Bess, You Is My Woman Now

From Trevor Nunn's 1993 operatic revival of The Gershwins' Porgy & Bess. In this heart-warming scene, Porgy (Willard White) declares his feelings for Bess (Cynthia Haymon) who finally realizes, embraces, and declares her feelings for him. Back Story: After everyone in the hamlet of Catfish Row understandably turned their backs on Bess (the then wild and loose girlfriend of the murderer Crown), Porgy - the village cripple - takes her in. What follows is a Bess' transformation into a lady. However, she still doesn't have feelings for Porgy until this magical exchange. Enjoy!

[YThome]

On his score Gershwin wrote "to be performed by Black cast only", and he was correct. And this is absolutely the best.

[kenboydart]

Thank you, George and Ira you have given the world a gift that will last forever, countless millions throughout the centuries will enjoy what you created .

[lynn]

One of my favorite operas ever... so beautiful, and so deeply touching. And this performance is so perfect the very first notes brought tears to my eyes. I don't think I've ever heard anything more beautiful. Just as beautiful? Yes. More beautiful? No.

[windstorm]

one of the great duets of all time--Puccini would have loved it...incredibly moving, beautiful, expansive American melody...always brings tears to my eyes...

[SmartStart]

This entire piece is gorgeous, but the “mornin time and evenin time” part is so effing pretty omg!

[stevenhaff]

You hear this score and are simply amazed at Gershwin's profound sense of music as emotional power.

[richardwible]

I am old enough to remember when William Warfield and Leontyne Price played these rolls, and I thought their performance was wonderful, but this rendition by Willard White and Cynthia Haymon left me stunned. Haymon's voice is sweet and bright; Willard's voice is powerful yet still conveys the deep, heartfelt sentiment of the lyrics. Even the acting and the sincerity of the facial gestures were convincing. Bravissimo!

[johncrawfordpiano]

At 4'50" the outside world ceases to exist, and I'm transported by these wonderful singers to another place.

[Catherineshanghai]

Magnifique jeu d’acteurs et d’interprétation musicale ! 👏🏻👏🏻

[Dan]

One of the most moving aspects of this duet is the juxtaposition of incredibly sophisticated music with incredibly unsophisticated but tender lyrics.

[mtrlaux]

I can barely watch this without tearing up. So many emotions tied to this piece for ages now.

[aneamarlivana]

Absolutely the best version of this I've ever heard. Willard White and Cynthia Haymon are simply perfect, with exquisite voices and wonderful acting.

[johnrogers]

Extraordinarily fine singing. One of the great duets of all time. Thank you!

[stdepi]

sniff, sniff....I'll have to get back to you. my heart is deeply touched!

[Jamestown-yj]

Beautiful, a man and a woman confessing their sincere love for each other in the raw, despite their own past history and failings, what a composition, what a performance. America thanks you Mr. Ira and George Gershwin, and Mr. Dubois Haywood, a true Masterpiece.

[cdarw]

I get a constant stream of chills every time I watch this duet!

[christineperri]

I can't help but smile thru this entire song. It's always been my favorite from Porgy & Bess. I grew up on these beautiful operas and wish the young generation would see them. Can't wait for tonight as Porgy & Bess is actually on TV !!!! 

[christopherpericolosi-king]

These voices are incredible!!! Gershwin was a genius!

[arthurharrison]

This is among the best documented renditions of Porgy and Bess in history, not just because of the magnificent vocal performances, but also because of the technical details of the production.

[WakandaBabe]

This music is so hauntingly beautiful. My favorite in this opera.