I think it’s generally forgotten that Victoria actually did have quite a nice singing voice. In 1842, Felix Mendelssohn was invited to Victoria and Albert’s private apartments for some music making. He played one of his pieces and “Before I got to the end of the first verse, they both began to sing the chorus very well…. I rummaged about a little amongst the music and found my first set of songs. So, naturally I begged her to choose one of those…which she very kindly consented; and which did she choose? “Schöner und schöner; sang it beautifully in tune, in strict time, and with very nice expression…. I have never heard better or purer or more natural from an amateur…. I thought to myself that one must not pay too many compliments on such an occasion, so I merely thanked her very much; but she said, “Oh, if only I had not been so nervous; otherwise I really have a long breath.”
zero about 15 years ago
at times such as this I always ask myself- -what would Stephen Fry think?
Edcole1961 about 15 years ago
Probably something like, “May he favour me with an explanation as to the whyness?”
mivins about 15 years ago
Hee hee hee!
massha about 15 years ago
Here’s one for her Maj’s karaoke: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BvPugOWeZiA
The Old Wolf about 15 years ago
I hang around here becazz I lurn stuff. By Mogg’s unobtainium teeth, I’m so culturally out of it in some areas…
LASteve about 15 years ago
I think it’s generally forgotten that Victoria actually did have quite a nice singing voice. In 1842, Felix Mendelssohn was invited to Victoria and Albert’s private apartments for some music making. He played one of his pieces and “Before I got to the end of the first verse, they both began to sing the chorus very well…. I rummaged about a little amongst the music and found my first set of songs. So, naturally I begged her to choose one of those…which she very kindly consented; and which did she choose? “Schöner und schöner; sang it beautifully in tune, in strict time, and with very nice expression…. I have never heard better or purer or more natural from an amateur…. I thought to myself that one must not pay too many compliments on such an occasion, so I merely thanked her very much; but she said, “Oh, if only I had not been so nervous; otherwise I really have a long breath.”
kfaatz925 about 15 years ago
Great anecdote, Steve. I didn’t know Her Highness sang.