Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Soprano Birgit Nilsson Dies

Bnilsson
I just received the sad news that Swedish soprano Birgit Nilsson passed away at 87. Celebrity Series patrons may remember her recital performances in 1962, '63 and '75 (I would be delighted to post any remembrances, especially by anyone that attended one of these performances). Though, she is, of course, known more for her performances in Wagnerian operas than for her recitals.



Of her February 24, 1975 Celebrity Series recital with pianist John Wustman, the Boston Globe's Richard Dyer was moved to write, "Even now, with 30 years of career behind her, she is by a very considerable margin the best singer of her sort; her only competition is herself," and told of Ms. Nilsson's strewing roses into the audience during one of her encores.

Karl Ritter's obituary for the Associated Press



Bernard Holland's remembrance for The New York Times (sign-up required)

UPDATE:
Heartfelt tributes to Birgit Nilsson abound on the web, but I will only add two more here:
Richard Dyer of The Boston Globe on Brigit Nilsson, "Human Qualities Infused this Soprano's Superhuman Voice" (from January 13)

Elaine Meinel Supkis posted this personal tribute on her blog, Culture of Life Breaking News



See also my post on Celebrity Series artists who passed away during the past year: In Memoriam 2005.



1 comment:

  1. http://culturelifenewsbreaking.blogspot.com/2006/01/great-wagnerian-soprano-birgit-nilsson.html
    Since you don't take HTML here, the above is on my blog (very strange, that! What ails this site?)
    My very fond memory of Birgit singing Isolde in Germany in 1968
    If you want a personal story, alas, I didn't go to the performances you cite here. Would have loved it if it were possible. Wonderful singer, great lady.

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