http://... remember seeing Klaus Nomi for the first time on the BBC's The Old Grey Whistle Test in 1979 and I thought how peculiarly odd he was.....with that female soprano voice, his odd appearance and a pop sensibility to-boot, he was bizarre and brilliant.
Klaus had made an impact on new-wave music inthe late 70's and was working to break into the pop mainstream just before he died. His first love however, was Opera.
In this video, Klaus sings Purcell's strange aria The Cold Song from the English 17th century baroque opera King Arthur
The opera's composer Purcell died in 1695 from incurable T.B. aged 36, while in 1983 Klaus sadly died succumbing to complications due to Aids, aged 39. Both men were remarkably talented but died so young.
---------- Purcell's Cold Genius -----------
What power art thou, who from below Hast made me rise unwillingly and slow From beds of everlasting snowSee'st thou not ( how stiff )2) and wondrous old Far unfit to bear the bitter cold, I ( can scarcely move or draw my breath )2) Let me, let me freeze again to death.3)
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The Lyrics to this old aria are strangely prophetic. Watching it now, knowing what a difficult time Klaus was having, just adds to its intensity and sadness
The film The Nomi Song was released a few years ago...telling the Klaus Nomi story... see trailer here http://...
funniest quote....Klaus sings Castrato but with his balls still intact !
ABSOLUTELY THE BEST!!! WE LOVE YOU KLAUS. Forever.
scottjhnsn(November 26, 2008 at 5:46 pm)
a true visionary he was. a tremendous voice that equals no one. he puts all the poseurs that came after him to shame. he was a true original.
RIP
increabile(November 24, 2008 at 10:45 pm)
Cold Song =
What power art thou [Cold Genius] Henry Purcell 1689/1691: King Arthur, The British Worthy 3rd act
What power art thou, who from below Hast made me rise unwillingly and slow From beds of everlasting snow? See'st thou not how stiff and wondrous old, Far unfit to bear the bitter cold, I can scarcely move or draw my breath? Let me, let me freeze again to death...
RevelShock2007(November 20, 2008 at 1:47 am)
Klaus,
I embrace you with all my love and tears. My loved one suffered from the disease, passed, and never reached the chance to live in bliss while breathing in this human world. Through your song and passion, I am connected to you. And inevitably, I am connected to my dear mother in vivid memory and immense compassion.
Thank you darling,
Melody
iamaloady(November 16, 2008 at 5:20 pm)
Unique
fleurdubijou(November 10, 2008 at 6:13 am)
I love the composition of this object of art.
lijaa11(November 7, 2008 at 5:06 am)
que triste, mueró
exodovalle(November 6, 2008 at 11:29 pm)
I love it =-o
nickknox75(November 5, 2008 at 12:30 am)
Without a doubt, the best thing I have ever watched on Youtube. Thanks for posting this.
marshmallowinnards(November 4, 2008 at 8:45 pm)
I would die happy and fulfilled if I was able to sing like this just once in my life.
