Description

ALBERT QUESNEL

 

 

 

He was likely of French origin or from the French-speaking part of Canada, possibly Montreal. His career included numerous appearances at the Metropolitan Opera in New York during several seasons: 1901, 1905–1906, 1907–1908, 1913–1914, and 1915–1916. He made his debut there on February 20, 1901, in the role of Zorn in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg.

In the 1910–1911 season, he toured the United States as an assistant artist with the famed soprano Nellie Melba. Before his Metropolitan Opera debut, he reportedly gave concerts in cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, and St. Paul and later performed in various American cities, though his Canadian appearances were rare.

His recordings add complexity to his biography. Six solo recordings of French repertoire, including two arias and two songs, were captured on Edison Amberola cylinders, showcasing a well-developed voice. Additionally, he recorded French songs on American Zonophone records, which identified him as a baritone, leading to some ambiguity about his vocal classification. These conflicting details in his recordings have yet to be fully clarified.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1901 New York Metropolitan Opera

1905-1906 New York Metropolitan Opera

1907-1908 New York Metropolitan Opera

1913-1914 New York Metropolitan Opera

1915-1916 New York Metropolitan Opera

 

TRACKLIST

 

Edison, 7/7/1913 New York, New York

Sweet form that in my dreamy gaze (Lecocq) 82044 2364

 

Edison 4-min cylinders, USA 1914

Cantique de Noël (Adam) BA 2285

Hosanna (Granier) BA 2286

Jocelyn (Godard): Berceuse BA 27172

Tosca (Puccini): Le ciel luisait d’étoiles BA 27173

Mignon (Thomas): Elle ne croyait pas BA 27174

Cid (Massenet): O souverain, ô juge, ô père BA 27175