Forgotten Opera Singers

Forgotten Opera Singers

Sep 28, 2014

Pierre Dupré (Bass-Baritone)


He studied singing at the Paris Conservatoire. In 1909 he was engaged by the Paris Opéra-Comique, where he debuted as François in ‘’Le Chemineau’’ of Xavie Leroux. In 1910 he appeared at the Opéra-Comique in the premiere of the opera ‘’Le Mariage de Télémaque’’ by Claude Terrasse in the part of Eumée. Here in 1912 he had a special success in ‘’Hoffmanns Erzählungen’’. In 1922 he sang in the French première of Puccini’s ‘’Gianni Schicchi’’ as Simone. In 1923 he sang in the première of the opera ‘’Pepita Jimenez’’ by Albeniz. Till the 1940’s he continued his career. His repertoire was very extensive and included roles like Arkel in ‘’Pelléas et Mélisande’’, Leporello in ‘’Don Giovanni’’, Nilakantha in ‘’Lakmé by Delibes, Alfonso in ‘’Così fan tutte’’ and Maclrton in ‘’La Dame blanche’’  of Boieldieu. In 1931 he appeared there in the premiere of the opera ‘’Cantegril’’ of Roger Ducasse. He was later a highly respected pedagogue and among other things the teacher of Marisa Ferrer, Marisa Beaujon, Henri Medus, Georges Thill and Elsa Ruhlmann.

Chronology of some appearances

1909-1940's Paris Opéra-Comique

RECORDING FOR SALE








Pathé, Paris
La flûte enchantée (Mozart):  la haine et la colère 926 1276

Odeon, Paris
Werther (Massenet): Elle m'aime 88.775 KI 3738-1


Sep 20, 2014

Charles Romette (Bass-Baritone)


He appeared with success at the Trianon lyrique de Paris, l'Opéra de Gand, le Théâtre des Arts de Rome, le Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux, le Capitole de Toulouse, l'Opéra de Lyon.

Chronology of some appearances

Trianon lyrique de Paris
le Théâtre des Arts de Rome
le Grand Théâtre de Bordeaux
le Capitole de Toulouse
l'Opéra de Lyon

RECORDING FOR SALE








Chantal de Luxe
Tannhäuser (Wagner): Ô douce étoile  1696 jm 671


Claudine Boons (Soprano) (Liège 1894 - Brussels 1945)



She had a large dramatique voice and was verry convincing in her dramatic portrayals. She sang at the Monnaie from 1937 untill 1944. She sang at the liberation of Belgium the French national anthem on 30 september 1944, as the other anthems of allies in WWII were performed.

Chronology of some appearances

1937-1944 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie

RECORDINGS FOR SALE








Polydor 
Gismonda (Fevrier): La paix du cloоtre  566090 B
Aida (Verdi): Ritorna vincitor 566090 A 
Les petits ânes (François Rasse) A 561073 5557 BKP 
Souvenance (César Franck) 566149 B


Madeleine Farrère (Soprano) (?1901- ? 1984)




She studied singing at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels and made her debut in 1923 at the Théâtre de la Monnaie, where she appeared till 1925. Then she sang in Belgian (Lüttich, Ghent) and French stages (Bordeaux, Marseille, Nice) and was in the 1935-1938 seasons as well as from 1940 to 1941 season member of the Opera House in Antwerp. In 1939 she undertook a tour with which she sang in Puccini's ''La Bohème'' as Mimi and famous tenor Joseph Schmidt (who had fled as a Jew from Germany) the role of Rodolfo. She often appeared in Belgian and French radio stations. In 1954 she performed at the Opera House in Mons (Belgium) in ''Si j'étais Roi'' of Adam and retired from the stage; then she was  active as a vocal pedagogue. The Traviata and Adina belonged to her famous stage roles, also Leila in ''Pêcheurs de perles'' by Bizet. Her real name was Mme Madeleine Gijsen-David.

Chronology of some appearances

1923-1925 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie
1935-1938 Antwerp Opera House
1940-1941 Antwerp Opera House
1954 Mons Opera House

RECORDINGS FOR SALE








Pathé 
Traviata (Verdi): Violetta 2e partie X 53098 42196
Traviata (Verdi): Quel est donc ce trouble charmant X 53098 42195


Hélène Feltesse-Ocsombre (Soprano)




She studied singing at the Royal Conservatory of Brussels. In 1897 she appeared at the at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels as Elsa in R. Wagner's ''Lohengrin''. 

Chronology of appearance

1897 Brussels Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie Lohengrin (Elsa)

RECORDINGS FOR SALE









Pathé
Obéron (Weber): Barcarolle  2378 430 79067 RA
La procession (César Franck) 2378 436 79075 RA

Lily Leblanc (Soprano)



In 1929 at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, Brussels she appeared in the premiere of the S. Prokofiev’s opera ‘’ The Gambler’’  in the role of Polina.

Chronology of appearance

1929 Brussels Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie The Gambler (Polina)

RECORDINGS FOR SALE








Edison Bell
Manon (Massenet): Gavotte  F379 89276
Manon (Massenet): Suis-je gentille  F379 89273


Josef Sterkens (Tenor) (Antwerp, Belgium 1893 - ? 1952)



His real name was Josef Steuren. He was active first as a teacher, then, studied singing at the Royal Conservatoire of Antwerp under the pedagogue Edmond Bergers. In 1918 his debut occurred as a concert singer; his debut on the opera stage took place in 1925 at the Opera House in Antwerp, where he appeared till the forties, and was the manager in the 1935-1942 seasons. He appeared there in the premieres of the operas ''Sly'' by E. Wolf-Ferrari (in the title role) and "Toten Stadt" by Korngold (1923 as Paul). He sang also roles in operettas like Alfred in "Fledermaus"or the title role in Lehárs ''Paganini''.

Chronology of some appearances

1925 Antwerp Opera House

RECORDING FOR SALE








His Master's Voice 
Die Zauberflöte (Mozart):  Die Biltnis ist bezaubernd schön A.U. 21 2-043202


Anna Talifert (Soprano) (? 1900 - ?)


                                                               Cio-Cio-San

She made her debut in 1919 at the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris after her study, which occurred in Paris. In the 1920-1925 seasons she sang at the Opera House in Nancy and joined in 1925 to the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels. Here she appeared in 1926 in the French-speaking première of Puccini's ''Turandot'' in the role of Liu. During the following 15 years she had in Brussels a very successful career. Her repertoire included roles like the title role in ''Louise'' by Charpentier, Mélisande in ''Pelléas et Mélisande'', the Butterfly, Mimi in ''La Bohème'' and Violetta in ''La Traviata'', in addition a number of coloratura roles like the Juliette in ''Roméo et Juliette'' by Gounod, Ophélie in ''Hamlet'' of A. Thomas and the title part in ''Lakmé'' of Delibes. In 1940 she finished her career which had brought her success also signifying in the concert hall.

Chronology of some appearances

1919 Paris Théâtre Lyrique
1920-1925 Nancy Opera House
1925-1940 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie

RECORDING FOR SALE








Columbia, Paris
Madama Butterfly (Puccini): Duo Finale Act 1 with Unknown tenor 33016 D12063
Madama Butterfly (Puccini): Entree de Mme.  Butterfly 33015 D12063
Louise (Charpentier): Depuis le jour D 14215 WLX296
Roméo et Juliette (Gounod): Valse D 14215 WLX299
Hansel et Gretel (Humperdinck): Joli château-gâteau with Livine Mertens RFX 27 LBX 78


Alba Chrétien-Vaguet (Soprano) (Paris 1872 – Pau 1963)




She studied piano at the Paris Conservatoire and took privately singing lessons. In 1891 she made her debut at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels as Alice in ''Robert le Diable'' of Meyerbeer. In 1893 she was engaged by the Grand Opéra in Paris (beginning role: Alice in ''Robert le Diable'' of Meyerbeer). She appeared there in the premières of the operas ''Sigurd'' of Reyer (1895) and ''Briseïs'' of E. Chabrier (1899) and on 15. 9. 1893 in the premiere of the opera ''Deïdamie'' of Henri Maréchal. In 1899 she appeared with great success in Aix-les-Bains as Isolde in ''Tristan und Isolde''. In 1894 she performed at the Opera House in Monte Carlo in Verdi's ''Aida''. Since 1896 she was a soloist of the Concerts Lamoureux in Paris. She was married with the tenor Albert Vaguet (1865-1943). When Albert Vaguet had to give up his career after a heavy accident (loss of a leg), she also withdrew from the music life; the couple lived that time in Pau, still gave on the occasion of concerts and been active educationally. In 1955 she still lived in Pau.

Chronology of some appearances

1891 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie Robert le Diable
1893 Paris Grand Opéra Robert le Diable
1894 Monte Carlo Opera House Aida
1895 Paris Grand Opéra Sigurd
1899 Paris Grand Opéra Briseïs

RECORDINGS FOR SALE








Pathé cylinders, Paris 1902?
Sigurd (Reyer): Des présents de Gunther 2297

Pathé, Paris 1912?
Tosca (Puccini): Notre doux nid 786
Ah, qui brûla d'amour (Tchaikovsky) 789
Lohengrin (Wagner): Déjà se perd leur voix with Albert Vaguet 790


Sep 19, 2014

Livine (Livia) Mertens (Mezzo-Soprano) (Antwerpen 1901 - ? 1968)


                                                                 Mignon

She was trained by Maurice Declery and made her debut as a concert singer in 1921 in Antwerpen. In 1923 she was engaged by the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels, where she sang the role of Frédéric in ‘’'Mignon’’ of A. Thomas as the first role. Longer than twenty years, till 1945, she remained active at the leading opera house in Belgium. She appeared here in several French-speaking premières, thus in 1924 as Jaroslavna in ‘’Prince Igor’’ of Borodin, in 1930 as composer in ‘’Ariadne auf Naxos’’ by  R. Strauss, in 1932 in ‘’Les précieuses Ridicules’’ of Lattuada, in 1933 in ‘’La farsa amorosa’’ of Zandonai, in 1938 as Felice in the premiere of Milhaud’s opera "Les Malheurs d'Orphée" (7. 5. 1926). Her star role was the title role in ‘’Mignon’’ of A. Thomas, which she sang about 140 times, but her repertoire also included roles like the Octavian in "Rosenkavalier", Charlotte in ‘’Werther'’’ of Massenet, Marguerite in  "La Dame blanche"  of Boieldieu. In addition she also sang with big success operetta roles like the title role in Offenbach’s "Großherzogin von Gerolstein", Sonja in "Zarewitsch" of Léhar and Orlowsky "Fledermaus". She was married the conductor Maurice Bastin, who worked in Marseille and Brussels. During the Second World War she joined to an opposition group against the German occupying and was arrested during several months in the prison.

Chronology of some appearances

1921 Antwerpen Opera House
1923-1945 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie

RECORDINGS FOR SALE








Edison Bell
Carmen (Bizet): Habanera  F373 89257
Carmen  (Bizet): Pres des remparts de Seville  F 373 89258
Romeo et Juliette (Gounod): Chanson de Stephano F374 89260
Werther (Massenet): Les Larmes F374 89259

Columbia
Romeo et Juliette (Gounod): Chanson de Stephano RFX30 LBX 74 
L'enfant et les sortilèges Cake-Walk LF96 LB216
La Dame de Pique  (Tchaikovsky): Romance de Pauline RF 19 WLB66
La route d'émeraude Berceuse RF 19 WLB18
Hansel et Gretel (Humperdinck): Joli château-gâteau with Anna Talifert RFX 27 LBX 78
L'enfant et les sortilèges (Ravel): L'Arithmétique LF96 LB217
Mignon (Thomas): Connaistu le pays ? RFX 30 LBX 73


Jeanne Maubourg (Mezzo-Soprano) ( (née à Namur, Belgique 1875 - Montréal, Canada 1953)




She was trained by her father and by Mme Labarra in Brussels and first appeared as a concert singer. In 1896 she made her stage debut at the Théâtre des Galéries in Brussels. Since 1897 she sang at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels with great success, especially in ‘’La Périchole’’ of Offenbach. In the 1901-1903 seasons she sang at the Covent Garden in London. In 1909 she was engaged by the Metropolitan Opera in New York (beginning role: Lola in ‘’Cavalleria Rusticana’’); here she sang primarily the light mezzo-soprano roles like the Siebel in ‘’Faust’’ by Gounod, Nicklausse in ‘’Les Contes d'Hoffmann’’, Meg Page in ‘’Falstaff’’ of Verdi, Mlle Long in ‘’La fille de Mme Angot’’ of Lecocq, Javotte in ‘’Manon’’ of Massenet and in 1914 the role of Angella in the American première of Montemezzi’s ‘’Amore dei tre Re’’. In 1912 she appeared at the Metropolitan Opera in the American première of Wolf-Ferrari’s ‘’Le Donne curiose’’ under Toscanini as Beatrice. Under Arturo Toscanini she sang in 1913 in the première of ‘’Boris Godunov’’ and in a glittering performance of ‘’Otello’’ as a partner of Leo Slezak and Frances Alda in the part of Emilia. In 1910 she sang in the première of Auber’s ‘’Fra Diavolo’’. In 1913 she took part in the guest performance of the Metropolitan Opera in Paris. In the 1915-1916 she was engaged by the Chicago Opera. Then she lived in Canada where she appeared with the Canadian National Opera Company and gave concerts. Long years she worked as a vocal pedagogue in Montreal.

Chronology of some appearances

1896 Brussels Théâtre des Galéries
1897 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie
1901-1903  London Covent Garden
1909 New York Metropolitan Opera

RECORDINGS FOR SALE








Edison, New York
Vogelhändler (Zeller): Air du rossignol 58013 9588
Le rouet (Larrieu) 58013 9589


Henri Saint-Cricq (Tenor) (Bretagne, France 1901 - Bercq, France 1973)


                                                               Lohengrin

He studied singing at the Conservatoire de Paris. Since about 1930 he sang in both big opera houses in Paris, at the Grand Opéra (1932-1936, debut as Lohengrin) and at the Opéra-Comique. He reached his most significant achievements here appearing in dramatic roles: as Samson in ''Samson et Dalila'' by Saint-Saëns, Radames in ''Aida'',  Otello of Verdi, as Sigurd in the opera of the same name by Reyer, as Faust in ''La damnation de Faust'' of Berlioz and as José in ''Carmen''. He made guest appearances at the French province, however, has not appeared apparently abroad. In 1955 he retired from the stage and worked since then as a vocal pedagogue.

Chronology of some appearances

1932-1936 Grand Opéra Paris 

RECORDINGS FOR SALE








Pathé, Paris 
L'enfance du Christ  le repos de la Sainte Famille  X 7236 202532
L’attaque du Moulin (Bruneau): Le jour tombe X 7237
L'Amant Jaloux Sérénade X696 202323
La damnation de Faust (Berlioz): Merci doux crépuscule X 7236 250099


Odette Carlyle (Soprano) (Bordeaux 1880 - ?)



In the 1907-08 season she had her first success at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels as Venus in ‘’Tannhäuser’’ of R. Wagner and as Elena in ‘’'Mefistofele’’ of Boito. In 1908 she made her debut at the Grand Opéra in Paris again as Venus in ‘’Tannhäuser’’ and remained till 1910 a member of this opera house. Here she sang among other things in 1909 in the premiere of the opera ‘’La Forêt’’ of Savart. In the 1910-20 seasons she appeared at the opera houses of Lyon and Bordeaux and guested in other leading opera theatres in the French province. She was was known as an interpreter of roles like the Venus, Santuzza in ‘’Cavalleria Rusticana’’, Valentine in ‘’Les Huguénots’’ and Selika in ‘’L'Africaine’’ of Meyerbeer. 

Chronology of some appearances

1907-1908 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie
1908-1910 Paris Grand Opéra
1910-1920 Lyon and Bordeaux

RECORDINGS FOR SALE









Gramophone, Paris 1910-06-15
Sigurd (Reyer): Salut, splendeur du jour 33764 15866u

Gramophone, Paris 1910-07-25
Sigurd (Reyer): O mon sauveur silencieux 33791  15915u

Gramophone, Paris 1911-10-07
Salammbô (Reyer): Air des colombes 33849 16883u

Gramophone, Paris 1911-12-01
Vivandière (Godard): Viens avec nous, petit 33857 16971u


Sep 15, 2014

José Lens (Tenor) (Belgium, Ardennes Mohiville 1897 - ? 1964)


                                                                Don Jose

He received his first education at the Music Academy of Ciney in Belgium and then continued in Lüttich under Jules Massart. He made his debut in 1926 at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels in the role of Nicias in ''Thaïs'' of Massenet. He remained a member of this leading Belgian opera house till 1952. He appeared at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in different French-speaking premières, among other things in ''Turandot'' of Puccini (1926 as Pang), ''Mona Lisa'' of Max von Schillings (1928 as Alessio), ''Debora e Jaele'' of Pizzetti (1929), ''Ariadne auf Naxos'' of Richard Strauss (1930 as Brighella), ''Wozzeck'' of Alban Berg (1932 as captain) and ''Der Liebestrank'' of R. Zandonai (1933 as Renzo). He sang there also on 29. 4. 1929 the role of Alexis in the premiere of Prokofiev's opera ''Der Spieler'' (''Le Joueur''). Other roles from his repertoire included the Steuermann in "Fliegenden Holländer", Walther von Stolzing in "Meistersingern", Assad in "Die Königin von Saba" of Goldmark, Herodes in ''Salome'' of R. Strauss, Turiddu in ''Cavalleria Rusticana'', Julien in ''Louise'' of Charpentier, Canio in ''Pagliacci'', Pinkerton in ''Madama Butterfly''. He made also guest appearances in France, Holland and Switzerland. Probably he retired from the stage in 1955.

Chronology of some appearances

1926--1952 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie

RECORDING FOR SALE









Polydor
Lucia di Lammermoor (Donizetti): Fra poco a me ricovero


Maurice Capitaine (Tenor) (? 1885 - ?)



He studied singing at the Paris Conservatoire and won in 1911, by the end of his study, the first price. In 1911 he made his debut at the Paris Opéra-Comique. In 1917 he appeared there in the premiere of G. Charpentier’s opera ‘’Julien’’. His repertoire included roles like Chapelou in ‘’Le Postillon de Lonjumeau’’ byAdam, Gérald in ‘’Lakmé’’ of Delibes, George Brown in ‘’La dame blanche’’ of Boieldieu, Nadir in ‘’Pêcheurs de perles’’ by Bizet. Later he sang in many famous opera houses in France and Belgium

Chronology of some appearances

1911 Paris Opéra-Comique
1917 Paris Opéra-Comique

RECORDING FOR SALE








Gramophone, Paris 1914-05-16
Pêcheurs de perles (Bizet): Au fond du temple saint with Lestelly 034203 02964v

Pathé, Paris 1918?
Postillon de Longjumeau (Adam): Romance de la tourterelle 228 2450


Victor Forti (Tenor) (? 1890 - ?)


                                                                   Otello


He studied singing under Bora Lévy. After the first appearances at the French provincial theatres he made his debut in 1925 at the Paris Opéra-Comique as Canio in ''Pagliacci''. He appeared there also as Tristan, then continued, however, his career at the famous French provincial theatres. In 1928 he was engaged by the Grand Opéra in Paris, where he remained active till 1932. He made guest appearances also in Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse and Lyon, however, gave also successful guest performances abroad. Thus he appeared in 1932 in Amsterdam and appeared in the 1937-1948 seasons often at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels. At the Opera House in Strasbourg  he appeared above all in Wagner's operas. Already in 1924 he sang at the Théâtre de Champs-Élysées in Paris in the premiere of the opera ''Les Burgraves'' of L. Sachs, in 1931 at the Grand Opéra in Paris in ''Guercoeur'' of A. Magnard. In 1948 he appeared at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels for the last time. His repertoire included roles like Tannhäuser, Tristan, Siegmund in ''Die Walküre'', Loge in ''Rheingold'', Parsifal,  Herodes in ''Salome'' of R. Strauss, Otello of Verdi, Canio in ''Pagliacci'' and  Énée in ''Les Troyens'' of  Berlioz.

Chronology of some appearances

1925-1932 Paris Opéra-Comique
1928-1931 Paris Grand Opéra
1937-1948 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie

RECORDINGS FOR SALE









Pathé, Paris 1932?
L'Or du Rhin (Wagner): Air de Loge X 7217


Hans Nachod (Tenor) (Vienna, Austria 1883 - London, England 1965)



He was born into a Jewish choirmaster's family and was a cousin of the famous composer Arnold Schönberg (1874-1951). In 1907 he began his stage career at the Vienna Volksoper, where he remained till 1910. In the 1910-1912 seasons he appeared at the Municipal Theatre in Mainz, in the 1912-1913 season at the Municipal Theatre in Kiel. From 1915 to 1923 he worked at the German Land Theatre in Prague, in the 1924-1925 season at the Municipal Theatre of Stettin. He made guest appearances at the Municipal Theatre in Graz (1909), at the Court Theatre in Wiesbaden (1911) at the Munich Court Opera, also in Amsterdam and Hague (1921). He was known as a concert singer and also as an interpreter of contemporary vocal works. Thus he sang on 23. 2. 1913 in the Vienna premiere of the "Gurrelieder" of Arnold Schönberg in the part of Waldemar and performed also in the Leipzig première of this work (1914). He lived later as a vocal pedagogue in London. His repertoire included among other things roles like Don José in ‘’Carmen’’, Erik in "Fliegenden Holländer", Walther von Stolzing in "Meistersingern".

Chronology of some appearances

1907-1910 Vienna Volksoper
1909 Graz  Municipal Theatre
1910-1912 Mainz Municipal Theatre
1911 Wiesbaden Court Theatre
1912-1913 Kiel Municipal Theatre
1915-1923 Prague German Land Theatre
1921 Amsterdam, Hague
1924-1925 Stettin Municipal Theatre

 RECORDINGS FOR SALE








Favorite, Wien 1910-04?
Rigoletto (Verdi): Freundlich blick' ich 1-25436 3226-t
Lohengrin (Wagner): In fernem Land 1-25438 3228-t-
Tannhäuser (Wagner): Dir töne Lob! 1-25445 3235-t-


Sep 14, 2014

Fernand Baer (Bass) (? 1875 - Lille 1937)




He studied singing at the Paris Conservatory and concluded his study in 1900. He was engaged in 1901 by the Grand Opéra in Paris. There he debuted as Scaurus in ''Les Barbares'' of Saint-Saëns. In 1902 he appeared at the Grand Opéra in the premiere of the opera ''Orsola'' of Paul and Lucien Hillemachers. His repertoire included roles like Mefistofele in ''Faust'' of Gounod, Sparafucile in ''Rigoletto'' and Norfolk in ''Henri VIII'' of Saint-Saëns. He also had a great success in Nice and Monte Carlo (1904). His records show him as a bass of the great vocal strength and strong personal radiation, in addition, as a singer who had still rooted completely in the tradition of the 19-th century.

Chronology of some appearances

1901 Paris Grand Opéra Les Barbares (Scaurus)
1902 Paris Grand Opéra Orsola (-)
1904 Nice, Monte Carlo

RECORDINGS FOR SALE








Edison 2-min cylinders, Paris 1905?
Juive (Halévy): Cavatine 17153
Juive (Halévy): Malédiction 17163
Roméo et Juliette (Gounod): Invocation 17185
Faust (Gounod): Sérénade 17184
Faust (Gounod): Scène de l'église 17216
Le cor (Flégier) 17215
Robert le diable (Meyerbeer): Evocation 17159
Les sapins (Dupont) 17158


Jean Vallier (Bass) (? 1863 - Paris 1952)




He was trained at the Paris Conservatory and belonged to the leading French basses of his time. In 1899 he sang the role of king in ''Tristan und Isolde'' and then in 1902 the role of Hagen in the French première of ''Götterdämmerung'' at the Théâtre du Château d'Eau in Paris under Alfred Cortot. He was active in the 1890-91, 1900-1901 and 1903-07 seasons at the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels, where he appeared on 30. 11. 1903  in the premiere of E. Chausson's ''Le Roi Arthus'' and in 1907 a smaller role in the première of the opera ''Salome'' of Richard Strauss. In 1903 and 1908-09 seaqsons he sang at the Opera House in Monte Carlo, in the  1910-11 season at the Grand Opéra in Paris. In the 1909-10 season he was engaged by the Manhattan Opera House in New York; he sang there in the New York première of Massenet's ''Hérodiade''. He also performed at the Covent Garden in London.

Chronology of some appearances

1890 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie
1891 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie
1899 Paris Théâtre du Château d'Eau Tristan und Isolde (King)
1900 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie
1901 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie
1902 Paris Théâtre du Château d'Eau Götterdämmerung (Hagen)
1903-1907 Brussels Théâtre de la Monnaie
1903 Monte Carlo Opera House
1908-1909 Monte Carlo Opera House
1909-1910 New York Manhattan Opera House

RECORDINGS FOR SALE








Edison 2-min cylinders, Paris 1905/1906
Hamlet (Thomas): Prière 17564
Reine de Saba (Gounod): Air 17566
L'homme et la mer (Flégier)


André Gresse (Bass) (Lyon, France 1868 - Paris, France 1937)





He was a son of the bass Léon Gresse, who was active at the Paris Grand Opéra. André Gresse wanted to become originally a painter and visited the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, but since 1893 he studied singing at the Paris Conservatory under Taskin, Melchissèdec and Duvernoy. He made his debut in 1896 at the Opéra-Comique in Paris as Commendatore in ‘’Don Giovanni’’, while Victor Maurel sang the title role. At the Opéra-Comique he appeared among other things as Gaveston in ‘’La Dame blanche’’ of Boieldieu and as Samba-Hamet in ‘’Le Spahi’’ of Lucien Lambert. When his father finished in 1900 his stage career at the Grand Opéra, he became his successor; here as a beginning role he took over the Saint Bris in ‘’Huguenots’’ by Meyerbeer. Till 1930 he belonged to the most prominent singers of this opera house. On 10. 2. 1910 he created at the Opera House in Monte Carlo in the premiere of Massenet’s ‘’Don Quichotte’’ the role of Sancho Panza, while Fedor Schaljapin appeared as Don Quichotte. He also sang in the premieres of the operas ‘’Sapho’’ of Massenet (Opéra-Comique, 27. 11. 1897 as Césaire), ‘’Le Juif Polonais’’ by Camille Erlanger (Opéra-Comique, 11. 4. 1900), ‘’Bacchus’’ of Massenet (Grand Opéra, 2. 5. 1909), ‘’Le Miracle’’ by Georges Húe (30. 12. 1910 Grand Opéra) and ‘’Scémo’’ of Alfred Bachelet (6. 5. 1914 Grand Opéra). He sang at the Grand Opéra in the premières of several Wagner's operas and, besides, sang the parts of the Fasolt (‘’Rheingold’’, 1909), Titurel (‘’Parsifal’’, 1914) and Marke (‘’Tristan’’, 1904, after the French première at the Nouveau Théâtre in Paris, 1899). Approximately thirty years he was the famous Mephisto of the Grand Opéra in Gounod’s ‘’Faust’’. In 1930 he retired from the stage. He worked as a professor at the Paris Conservatory. One of his numerous pupils was the baritone Martial Singher.

Chronology of some appearances

1896 Paris Opéra-Comique Don Giovanni (Commendatore)
1897 Paris Opéra-Comique Sapho (Césaire)
1900 Paris Grand Opéra Huguenots (Saint Bris)
1900 Paris Opéra-Comique Le Juif Polonais (-)
1909 Paris Grand Opéra Bacchus (-)
1910 Monte Carlo Opera House Don Quichotte (Sancho Panza)
1910 Paris Grand Opéra Le Miracle (-)
1914 Paris Grand Opéra Scémo (-)

RECORDINGS FOR SALE









Pathé, cylinders & discs, Paris 1902/1903
Faust (Gounod): Entrée de Méphisto, pt 1 with Albert Vaguet 3758
Faust (Gounod): Entrée de Méphisto pt 2 with Albert Vaguet 3759

Pathé cylinders & discs, Paris 1904?
Songe d'une nuit d'été (Thomas): Allons, que tout s'apprête 0508
Saisons (Massé): Chanson du blé 0503

G&T, Paris 1902-12
Huguenots (Meyerbeer): Bénédiction des poignards 2-32631 1299F

G&T, Paris 1903
Barbiere di Siviglia (Rossini): Air de la calomnie 2-32695 1489F

G&T, Paris 1905
Faust (Gounod): Sérénade 3-32472 4693o
Faust (Gounod): Le veau d'or with chorus 34669 4445o


Zonophone, Paris 1905
Faust (Gounod): Sérénade X-82515
Faust (Gounod): Évocation X-82493


Pathé, Paris 1912?
Complete Faust (Gounod): with Beyle, Campredon, Noté, d'Elty and Goulancourt 

Gramophone, Paris 1912-11-26
Huguenots (Meyerbeer): Dans la nuit tout seul with Marie Lafargue 034183 02591v
Huguenots (Meyerbeer): Je courais t'avertir with Marie Lafargue  034184 02592v