Jenny Lind

Kungliga Operan, building in 2021 (1 of 2)

Jenny Lind in La Sonnambula

Jenny Lind retouched

Jenny Lind Token ND about 1850 USA, obverse

Jenny Lind Token ND about 1850 USA, reverse

Jenny Lind Advert Sheffield

Jenny Lind (6 October 1820 – 2 November 1887), known as the "Swedish Nightingale", was a Swedish opera singer, often considered one of the most highly regarded singers of the 19th century. Lind's career was closely associated with the operas of Gioachino Rossini, Vincenzo Bellini, and Gaetano Donizetti, composers whose works were central to the opera repertoire of her time.

Early Life

Jenny Lind was born in Stockholm, Sweden, and showed an early interest in music. Her talents were recognized when she was a child, and she was admitted to the Royal Theatre's acting school in Stockholm at the age of nine. Her singing ability soon became apparent, and she was given a place in the singing class.

Career

Lind made her opera debut in 1838 in Stockholm but gained international fame in the 1840s after her performances in Germany and England. Her voice was noted for its remarkable range, flexibility, and purity of tone. Despite her success in opera, Lind retired from the stage in 1849, at the height of her career, to focus on concert performances.

One of the most significant aspects of Lind's career was her tour of the United States between 1850 and 1852, promoted by P.T. Barnum. The tour was a huge success and made Lind a household name in America. The profits from her concerts were substantial, and Lind donated a significant portion of her earnings to various charities, including free schools in Sweden.

Legacy

Jenny Lind's legacy extends beyond her music. She was known for her philanthropy, contributing to the advancement of music education and supporting the careers of young musicians. The Jenny Lind Children's Hospital in Norwich, England, is named in her honor, reflecting her contributions to charitable causes.

Lind's influence on the world of opera and concert performance is remembered through various memorials, including scholarships and music competitions named after her. Her approach to singing, characterized by a focus on the emotional expression and purity of tone, influenced the development of vocal performance in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Death

Jenny Lind passed away on 2 November 1887 in Malvern, England. Her contributions to music and philanthropy have ensured that her legacy endures, inspiring generations of singers and musicians.