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.