Jessye Norman: A Portrait

An intimate and in-depth portrait of one of the world s
greatest sopranos, a true primadonna assoluta!
Yves Saint Laurent s garden paradise in Marrakech provides
the lush, tropical background for this deep insight into
Jessye Norman s professional and private life. Filmed by
German film maker Andre Heller this DVD gives a deeply
personal and emotional portrait of one of opera and lieder s
most respected exponents.
The film also includes 13 specially staged performances
in fantastical settings of her repertoire, of pieces by Mozart,
Richard Strauss, Schoenberg, Ravel, Schumann, Mahler,
Wagner, Purcell and Schubert and Berg. The performances
give a beautiful and unique look at the artistic world of this
very special diva.
Filmed in wide-screen, this DVD is significant for being
the only program-length, in-depth interview film of both the
public and personal sides of someone with a reputation for
being fiercely protective of her privacy.
Amongst many other subjects, Norman discusses her
childhood, family, her idols, working relationships with
different conductors and directors, how she chooses
repertoire, her career path, her political views, relationships,
attitudes towards religion, and her aspirations and dreams.
The wide range of interview matter, coupled with the striking
performances, make this DVD a fascinating, unusual and
essential product for all vocal aficionados and certainly for
the many fans of Jessye Norman.