Description

CHARLES MORATI (ALGER, 30 JUNE, 1875 – BUFFALO, 1956)

 

 

 

 

Charles Morati, a distinguished French tenor, studied at the Paris Conservatoire, where he received training under notable figures in the operatic world, including Edmond Duvernay and Melchissédec. These formative years helped shape his vocal technique and solidify his reputation as a promising opera singer.

Early Career and Key Performances

Morati’s professional debut occurred at the Opéra in Algiers in 1904, where he performed in the opera Sigurd, marking the beginning of a solid career in European opera.

In Paris, Morati appeared at the Opéra-Comique in October 1904. His notable roles included singing in Cavalleria rusticana, where he was featured alongside Cazaux, Mme Duchène (Lucia), and Mme Vallandri (Lola). He also participated in La traviata, further establishing his presence in the French operatic scene.

Brussels and Expanding Roles (1906-1909)

Morati continued to build his career in Brussels at the Monnaie theater. In the 1906-07 season, he performed in Les amaryllis on February 8, 1907, alongside Mme Korsoff, Mme Bourgeois, and Sylvain Dupuis. This engagement was followed by his involvement in Prodaná nevěsta (The Bartered Bride) on February 27, 1907, a production in which he performed with a variety of notable cast members, including Belhomme, Dua, and Caisso.

During the 1907-08 season, Morati appeared in Fortunio on January 4, 1908, where he shared the stage with Declery, Bourbon, and other prominent artists, solidifying his reputation in major operatic roles.

In 1908-09, Morati continued his successful career with notable performances such as Katharina on February 27, 1909, at the Monnaie, where he starred alongside Lestelly, Petit, and Artus, performing a total of 17 appearances. He also sang in Lakmé and Werther, further demonstrating his versatility in both dramatic and lyrical operas.

Concerts and Engagements

In 1908, Morati performed in Spa, Belgium, adding to his concert repertoire, and further expanding his recognition as a respected tenor.

Later Performances in Nice (1910)

In 1910, Morati continued his work in French opera, appearing in Nice on January 26 in the opera La glu, where he performed alongside Claire Friché and Geneviève Vix. This performance, one of his final in the early part of his career, further contributed to his growing legacy as an accomplished tenor.

After a successful career in European opera, Charles Morati eventually settled in Buffalo, New York, where he transitioned to a focus on concert performances rather than his earlier operatic roles.

On January 14, 1914, Morati declared his intention to become a U.S. citizen, a decision that would mark a new chapter in his life. Three years later, on April 14, 1917, he formally petitioned for citizenship, and he was officially granted it on July 17, 1917.

During this period, Morati appears to have shifted his professional focus toward concert singing, continuing to perform across the U.S.

 

 

TRACKLIST

 

1. Adorables tourments 7217 2579 Emerson, USA 1917
2. Adorables tourments E3556 58138 Columbia, New York 1917
3. Hantise d’amour E3556 58235 Columbia, New York 1917
4. L’Africaine (Meyerbeer) Ô paradis 7217 2531 Emerson, USA 1917
5. Martha (Flotow) M’appari 7247 2620 Emerson, USA 1917
6. Manon (Massenet) Ah fuyez, douce image 7247 2659 Emerson, USA 1917
7. Obstination 7229 2485 Emerson, USA 1917
8. Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) Vesti la giubba 7167 2475 Emerson, USA 1917
9. Pour un baiser (Tosti) 7218 2484 Emerson, USA 1917
10. Trovatore (Verdi) Misérère 25893 Columbia cylinders, Paris 1902/1903