Description

HENRI ALBERS (AMSTERDAM, 1 FEBRUARY, 1866 – PARIS, 12 SEPTEMBER, 1926)

 

 

 

 

He was a distinguished opera singer who began his career as an actor before establishing himself as a notable performer in the operatic world, particularly in French repertoire.

Early Career:

• Initial Acting Career: He started his career as an actor before transitioning into music.
• Operetta Appearances: He made several appearances in operettas, which led to his eventual foray into opera.

Opera Debut and Career:

• Debut: He made his opera debut in 1886, performing the role of Méphistophélès in Gounod’s Faust with the Hollandsche Opera Company of De Groot.
• Early Successes: In 1889, he participated in the premiere of Simon van Milligen’s Brinio.
• European and American Engagements: After 1890, he began making guest appearances across Europe and later in America, including performances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
• Metropolitan Opera: He made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in 1898, performing the role of Mercutio in Roméo et Juliette. His tenure at the Metropolitan Opera was brief, lasting only one season.

French Repertoire and Later Career:

• Opéra-Comique: From 1899 until his death, he was a prominent member of the Opéra-Comique in Paris. He notably sang the title role in the premiere of Macbeth by Édouard Bloch.
• Specialization: He specialized in the French operatic repertoire, making significant contributions to this genre.
• International Appearances: He performed frequently at Covent Garden in London and the Théâtre de la Monnaie in Brussels.

Legacy:

• French Opera: Known for his strong presence in French opera, he made lasting impacts at major opera houses in Europe.

 

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

1. Aben-Hamet (Dubois) Reine, toi qu’Hamet 0996 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
2. Agnus Dei (Bizet) with Gaston de Poumayrac 2493 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
3. Aida (Verdi) Tu verras cette terre with Marignan 3554 Pathé, Paris 19071908
4. Attaque du Moulin (Bruneau) Berceuse 3517 Pathé, Paris 19061907
5. Benvenuto Cellini (Diaz) De l’art splendeur 0967 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
6. Benvenuto Cellini (Diaz) De l’art, splendeur 36689 Odeon, Bruxelles 1906-07
7. Carmen (Bizet) Je suis Escamillo with Gaston de Poumayrac 0976 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
8. Charles VI (Halévy) C’est grand’ pitié 0915 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
9. Chemineau (Leroux) Chanson du moissonneur 0961 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
10. Cinq-Mars (Gounod) Sur le flot vous entraîne 0331 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
11. Damnation de Faust (Berlioz) Air 17788 Edison cylinders, Paris 1907
12. Damnation de Faust (Berlioz) Voici des roses 410 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
13. De avond (Gounod) 30788 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
14. Don Giovanni (Mozart) Sérénade 0337 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
15. Faust (Gounod) Invocation 36663 XF782 Odeon, Bruxelles 1906-07
16. Faust (Gounod) Scène de l’église 0338 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
17. Favorite (Donizetti) Groote aria 30783 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
18. Fliegende Holländer (Wagner) Un seul espoir 0312 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
19. Grisélidis (Massenet) L’oiseau captif 0971 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912