Grace Bumbry: Strauss, ’Zueignung’

Grace Bumbry (born January 4, 1937), an American opera singer, is considered one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation, as well as a major soprano for many years. She was a member of a pioneering generation of singers who followed Marian Anderson (including Leontyne Price, Martina Arroyo, Shirley Verrett and Reri Grist) in the world of classical music and paved the way for future African American opera and classical singers. Bumbry’s voice was rich and sizable, possessing a wide range, and was capable of producing a very distinctive plangent tone. In her prime, she also possessed good agility and bel canto technique (see for example her renditions of the ’Veil Song’ from Verdi’s Don Carlo in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as her Ernani from the Chicago Lyric Opera in 1984). She was particularly noted for her fiery temperament and dramatic intensity on stage. More recently, she has also become known as a recitalist and interpreter of lieder, and as a teacher... Lyrics & English Translation Yes, you know it, dearest soul, How I suffer far from you, Love makes the heart sick, Have thanks. Once I, drinker of freedom, Held high the amethyst beaker, And you blessed the drink, Have thanks. And you exorcised the evils in it, Until I, as I had never been before, Blessed, blessed sank upon your heart, Have thanks. A link to this wonderful artists personal website: Please Enjoy! I send my kind and warm regards,