Jessye Norman Sings Carmen

The epic tale of seduction and betrayal known as Carmen 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 éviter", as well as the "Toréador" 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.