Reri Grist - Debussy: Quatre chansons de jeunesse, Live

THE SONGBIRD: Charismatic coloratura soprano Reri Grist was born in 1932 in New York. Her career was launched in the original Broadway production of "West Side Story" (singing the iconic "Somewhere") and she appeared at the Santa Fe Opera (as Adele and Blonde) in 1959. Grist then ventured to Europe and toured the continent in a VW van. She became the first Black singer to land a permanent gig in a European opera house when she signed with the Zurich Opera in 1960. Her star rose quickly, including singing the role of the Nightingale in Stravinsky's short opera/ballet fable at his invitation in 1962, which was recorded and released commercially. Grist became a beloved regular at the Vienna State Opera and Salzburg, while basing her US engagements at the San Francisco Opera and The Met. Her most successful roles were Norina, Zerbinetta, Gilda, Oscar, Sophie, Rosina, and all the Mozart's soubrettes.

THE MUSIC: Here Grist is captured in a live recital performing Debussy's set of four high-flying early songs: "Quatre chansons de jeunesse." The date and accompanist are unknown (please comment below if you have any ideas).

1. Pantomime
2. Clair de lune
3. Pierrot
4. Apparition

Photography credit: Carl Van Vechten