Description

ODETTE LE FONTENAY (PARIS, FRANCE, 6 OCTOBER, 1885 – BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA, 24 NOVEMBER, 1965)

 

 

 

 

She made her debut in France and performed at the Paris Opéra-Comique. In 1913, she left France with her husband, Philip (Philippe) Coudert, a baritone and vocal pedagogue who had studied with Jean de Reszke. The couple moved to New York, and during the 1916–1917 season, she became a member of the Metropolitan Opera. At the Met, she performed in only three operas: Die Zauberflöte, Hänsel und Gretel, and Le Nozze di Figaro.

For the next 15 years, she appeared on stage with her husband in various recitals. The couple had three children but divorced in the 1930s. She made a few recordings for Edison and Victor, showcasing her artistry. From 1935 to 1943, she taught singing at the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, Connecticut.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1916-1917 New York Metropolitan Opera

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

1. Andrea Chénier (Giordano) La mamma morta 82123 5518-B Edison, New York 1917-04
2. Chant hindou (Bemberg) 82125 5702-A Edison, New York 1917-07-2025
3. Coeur et la Main (Lecocq) Par toi, divine créature (w. Langevin) 74006, BA 28290 Edison, New York 1917-04
4. Coeur et la Main (Lecocq) Pardonne, et ne sois pas fâchée (w. Langevin) 74006 BA 28274 Edison, New York 1917-04
5. Faust (Gounod) Alerte! Alerte! (w. Ciccolini & Lazzari) unpubl, 5709-C Edison, New York 1917-07-25
6. Goodbye (Tosti) 82146 6244-B Edison, New York 1918-06-2124
7. I know a lovely garden (d’Hardelot); Yesterday and today (Spross) 80392 5707 Edison, New York 1917-07-2025
8. La Paimpolaise (Botrel-Feautrier) 69431 B19423 Victor, New York 1917-03-29
9. Le Nil (Leroux) 82125 BA 28287 Edison, New York 1917-07-2025
10. Le petit Grégoire (Botrel) 69431 B19424 Victor, New York 1917-03-29
11. Les cloches de Corneville (Planquette) Couplets de Germaine Columbia E3089 43987
12. Let me dream again (Sullivan) unpubl 7781-A Edison, New York 1921-02-0408
13. Madama Butterfly (Puccini) Un bel dì vedremo 82123 5692-B Edison, New York 1917-07-1720
14. Maseillaise (de l’Isle) 80393 5772-C Edison, New York 1917-09
15. Mignon (Thomas) Connais-tu le pays Columbia E3089 44010
16. Rigoletto (Verdi) Quartet (w. Spencer, Bloch & Middleton) 82241 8078-A Edison, New York 1921-06-17
17. Stances à Manon (Delmet) 69695 B19967 Victor, New York 1917-05-31
18. Vous êtes jolie! (Delmet) 69695 B19966 Victor, New York 1917-05-31