Having learned of the tragic death by suicide of the American tenor Jerry Hadley, the best I can do is refer you to the post by La Cieca and the discussion that follows it. There is also an obituary in The New York Times. Everyone who heard Hadley will treasure the memory of a wonderful voice and superlative performer.
Is it true that artistic, creative souls are especially prone to depression? I reckon depression is common across the board - I've known accountants, management consultants and many others who've suffered it. But the depressed artist remains the most potent symbol, because he or she brings such joy and comfort to others while experiencing a living hell.
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Highly creative individuals are not only possessed OF high IQ's, but they are also possessed BY high EQ's: Emotional quotients. The key is, or seems to be - in my experience, anyway - to simply NOT try to be "normal" or to fit in. That seems to lead to most of the frustrations that lead to depression. Creative individuals are simply "weird" in the sense that they are not normal, but there's nothing "wrong" with them: To the contrary, there is something gloriously RIGHT with them.
This sad tragedy is all too common. I worked with a tortured individual once, who has since died of a drug overdose, and he was always wishing he was normal. It drove him over the edge.
I actually thought of the old statement attributed to Samuel Johnson, in the light of this terrible news:
"The drama's laws,
the drama's patrons give,
for we that live to please,
must please to live"
Jerry Hadley was a talent who clearly was picked out as someone with star potential, which he did fulfill. But it obviously couldn't last forever, as not everyone can be Placido Domingo. One wonders if the realization that one isn't going to be a "star" all one's life contributed to his situation. I never knew him, and I realize I'm probably not in a position to say. But this is a phenomenon, trying to be "first in show", that cuts across all fields of human endeavour.
The more sensitive the individual, the more likely they are to be great artists, or great suicide. The world's problems have been increasing. Acknowledgement of higher culture and genius has been decreasing. You do the math.
Dear Ms. Duchen,
Jerry Hadley and I were planning on recording all of the Korngold song repertoire this coming season. We had been rehearsing for this the past couple of years when our schedules allowed.
I am heartbroken because I have lost one of my dearest friends. But I am also heartbroken because Jerry sang this repertoire better than anyone. It would have been an exquisite recording and I believe the definitive performance of these songs.
Sincerely,
Alexander Frey
Alexander, thank you so much for writing. It's a terrible loss for everyone, and our thoughts are with you.
Dear Ms. Duchen.
Thank you for your kind words.
And thank you, also, for the warm words you wrote about my Korngold piano works CD.
Very best wishes,
Alexander Frey
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