Albert Maysles, Susan Froemke, Peter Gelb, Charlotte Zwerin, 1989, 57 min
Film Synopsis
The epic tale of seduction and betrayal known as Carman
was brought to life in a new and radiant interpretation when
the great talent, Jessye Norman, sings the role for the first
time. Filmed in Paris during the summer of 1988 in special
closed recording sessions with Seiji Ozawa and the Orchestre
National de France, JESSYE NORMAN SINGS CARMEN presents
the opera's greatest musical moments in their entirety,
coupled with a compelling portrait of Miss Norman's approach
to mastering the music and emotion of this immortal role.
The musical segments include performances of all three
soprano arias: "guedille", "Habanera", and "En vain pour
viter", as well as the "Torador" song, and the great duets
between Carmen and Don Jose. The film captures Miss
Norman at work with the masterful French language coach
Janine Reiss and the Soprano's dynamic collaboration with
Ozawa. Also included are performances by Neil Shicoff as
Don Jose, Simon Estes as Escamillo, and the Chorus of
Radion France.