art that grabs you by the throat and makes you feel. Love me some Audra McDonald.
@unclealand
11 жыл бұрын
No wonder there's so little original talent and beauty in this world. Audra McDonald took it all.
@francoisbessing
Жыл бұрын
Lol correct!
@AAwildeone
8 жыл бұрын
gotta be the greatest Broadway voice and star of the past 50 years, if not of the century...Streisand and Andrews thrown in the mix give her competition, but she is nonetheless the definition of GREATNESS...I'm so happy I'm living in a time when I've gotten to see Audra sooo many times...
@mannail888
8 жыл бұрын
McDonald is a fine songtress, period. However, your over the top appraisal is grossly exaggerated.
@AAwildeone
7 жыл бұрын
I don't think my "appraisal" is over the top...she does it ALL
@dlw1221
3 жыл бұрын
@@mannail888 It's safe yet sad to say; black women have to work twice as hard just to be considered equal. Yet Streisand is referenced as the Gold Standard although we know she could never pull this off in her wildest thoughts.
@mannail888
3 жыл бұрын
Please never ever play the race card in any kind of debate that involves African-American artists, particularly their reception in the general public. The race card rhetoric is hyperbole at best.
@benjaminjackson9449
3 жыл бұрын
@@mannail888 ummm no it’s not. Audra has an amazing voice and we all know she would’ve been a household name earlier on in her career if she wasn’t black. She’s a musical theatre icon and your under appreciation of her won’t take that away.
@thangvuong9196
10 жыл бұрын
Ms. Audra McDonald has the best combination of voice and acting ability fully displayed and realized in this beautiful performance of this aria.
@MissBroadwayDork
15 жыл бұрын
She classically trained in opera at Julliard. It's not like she's a "newbie"
@philipestrin4381
7 жыл бұрын
Phenomenal. Heartbroken and heartbreaking without a trace of self-pity, but, instead, the kind of sorrow that wells up from reserves of strength.. Just raw emotion and profound loss.
@jacson-di2di
9 жыл бұрын
She's simply incredible. I love the coolness of her soprano in this piece and she seems to add such passion to every note she sings. Resonance is so gorgeous in even the highest of notes.
@FIRSTENOR18
7 жыл бұрын
jacson 1226 Yes!
@heath2694
8 жыл бұрын
I cry like a baby every time watching her sing this.
@Kirandera
10 жыл бұрын
I love her always but ESPECIALLY when she's doing straight opera like this
@tntbandit5
9 жыл бұрын
Kirandera Cuz that is TALENT! PURE VOCAL HEAVEN SENT TALENT!!!
@Kirandera
9 жыл бұрын
I stan so hard. The next time she's on Broadway, I'm going all the way to New York. Idc idc idc.
@tntbandit5
9 жыл бұрын
I heard that, I am DEVESTATED I missed her in Porgy and Bess! Next time she's there...I'm there. point blank period! hahaha
@thudthedestroyer515
9 жыл бұрын
OK. Now I am freaking out! I feel like I have been living under a rock! This lady is incredible!
@joshuapeacock17
6 жыл бұрын
Douglas Moseley me too right now. how did I not know this insanely gifted master exists???
@francoisbessing
Жыл бұрын
Then now you must check out "Climb Every Mountain" by her.
@tiyyakeys
12 жыл бұрын
I love how at the end she blinked and then smiled as if coming out of a trance. Sooo amazing!
@annarolen8712
4 жыл бұрын
Audra Is not just a fabulous versatile singer, she is also one of the finest hosts the Metropolitan Opera in HD Series has had. Bring her back!
@happyactor6
17 жыл бұрын
I love having Leontyne Price and Audra both singing this song. They both do it so differently. I adore them both. Granted, Price owns everything in the realm of opera.
@joshjerge733
2 жыл бұрын
Lowkey the best song Gershwin ever wrote.
@nigiriify
12 жыл бұрын
I think she turned me gay
@Jellostix09
16 жыл бұрын
What do you mean, you don't know if she could have a career? She's a Tony winning Broadway actress who studied opera at freaking Juilliard!
@grantyoungblood7895
2 жыл бұрын
I can promise you, the restaurant wait staffs, office buildings and church choirs of NYC are FILLED with people who have studied opera at Juilliard… and the Manhattan School of Music, and Mannes, and many others.
@gabrielleorlaynafuqua3747
10 жыл бұрын
20 people have no functioning eardrums. Audra is queenly.
@astrosdiva86
10 жыл бұрын
Houston Grand Opera won a Tony Award for their 1976 revival of Porgy & Bess--the only opera company ever to win one. I used to work for HGO, and I've seen the statue!
@daveyjoetomczak
17 жыл бұрын
Does it really matter what her voice type is in the end? She is Audra McDonald. She basically sings anything she wants. She sang that with SOOOOO much passion that I could not imagine anyone NOT singing about their man being gone.
@jzis1
10 жыл бұрын
she makes it look effortless...
@DLSmith93
3 жыл бұрын
Oh Miss Audra! I wish I could stop crying long enough to give you the accolades you deserve. You lived this anguish and drew us all in to share the pain and sorrow. Breath taking. Michael Tilson Thomas at the baton bringing that magnificent orchestra to her aid. Third time listening and I can't get out. Thank you so much for posting.
@dachampishea
13 жыл бұрын
If Audra McDonald sang Opera exclusively she would EAT !
@lucianambandemandje4218
4 ай бұрын
ESPECTACULAR!!! Esta mujer es una maravilla, puro sentimiento, una voz dulce, delicada elegante y majestuosa. En definitiva.. la definición excta de la perfección.
@Walkingfunny
14 жыл бұрын
Her vocal registers are much more connected than Leontynes, making the performance way more affective. Also her diction is impeccable, and she does something you rarely see in opera anymore... Act.
@grantyoungblood7895
2 жыл бұрын
LOL. Actually, her registers are fairly unsupported, especially the breathy lower end of her voice. And from my point of view you see a lot more “acting” on the opera stage today than you hear great singing.
@EmileRibokaite
7 жыл бұрын
Maybe someone could tell me the exact place and years of this performance? Thanks!!
@EmileRibokaite
3 жыл бұрын
@rowan orre thank you so much!
@ros8986
Жыл бұрын
1998
@elisaface
15 жыл бұрын
Another amazing thing about this performance, you can understand every word she says. No easy feat on all those high notes.
@lalagonegaga
10 жыл бұрын
Holy crap, she goes for it like it's goddamn Berlioz. LOVE. HER.
@jalonmatthews
10 жыл бұрын
She is a beautiful women, actress, person, singer, and everything under the son. I hope you win tonight for the 6th time Audra! You deserve it!
@christinegalyean56
6 жыл бұрын
Jalon M omg fancy meeting you here
@MikeDeNoi
8 жыл бұрын
She's in a class by herself.
@MJKT95
12 жыл бұрын
Audra McDonald is starring in Porgy and Bess on Broadway, but as Bess (and rightfully so). She's performing with Norm Lewis (Porgy) and David Alan Grier (Sportin' Life). The actress who sings this song in the play is Bryohna Marie Parham (as Serena).
@bl6797
9 жыл бұрын
It's a sad world! that Beyoncé and Rihanna are more famous and adored by more people than this amazing woman!
@benstacy4089
7 жыл бұрын
almost as if people have different tastes than u... i love audra but don't come for beyonce and rihanna just because one type of art suits your tastes more.
@denafesharaki7828
5 жыл бұрын
They’re all powerful talented black women
@MGK15
5 жыл бұрын
What we’re NOT gonna do is Beyoncé ☝🏾
@giggles2302
10 жыл бұрын
Left me in tears. So beautiful and haunting.
@actingout4462
4 жыл бұрын
man oh man she is just the best. she could move you with a glance and a blink but she chooses to sing and the sounds that come out are more human than human and otherworldly at the same time. spectacular artist
@audrasandoval174
Жыл бұрын
Happy Anniversary 1st
@dsbrownie1
14 жыл бұрын
lord how mercy this child just song the mess out of this song. Her articulation and diction very stong. I can hear every single word. And her facial language was just wonderful
@anetegraudina9963
8 жыл бұрын
love this performance! Fantastic
@tanyadixon8708
7 жыл бұрын
she SLAYS!
@carr0760
14 жыл бұрын
@Doromir She has a degree from Julliard in Classica/Opera. This was really where she started.... You're right though - it's not easy to switch styles. However, broadway performers with a classical (read technical) vocal background will find that they can sing just about everything because they have healthy voices/good technique and thus understand how to make modifications across genres in a way that is still healthy and sounds ggood!
@dickgray6309
7 жыл бұрын
A beautiful and poignant performance by the gorgeous Miss Audra.
@MuzzyBarker
13 жыл бұрын
@windstorm1000 She will, but she doesn't sing this song. She's playing Bess, not surprisingly.
@dorisyadav3099
10 жыл бұрын
Chills!!! That a girl!!!!
@FIRSTENOR18
7 жыл бұрын
Doris Yadav 😂 Exactly!!
@farawayhills8773
7 жыл бұрын
Absolutely stunning! Look at other versions of this song, and then this one. No comparison............
@allenn.3909
2 жыл бұрын
With the exception of Leontyne Price's rendition but Leontyne is always an assumed exception
@LouiseKennedySingerPerformer
8 жыл бұрын
Powerful performance
@elijahbryant7665
7 жыл бұрын
Audra McDonald is the mf bomb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!111
@jcdbrown
10 жыл бұрын
Damn.
@kellyburton1933
8 жыл бұрын
AH-MAY-ZING!
@audeesso244
8 жыл бұрын
just perfect !!!!!
@TinkerbellKat
15 жыл бұрын
HOLY CRAP! I've only ever seen her on Private Practice... my voice teacher gave me a list of singers to watch and listen to and Audra was on that list... never knew she could sing... and MAN can she sing!!!
@carolynl9208
6 жыл бұрын
I have heard this song done my many great singers, she just takes it to a whole other level.
@jasonmatthews534
Жыл бұрын
Wow! How old was she here? Simply unbelievable.
@ros8986
Жыл бұрын
She was 28 - this was from 1998
@khamikins
13 жыл бұрын
@myfavoritefairy the world of ppl who knew about Audra before she was Naomi LOL
@giggles2302
10 жыл бұрын
Left me in tears. So beautiful and haunting.
@shanedeleon5376
6 жыл бұрын
Audra McDonald can do no wrong.
@ros8986
Жыл бұрын
and six tony's says you're right
@tdavidray
14 жыл бұрын
I agree with everything except her registers being more connected than Leontyne Price's. In the version of Leontyne performing this piece with James Levine (Beverly Sills, hosting) the register changes were intentional and very effective of the time period or setting of the opera. But as far as the second half of your comment, I couldn't agree more!!!!
@lginpdx
13 жыл бұрын
Remarkable performance. The pain and aguish of the song are absolutely palpable. She should be as famous as Beyonce. 'cept in America you gotta shake yo bootie an' pop yo kouchie for da big time.
@richardgornalle4536
2 жыл бұрын
Magnificent!
@tdavidray
14 жыл бұрын
and...I'd like to hear ANY of the facial critics sing the piece and see if I can hear and understand EVERY DAMN WORD THEY SAY......cause before Audra, I ain't know WHAT THE HELL Leontyne was doing her cattle call about!
@annflynt4773
3 жыл бұрын
Audra McDonald is simply amazing. THAT VOICE!!!!
@ChicagoBandHead
14 жыл бұрын
I like this and Leontyne Price's version.
@uwiger
15 жыл бұрын
I agree, she's incredible. And what really matters most is whether you can communicate the meaning of the song. That seems almost a lost art, esp (IMHO) in opera.
@lifeisawaffle
Жыл бұрын
Communicating the meaning of the song
@tdavidray
14 жыл бұрын
3:18 gets to me EVERY time
@jackhanna4447
Жыл бұрын
I'm clearly unqualified to comment here. However, is there anything this woman cannot pull-out? GOD.
@BigMTBrain
15 жыл бұрын
I somewhat agree. But Audra's interpretation and performance of the wail brings such deep emotional chills. The wail is such a pivotal and dramatic part of this aria that it weighs heavily on the entire performance. Audra is my pick.
@will_pereira_brazil
Жыл бұрын
For me sounds the orchestra lost the rhythm in the middle...
@madamerotten
14 жыл бұрын
Powerful, haunting, incredible! In my opinion, Porgy and Bess is really the only American work that can be classified as great opera, and Audra is among the very best to sing the part of Serena.
@tggold
13 жыл бұрын
@osbornd89 Maybe other singers should also learn how to sing operatically? It's difficult to bash people who have taken time to refine the voice as an instrument. Most of the sounds of contemporary music are simply obstructions to a clear voice. For somebody who spends time evening and relieving tension from the voice, there's no *desire* to sing *incorrectly* to please an audience. Also,, after training in art song (interpreting esoteric poetry) there's little desire to go back to pop.
@carr0760
13 жыл бұрын
@spintotenor83 I stand corrected. I thought she had done both Classical and Opera training. I think I was melding her educational background with Kristen Chenowith! And...not snooty...I'm a professional (classically trained) singer and voice instructor myself. I am well aware of the difference as I was trained at a university with both Opera and Vocal Performance (classical) programs. Thanks!
@jcatenor
14 жыл бұрын
@osbornd89 I have to say that I find some of what you say to be true. We have raised a generation of singers that do not appreciate or understand the arts. Just look around the nation at the school systems that are cutting funding for the arts. I am an opera singer, and I agree we need to be versatile, but I think there is a time and place for everything. I dont think opera houses need to do more mainstream music. It is just that, an opera house. There are opera companies that do light
@gilturk115
14 жыл бұрын
@octopussy1234 ..and others who appreciate this clip. It is from a 1998 PBS special from Carnegie Hall in Celebration Of "George Gershwin at 100". Fortunately I recorded this 105 minute program and have it on transfer to DVD-R. Truly remarkable performances by Audra, Brian Stokes Mitchell as well as Frederica von Stade all under the baton of John Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony. George would have been proud!
@Trinite33
15 жыл бұрын
Your post is too funny. Chil', PULEEZE!!! You are entirely lost and out of your element here. Price reigns supreme in this aria. She is the sine qua non. Audra is nice, but also out of her element here. This is not operetta. This is Grand OPERA, and PRICE delivers just that and more to boot. Get a grip! And "the southern thing", as you condescendingly say, is actually what it's all about. This is Cat Fish Row, not Brooklyn. Audra's glissando is not fab, it is merely adequate, in her small voice.
@uwiger
15 жыл бұрын
Then go ahead and grow upset. ;-) There are different kinds of vibrato. When singing with what Richard Miller calls International School of Singing (let's say an evolved version of bel canto), there will be a vibrato. He explains it as an aerodynamic effect, related to the effect that causes the vocal cords to vibrate in the first place. Bel canto singers can also sing without vibrato, but that's an "effect", and it's seldom used. Any vibrato that is deliberately "made" is going to sound bad.
@johnnycchops
16 жыл бұрын
Ms McDonald has a vibrato that is a bit UNDER the pitch. (It's also VERY FAST!) After a while, this can almost derail the pitch center of the notes. I like this slower version of My Mans Gone Now, but Ms Price in her faster version has a less relentless vibrato, and that allows more room on long held notes for inflection and nuance. With Ms McDonald, it's somewhat more just about the vibrato and the strength and range of her voice. Personal taste issues, I guess.
@Divanessss
16 жыл бұрын
I know of Lori Brown Mirabal.We may have even met years ago, but I know the name. I agree with you. A dramatic mezzo can sing Serena. I was one when I first did the role, but my voice matured to a soprano. But I have to disagree with you on the Clara regarding Audra. Clara is a true lyric voice, which Audra is not. She could probably sing it in Bess' key, but definitely not Clara's.
@Divanessss
16 жыл бұрын
I'm sorry but I just had to put my 2 cents in on this comment. Serena in P&B is a soprano, PERIOD. What is this "spieltenor" about? I've been singing the role for almost 20 yrs. now and I'm a dramatic soprano!. I've performed in many productions and many of them with two casts. Often times than not they would cast a lyric soprano in the role, big mistake! Voice is too light. There, my 2 cents. Audra did the right thing. She could sing this in concert, but she would not be heard on the stage.
@vinemp
16 жыл бұрын
Even a well-trained body responds to emotion, be it real or fictive. You're right, there is visible tension. But, the character [is] tense. Tension is more than simply a psychological notion. The performer made a choice in this performance: theatrical vs. musical. Acting and singing are separable to some degree. (I know you've seen the singer/deer in the headlights before.) In this case, something had to give. One cannot equally serve two gods...
@vinemp
16 жыл бұрын
That's just it: We're allowed to care about everything or nothing at all when it comes to art. We can choose how focus our attention and receive art. Debates over art don't center around notions of right and wrong as much as such discourse serves to connect minds and to share perspectives. The art, after all, will be what it is (whatever that is) with or without or commentary.
@vinemp
16 жыл бұрын
Gershwin conceived, composed, and presented 'Porgy and Bess' as a wholly artistic and 'classical' work; though, he did endeavour to include authentic "folk" elements as well. It is only because the [Other] serves as the American [opera's] subject that there has been such controversy over its place in the Western art canon. Furthermore, there was no distinctively American musical idiom prior to the adoption of the [Black American] musical idiom by the American majority culture.
@vinemp
16 жыл бұрын
Really? I encourage you to listen to mezzo(s) Cecilia Bartoli, Shirley Verrett, Ebe Stignani, Christa Ludwig, and Jennifer Larmore before deciding that the mezzo-soprano voice has, somehow, "half-soprano" characteristics. Also, listen to several different recordings of any Mozart opera (e.g. 'Così fan tutte') and understand that you may be rigidly and unnecessarily clinging to (a very limited notion of?)a system of voice classification which was never conceived with rigidity in mind.
@Blactor
16 жыл бұрын
Man, what is UP with people commenting on the face, lol. You should post a video of yourself deadpanning a soaring aria about your man dying, or something to that effect. OH, and make sure you're performing it for a packed house of at least hundreds of people, so the people in the back rows can appreciate your calm and reserve while singing about a really emotional event in your life.
@jrlexjr
13 жыл бұрын
Sondheim said, "Certainly I can think of no better Porgy than Norm Lewis nor a better Bess than Audra McDonald, whose voice is one of the glories of the American theater." No rebuke there.
@jcatenor
14 жыл бұрын
@osbornd89 opera, and they are wildly successful. WE as singers have to take the initiative and go out and inform people about our artform. I watched Angela Brown do a performance of Opera from a Sistah's Point of View. Highly insightful. It just goes to show that opera is not as supported as it needs to be because it is not taught as it needs to be.
@musicalgeek406
16 жыл бұрын
So watching this, I have to wonder: has Audra ever actually played Bess? Because if not, that's a travestry. I mean, it's pretty much perfect for her; you need a very gifted African American soporano for the part, and its one of the most well respected and loved works of American musical theatre/American opera. So if she hasn't, someone needs to cast her ASAP
@Blactor
16 жыл бұрын
BUT-- My friend, it IS a dramatic piece, not just a song. There are given circumstances and an emotional need to sing the song. The marriage of her vocal strength and dramatic prowess only makes the experience more full. That's some serious icing on that Gershwin cake, nah mean? ...and BOO to whoever gave you a thumbs up, lol
@elvenlove
17 жыл бұрын
I love Audra, but I don't know if this is her song. And it's always difficult to classify singers who sing many styles, aspects from her musical theater rep can be heard in how she sings this. Maybe that's why I'm not too keen on her version, I would like it to be a little more operatic. And slower!!!! I like Renee's better.
@lakehayden
13 жыл бұрын
its great that she's humble and all but TAKE A PROPER BOW lady! audiences erupt for her and she's back in her chair in a nanosecond! nothing wrong with enjoying a bit of glory when you've got a talent like this... superb performance though and thank you for posting
@bigdigger87
14 жыл бұрын
I disagree with your disagreement of your disagreement. LOL The way Ms.Price uses her chest voice is perfect for this song. IT shows a kind of reckless abandonment within the interpretation the same way the character's emotions are out of control due to the depth of her pain. Just my 2 cents
@ryaneffingbrock
15 жыл бұрын
I think I just c***. don't know if I really avoided offense by censoring myself... but WOW. Did not expect that to come out of her.. I mean, I know she's good and trained classically and all.. but after a while, people usually lose it somewhat and can't really do classical anymore... wow.
@joannamichelle72
16 жыл бұрын
Gershwin wrote this masterpiece to be sang like this... I'm not even mad on her, she doesnt reach my heart but she's doing as, like I said, how the genius meant it to sound. Plus she's using the old "negro" accent on her voice. Excuse my use of that old horrible word...
@gibraltarrr
15 жыл бұрын
i don't much like ninas covers of any porgy and bess. although she has soul and emotion, her lack of vocal technique bothers me. i know, i sound like a music snob, but the woman has little to no vibrato, and she's extremely nasal.
@evacanela
16 жыл бұрын
your comment is quite funny, but I can´t find any fundament to what u say! The notes are right, the voice sounds with colour and body, the orchestra is fine Of course Leontyne version is different... but I will like to hear u reaching those high notes =P
@HUBassProdigy
16 жыл бұрын
People are critiquing b/c she's better at showtunes than operatic repertoire, but fact of the matter is that she's still good. Would she be anyone's first choice for this part in a major production? ...Probably not, but she is still definitely a great talent.
@khamikins
17 жыл бұрын
hey tayneshia...I have had the opportnuity to work with a touring cast of Porgy and Bess...a very well respected company I might add..and I agree Audra would make a fabulous addition to any cast... she's 10 times better than the Bess in that company
@jasonqueue6300
17 жыл бұрын
Audra is most likely a Spinto (look it up on wikipedia or something). It's a soprano that has the power and weight of a dramatic voice but still remains rather lyric in expression and moderately high in register. Spinto in Italian literally means "pushed."
@Hensel310
13 жыл бұрын
Run do not walk to buy tickets to ART's production of Porgy and Bess which is definitely coming to Broadway, the marquee is already up.....January 2012. AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING performances by one very stellar cast
@JackGrote89
13 жыл бұрын
@tmlupone Bess doesn't sing this song, unfortunately. But I still think she'll win the Tony. Did you catch Ben Brantley's review? He couldn't stop gushing over how amazing she was. (And who can blame him?) LOVE HER!
@mrsfthomas
14 жыл бұрын
@Doromir i can tell you it aint easy fa real. but i truly believe it must have took her some weeks close to a month to make every note and word apart of her. i would love to share a stage with her.....(dreaming)
@LittleRichOne
14 жыл бұрын
@steelearch I happen to be a huge fan of La Diva Battle. But that's neither here nore there. What the heck does Kathleen Battle have to do with this performance? i don't get it. What a silly and ugly comment.
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