Singer of the Day: Ninon Vallin-1886-1961

A rare artist! An extremely versatile singer--she sang opera, mélodie and Lieder (in French.) Her secure technique and superb musicianship made her one of the most sought after singers of her generation. Debussy said her voice shimmered like silver. He chose her for the première of his "Trois poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé." In addition to Debussy, Ninon Vallin collaborated with a number of important composers, including Albert Roussel, Reynaldo Hahn, Xavier Leroux, Louis Beyot, Marguerite Béclard D’Harcourt and Joaquín Nin.

Here she sings L'Heure Exquise by Reynaldo Hahn

The white moon
shines in the woods.
From each branch
springs a voice
beneath the arbor.
Oh my beloved…

Like a deep mirror
the pond reflects
the silhouette
of the black willow
where the wind weeps.
Let us dream! It is the hour…

A vast and tender
calm
seems to descend
from a sky
made iridescent by the moon.
It is the exquisite hour!

Gabriel Fauré: Some comparative performances

Fauré (1845- 1924)
Ninon Vallin sings "Les Berceaux" (Piece begins around 2 minutes in, if you're in a hurry. Also, I'm not sure, but it may be Cortot at the piano!)



Elly Ameling sings "Après un rêve"; Dalton Baldwin, piano



Georges Thill sings "Après un rêve"



Nicolai Gedda sings "Nell"

Two different versions of Kiri Te Kanawa singing "Nell"

Kiri Te Kanawa sings "Nell"; Richard Amner, piano (First Version)



Kiri Te Kanawa sings "Nell"; Roger Vignoles, piano (Second Version)