Jenny Lind, born Johanna Maria Lind, on October 6, 1820, in Stockholm, Sweden, was a renowned opera singer of the 19th century known as the "Swedish Nightingale." Her exceptional vocal talent and captivating performances earned her international acclaim and made her one of the most celebrated sopranos of her time.
Lind's passion for music was evident from a young age. She received her earliest musical training at the Royal Dramatic Theatre's singing school in Stockholm. Recognizing her extraordinary talent, her teachers encouraged her to pursue further studies, and at the age of eighteen, she began vocal training with Manuel García, a prominent voice teacher in Paris.
Her breakthrough came in 1838 when she made her debut at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm as Agathe in Weber's opera "Der Freischütz." Lind's performance received widespread praise, establishing her reputation as a rising star in the opera world.
Throughout the 1840s, Lind's fame spread across Europe as she performed in major opera houses in cities like Berlin, Vienna, and London. Her exquisite voice, combined with her natural stage presence and acting ability, captivated audiences and critics alike. Lind's repertoire ranged from classical operas by Mozart and Weber to contemporary works by composers such as Meyerbeer and Bellini.
One of the highlights of Lind's career was her collaboration with composer Felix Mendelssohn. She premiered Mendelssohn's oratorio "Elijah" in Birmingham in 1846, delivering a stunning performance that cemented her reputation as a leading soprano of the era.
In 1849, Lind embarked on a highly successful tour of the United States, organized by the American showman P.T. Barnum. Her American tour, which included performances in major cities from coast to coast, created a sensation and further elevated her status as an international star. Lind's concerts were not only musical events but also social phenomena, attended by royalty, politicians, and celebrities of the time.
Beyond her musical accomplishments, Jenny Lind was also known for her philanthropy. She donated a substantial portion of her earnings from the American tour to various charitable causes, including the endowment of free schools for impoverished children.
After retiring from the opera stage in 1852, Lind focused on concert performances and teaching. She settled in England, where she married the pianist and conductor Otto Goldschmidt in 1852. Together, they had three children.
Jenny Lind's legacy endures as one of the most celebrated voices in the history of opera. Her contributions to the world of music and her philanthropic endeavors continue to inspire generations of artists and admirers alike.
References:
- Forbes, Elizabeth. "Jenny Lind: The Swedish Nightingale." (1985) Northeastern University Press.
- Holland, Henry Scott. "Memoir of Madame Jenny Lind-Goldschmidt: Her Early Art-Life and Dramatic Career, 1820-1851." (2010) Cambridge University Press.
- Reeves, Sims. "The Life of Jenny Lind." (1865) W.P. Nimmo.
- Skavlan, Einar. "Jenny Lind: The Swedish Nightingale." (1932) Yale University Press.
- Lind, Jenny. "Jenny Lind: Her Reminiscences, Letters, and Diary." (1891) H. S. Nichols.