Description

GHEORGHE FOLESCU (SLOBOZIA NOUA, ROMANIA, 17 SEPTEMBER, 1884 – BUCHAREST, ROMANIA, 17 NOVEMBER, 1939)

 

 

 

 

He received his education at the Bucharest Conservatory, where he studied under Demeter Popovici. In 1911, he made his debut at the Opera in Brașov (Kronstadt) as Alfio in Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana and remained active there until 1913. From 1914 onward, he became a member of the National Opera of Bucharest and was recognized as one of Romania’s most important singers of his era.

He played a significant role in shaping Romanian operatic culture, particularly during the early development of opera in the country. His repertoire was extensive, including roles such as Don Giovanni, Osmin in Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail, Méphistophélès in Gounod’s Faust, the Cardinal in La Juive, Boris Godunov in Mussorgsky’s opera, Ramfis in Verdi’s Aida, Scarpia in Puccini’s Tosca, and the title role in Boito’s Mefistofele.

In addition to his operatic work, he was also a highly regarded concert and oratorio singer, often performing Romanian folk songs. Later in life, he became a respected professor at the Bucharest Conservatory, helping to nurture future generations of Romanian opera talent. He is considered one of the key founders of opera in Romania.

Tragically, he committed suicide in 1939. His life and legacy were later documented in C. Buescu’s book Gheorghe Folescu (Bucharest, 1966).

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1911 Brasov Opera

1914 Bucharest National Opera

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

1. 1) Duce m´asi- 2) Zis-a Mama (Montia) AM 3491 70-1970 HMV
2. Boris Godunov (Mussorgsky) Monolog D16231 HX168 Columbia
3. Boris Godunov (Mussorgsky) Testamentul D16231 HX167 Columbia
4. Faust (Gounod) Balada D15733 H1735 Columbia
5. Faust (Gounod) Serenade D15733 H1734 Columbia
6. Inghetata-I Dunarea (Pessione) AM 1046 15-12952 HMV
7. Jelui-m´asi si n´am cui (Dima) Theodor Rogalski piano AM 3491 70-1969 HMV
8. Pe cărare sub un brad (D. G. Kiriac) Acompaniat de Corul Carmen AM 1040 HMV
9. Și-auzi Mândruțo (D. G. Kiriac) Acompaniat de Corul Carmen AM 1040 HMV
10. Unde aud cucul cântând (Pessione) AM 1046 15-12953 HMV
11. Unde aud cucul cântând D 15737 H 1742 Columbia