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

 

Les boeufs (Dupont) 2492 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912

Les sapins (Dupont) 3523 Pathé, Paris 1906/1907

Louise (Charpentier) Air du père 17832 Edison cylinders, Paris 1907

Lucia di Lammermoor (Donizetti) D’un amour qui me brave 0907 0907 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912

Lucia di Lammermoor (Donizetti) Souviens-toi (w. Affre) P1504 1504-2 Pathé-APGA, Paris 1911

Mes larmes (Schumann); Quand je regarde dans tes yeux (Schumann) 0344 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912

Messaline (de Lara) O nuit d’amour 0912 0912 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912

Mourette (Pons) Des sourires d’enfants 0920 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912

Muette de Portici (Auber) Amour sacré de la patrie (w. Vaguet) 0561 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912

Noël (Adam) 3527 Pathé, Paris 1906/1907

Noël des gueux (Béon) 0956 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912

Otello (Verdi) Crédo 3521 Pathé, Paris 1906/1907

Otello (Verdi) Crédo 17815 Edison cylinders, Paris 1907?

Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Prologue 0398 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912

Panis angelicus (Franck) 4784 Pathé, Paris 1907/1908

Pardon de Ploërmel (Meyerbeer) O puissante magie 0792 Pathé, Paris 1910 – 1912