Description

EDNA THORNTON (BRADFORD, 1875 – WORTHING, 15 JULY 1964)

She began her vocal studies under the guidance of Mme. Lemmens-Sherrington in Manchester and furthered her training with the renowned baritone Sir Charles Santley in London. Her debut came in 1899 at Daly’s Theatre in London, and by 1904, she was a member of the prestigious Covent Garden Opera.

Her significant roles at Covent Garden included her portrayal of Erda and Waltraute in Wagner’s Ring des Nibelungen under the baton of Hans Richter in 1910. She also sang in the world premiere of Edward Naylor’s opera The Angelus in 1909 and performed in Les contes d’Hoffmann the following year. During World War I, she became a key member of the Beecham Opera ensemble, led by Sir Thomas Beecham, who highly valued her voice. She later performed with the British National Opera Company.

In 1919, she appeared as Komchakovna in Borodin’s Prince Igor at Covent Garden, and she remained with the company until 1924. One of her final notable performances was on May 14, 1923, when she participated in the premiere of Gustav Holst’s opera The Perfect Fool.

She also toured internationally with the Quinlan Opera Company, performing in Canada, Australia, and Africa. After retiring from the stage in 1924, she devoted herself to teaching in London, helping to train the next generation of singers. Her career stands out for its contribution to both the operatic and pedagogical worlds in Britain and abroad.

TRACKLIST

1. Aida (Verdi) O terra addio (w. Austral, Thornton & chorus) 2-054132 Cc2848-2 HMV, London 1923-04-18
2. Carmen (Bizet) Gipsy song (w. chorus Jones-Hudson, Pike & Dawson) X-43207 11590e HMV, London 1910-04-14
3. Carmen (Bizet) Habanera (w. chorus Jones-Hudson, Pike & Dawson) X-43205 11579e HMV, London 1910-04-14
4. Contes d’Hoffmann (Offenbach) Barcarolle (w. Allen) 2-4013 11690e HMV, London 1910-05-13
5. Dido and Aeneas (Purcell) When I am laid in earth 03755 HO 4389-1af HMV, London 18-5-20
6. Entreat me not to leave thee (Gounod) 03180, 3976f HMV, London 1910-01-04
7. Faust (Gounod) Flower song 2-3317 Ho1574ab HMV, London 1915-06-23
8. I know a bank where the wild thyme blows (Horn) (w. Allen) 04061 4199f HMV, London 1910-05-13
9. Land of hope and glory (Elgar) Z-043007 3971f HMV, London 1910-01-04
10. Liza Lehmann, Work a) In a Persian Garden, part 5 Alas that spring should vanish Liza Lehmann; b) In a Persian Garden, part 5 The worldly hope Liza Lehmann with H. Eisdell 04170 HO 1805ac HMV London, 1-5-16
11. Liza Lehmann, Work In a Persian Garden, part 6 They say the lion and the lizard keep Liza Lehmann with H. Eisdell, G. Baker and A. Nicholls 04172 HO 1801 ac HMV, London 1-5-16
12. Lurline (Wallace) Gentle troubadour, Ballad E298 (2-3771) HMV, London 1923-01-19
13. My heart is weary (Goring Thomas) 03122x Ho906ac HMV, London 1915-06-23
14. One morning, oh so early (Scott Gatty) 2-3556 HO 6020-1ae HMV, London 4-1-21
15. Queen of the Night (Smart) (w. Radford) 04131 ac7254f HMV, London 1913-03-28
16. Sunshine and rain (Blumenthal) Z-043008 4094f Zonophone, London 1910-02-18
17. The gleaner’s slumber song (Walthew) 03756 HO 4690 af HMV 4-1-21
18. The leaves and the wind (Leoni) 2-3557 Ho6021-2ae HMV, London 1921-01-04
19. The songs my mother sang (Arthur E. Grimshaw) 2-3770 E298 HMV, London 20-7-22
20. Your King and Country want you (Rubens) 03390 al8099f HMV, London 1914-09-22