Elizabeth Parcells - Taubert: BIRD SONG (VÖGLEIN), 1988

THE SONGBIRD: Born in Michigan, Elizabeth Parcells (1951 - 2005) studied in Boston, was a Met Opera Auditions Winner in 1977, and then a grant enabled her to move to Switzerland to launch her career. She lived in Germany until 1997, singing high coloratura roles in standard and adventurous contemporary operatic and concert works in major opera houses and festivals. When she settled back in the U.S., Parcells taught voice and sang in concerts and recitals, until she tragically died of cancer at the age of 54. She has many YouTube videos of her singing (posted posthumously), and I encourage everyone to sample even more of her extraordinary artistry.

THE MUSIC: Wilhelm Taubert (1811 - 1891) was a pianist and conductor, and composed six operas and nearly 300 songs, a few of which evoke bird calls. This song, "Vöglein, was singst im Wald du so laut?" was composed specifically for Jenny Lind, so it asks for a modest ladylike virtuosity as was part of her brand image.

Видео Elizabeth Parcells - Taubert: BIRD SONG (VÖGLEIN), 1988 канала songbirdwatcher