Из Henry Purcell, «King Arthur» («What Power Art Thou…»):
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,
I can scarcely move,
Or draw my breath.
Let me, let me,
Let me, let me,
Freeze again…
Let me, let me,
Freeze again to death!
***
Klaus Sperber (January 24, 1944 – August 6, 1983), better known as Klaus Nomi, was a German countertenor noted for his wide vocal range and an unusual, otherworldly stage persona.
Nomi was known for his bizarrely visionary theatrical live performances, heavy make-up, unusual costumes, and a highly stylized signature hairdo which flaunted a receding hairline. His songs were equally unusual, ranging from synthesizer-laden interpretations of classical music opera to covers of 1960s pop standards like Chubby Checker’s «The Twist» and Lou Christie’s «Lightnin’ Strikes». He is remembered in the US as one of David Bowie’s backup singers for a 1979 performance on Saturday Night Live.
Nomi died in 1983 at the age of 39 as a result of complications from AIDS.