Description

CARMEN FORTÉ (1886 – 1964)

She was a French violinist, renowned for her work as a performer and educator. She graduated from the Paris Conservatory in 1901, studying under Augustin Lefort. Forté began her concert career with a series of performances in Paris in 1904, often collaborating with pianist Jeanne Blanchard. However, her performances received lukewarm critical acclaim, with the praise leaning more towards Blanchard than Forté herself.

Her career as a violinist was marked by the perception of her artistry being compromised by her femininity, a sentiment expressed by composer and librettist Auger de Lassus. Despite this, Forté made a notable contribution to the world of music. In 1903, she recorded around 40 wax cylinders for the Pathé company, featuring violin miniatures.

Throughout her career, Forté performed widely in Paris and other French cities, specializing in chamber music as both a soloist and ensemble member. In 1927, she was the first performer of Jean Crass’s string trio, alongside violist Pierre Brun and cellist Louis Fournier. Crass even dedicated a piece to the trio. Additionally, works were written specifically for her, such as Reynaldo Hahn’s Nocturne for violin and piano (1906) and Georges Migaud’s Suite for violin and orchestra (1931).

In the 1940s, Forté transitioned to teaching at the Paris Conservatory, where she became an influential mentor to students, including violinist Marie-Claude Theuveny.

TRACKLIST

1. Ave Maria (Bach-Gounod) Pathé 8575 6466
2. Chanson du Printemps (Mendelssohn) Pathé 8350
3. Danse macabre (Saint-Saens) Pathé 8559 3039
4. Les Noces de Jeannette (Lecocq) Fantaisie Pathé 8565 2392
5. Loin du bal (Gillet) Pathé 8555
6. Reverie (Schumann) Pathé 8687 2352
7. Tesoro mio waltz Pathé 8264
8. Thais (Massenet) Meditation Pathé 8578
9. Valse de Faust (Gounod) Pathé 8554