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

39. Mourette (Pons) Des sourires d’enfants 0920 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
40. Muette de Portici (Auber) Amour sacré de la patrie (w. Vaguet) 0561 Pathé, Paris
41. Noël (Adam) 3527 Pathé, Paris 1906 – 1907
42. Otello (Verdi) Crédo 3521 Pathé, Paris 1906 – 1907
43. Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Prologue 0398 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
44. Pardon de Ploërmel (Meyerbeer) O puissante magie 0792 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
45. Patrie (Paladilhe) Pauvre martyr obscure 0953 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
46. Quo Vadis (Nouguès) Errer à travers le monde 0879 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
47. Rigoletto (Verdi) Au temple où ma prière (w. Marignan) 3559 Pathé, Paris 1908 – 1910
48. Rigoletto (Verdi) Quatuor with Vaguet, Marignan & Albers 0791 Pathé, Paris 1910
49. Roi de Lahore (Massenet) Arioso 36677 Odeon, Bruxelles 1906 – 07
50. Roi de Lahore (Massenet) Promesse de mon avenir 0966 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
51. Rondel de l’adieu (de Lara) 0964 Pathé cylinders & discs, Paris 19041905
52. Samson et Dalila (Saint-Saëns) Maudite à jamais 0798 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
53. Sigurd (Reyer) Et toi, Fréïa 402 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
54. Thaïs (Massenet) Duo de l’oasis (w. Marignan) 0975 Pathé, Paris 1907 – 1908
55. Tosca (Puccini) Si pour de beaux yeux 0999 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
56. Traviata (Verdi) Toen gij uw leven 30817 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912
57. Van eene koningsvrouwe (Spoel) 30575 Paris 1906 – 1907