Description

 RUTH VINCENT (BORN AMY RUTH BUNN, LONDON, 3 DECEMBER 1873 – LONDON, 8 JULY 1955)

A pupil of Hermann Klein in London, she was a versatile artist whose career transitioned from operetta to musical comedy and later opera. At just 17, she appeared in an operetta by Sullivan, and in 1896, she made her formal debut as Gretchen in Sullivan’s The Grand Duke. This marked the beginning of a significant two-year engagement at the Savoy Theatre in London, where her roles in Gilbert & Sullivan operettas won the hearts of audiences.

In 1903, she took on the title role in the English premiere of Messager’s Véronique at London’s Coronet Theatre. Shifting to musical comedy in 1898, she enjoyed tremendous success in London until 1908. Her career took her to the United States in 1905–06, where she appeared in the American premiere of Véronique at the Broadway Theatre in New York. She also originated roles in new works, including Paraday’s Amasis (1906) and German’s Tom Jones (1907) in London.

Her opera career began in 1910 at Covent Garden Opera, where she debuted as Vrenchen in the English premiere of Delius’s A Village Romeo and Juliet. She captivated audiences in roles such as Hansel in Hansel and Gretel, Micaëla in Carmen, Antonia in The Tales of Hoffmann, and Zerlina in Don Giovanni. Her association with Sir Thomas Beecham led to performances at His Majesty’s Theatre in London.

After World War I, she appeared less frequently but remained a celebrated figure for her rich artistry and seamless ability to transition across genres.

TRACKLIST

1. Comin’ thro’ the rye (trad) A5021 30024-1 Columbia, New York 1906 (early)
2. Home, sweet home (Bishop) 30002 3377-1 Columbia, New York 1906 (early)
3. I wonder if love is a dream (Forster) 2-3044 Ak18544e HMV, London 1914-11-18
4. Killarney (Balfe) A5020 30022-3 Columbia, New York 1906 (early)
5. Pensieroso (Händel) Sweet bird A5086 6016 Columbia, London 1908
6. Perle du Brésil (David) Charmant oiseau A5077 6017 Columbia, London 1908
7. Tom Jones (German) Which is my own true self A5086 6009 Columbia, London 1908
8. Villanelle (dell’Acqua) 30001 3358-1 Columbia, New York 1906 (early)