KIRSTEN FLAGSTAD. JESU,JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING. STEREO.1957.
As you have never heard the great Flagstad before. What a voice, in virtual retirement, in her 63rd. year. It's unmistakeable Flagstad, a few years older than we are accustomed to hearing her, but what a voice!It's intended to be sung by a choir! Singing completely away from her Wagner repertoire. Ten years earlier, her voice must have been one of the greatest ever put on record. Such power,smoothness,unique timbre, sounding like a very large cut, polished diamond flying past you on it's journey to the rear of the hall.I'm not keen on Wagner, and have only listened to her Liebestod, and her other popular Wagner pieces captured, using the 78rpm shellac source, transferred to LP vinyl or CD. This is a revelation! What a difference the'new' recording techniques made, when capturing voice timbre, breath support, carrying power, when necessary. Every vice and virtue in the voice is captured. Mainly virtue,in Flagstad's case, I hasten to add! Recorded using the very early stereo tape technique. In the 1950's, even in mono, Decca had a very high reputation for the quality of their recordings. A much 'closer, richer, truer' capture of the musicians. Far superior to their larger rivals. Three cheers for John Culshaw,arguably the foremost recording producer, at that time, who suggested these recording sessions to her. A man dedicated to his task and Decca. If you can find his autobiography 'Putting the Record Straight', buy it. Try online used. Should be cheap. Gives an insight into the difficulties he experienced behind the scenes at Decca, and the great artists with whom he worked. He fought tooth and nail getting the artists he wanted, singing/ playing in works he was certain would be a financial and artistic success. At the that time, the management were only interested in one thing ----money, and often prevaricated for so long, the opportunity was lost forever. He's very frank. He moved to the BBC in 1967. PERHAPS WE SHOULD DEDICATE THIS RECORDING TO JOHN CULSHAW?We tend to forget the people who make great recordings possible.BACH. Cantata 147.Jesu, joy of man's desiring,Holy wisdom, love most bright;Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiringSoar to uncreated light.Word of God, our flesh that fashioned,With the fire of life impassioned,Striving still to truth unknown,Soaring, dying round Thy throne.Through the way where hope is guiding,Hark, what peaceful music rings;Where the flock, in Thee confiding,Drink of joy from deathless springs.Theirs is beauty's fairest pleasure;Theirs is wisdom's holiest treasure.Thou dost ever lead Thine ownIn the love of joys unknown.
Channel: Music
Uploaded: December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm
Author: lochness11
Length: 06:20
Rating: 4.81
Views: 20217
Tags: 147 bach cantata culshaw desiring flagstad jesu john joy kirsten man's of
Video Comments
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Isrek1 (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)
Yes I agree the voice sounds more intimate and personal. Just fascinating. What a gift to us. Again thanks a ton.
lochness11 (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)
ThankYOU.When I discovered these pieces recorded in 1957,I was staggered.The recording process somehow brings the great Flagstad's voice much closer and immediate,compared to her much praised Wagnerian roles.
Isrek1 (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)
A truly exceptional performance. I was feeling down and low what with the market tanking and my 401K in tatters. Then I came upon this jewel and was transported to a higher plane. Oh Ms. Flagstad thank you for leaving such a legacy. To Lochness11 - what a great service you are doing! To Bach - who am I to comment upon your works.
billmcdonald1 (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)
It's amazing how many styles a song can be sung in. 50 years ago this ageless musician did this song incredible justice.
paulostroff99 (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)
Blight1780-That is one of the finest arias ever recorded. Wagner would have been delighted.
megansspark (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)
Beautiful... ahhh. Thanks so much for sharing the wonder. :)
Bligh1780 (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)
I'm happy to note that Scottish humour still exists in the wintery wastes of the frozen north. I contribute to your export industry with my varied and vast, single malt Scotch collection. When last I visited Scotland I found your beautiful country and it's warm friendly people to be the highlight of my trip to Europe.
Bligh1780 (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)
Not the intent of my post. You are "stretching" to suggest otherwise.
jillgivler (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)
Err, don't know if I'd refer to a 63 year old lady as a chick, but she is certainly monumental. I don't know if Pavarotti would "eclipse" her - comparing the male and female voices is a bit of apples and oranges. They're both wonderful.
Bligh1780 (December 31, 1969 at 4:59 pm)
Your welcome. This was one spectacular lady with a most wonderful gift. |
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