Magpie Chatter
(From A Pushkin Wreath)
Georgy Sviridov (1915-1998)
[Sung in Russian]
[English translation:]
A white-flanked magpie chatters
‘neath my front gate,
jumping to and fro, the motley bird
foretells that I shall have guests.
And imaginary bell
rings in my ears,
The crimson ray of dawn glimmers,
and the silvery snow-dust glistens.
Sleigh-bells ring,
little drums beat,
whilst the people,
my, oh my,
gaze at the gypsy girl.
The gypsy girl dances,
beating loudly on a drum,
ah, she waves her handkerchief,
laughs merrily and sings:
“I’m a songstress, I’m a singer,
and a first-rate enchantress.
Take me with you, don’t regret it,
with me the trip will be more fun!”
— Alexander Pushkin (1799-1837)
The poem “Magpie Chatter” was recited by Marianna Parnas-Simpson, alto. The song selection was performed by soloists Lynelle Rowley, Stephanie Handal and Penelope Campbell with the Houston Chamber Choir at Yale University during its 2012 tour of the Northeast.
