Uploaded March 2019 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
American soprano Helen Yorke (no dates)
Charmant oiseau (Thou Brilliant Bird)
From The Pearl of Brazil (David)
Recorded: c.1921 - Pathé Frères (vertical cut)
The following is from the 2018-19 Holdridge Records Auction Catalog:
Much of the press activity on Maine soprano Helen Yorke’s life took place in 1920, including an Aeolian Hall concert debut in March, 1920. She had previously appeared in opera in Naples. She wed one Misha Applebaum, president of a corporation dealing in precious metals. Shortly after the wedding, as Mrs. Applebaum, she made an Aeolian Hall song recital debut. There were subsequent rumors of domestic and financial trouble. Mr. and Mrs. Appelbaum were hospitalized “having taken ‘by mistake,’ ... bichloride of mercury.” Both survived, and Miss Yorke reverted to her maiden name. She capped the year with a Carnegie Hall recital. Subsequently she is found listed in occasional New York performances in concert and on the radio. An appearance in a 1939 broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera Auditions on the Air is also noted. From 1940-49 she frequently appeared and recorded with Elie Siegmeister’s American Ballad Singers.
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American soprano Helen Yorke (no dates)
Charmant oiseau (Thou Brilliant Bird)
From The Pearl of Brazil (David)
Recorded: c.1921 - Pathé Frères (vertical cut)
The following is from the 2018-19 Holdridge Records Auction Catalog:
Much of the press activity on Maine soprano Helen Yorke’s life took place in 1920, including an Aeolian Hall concert debut in March, 1920. She had previously appeared in opera in Naples. She wed one Misha Applebaum, president of a corporation dealing in precious metals. Shortly after the wedding, as Mrs. Applebaum, she made an Aeolian Hall song recital debut. There were subsequent rumors of domestic and financial trouble. Mr. and Mrs. Appelbaum were hospitalized “having taken ‘by mistake,’ ... bichloride of mercury.” Both survived, and Miss Yorke reverted to her maiden name. She capped the year with a Carnegie Hall recital. Subsequently she is found listed in occasional New York performances in concert and on the radio. An appearance in a 1939 broadcast of the Metropolitan Opera Auditions on the Air is also noted. From 1940-49 she frequently appeared and recorded with Elie Siegmeister’s American Ballad Singers.
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