Description

SYDNEY RAYNER (NEW ORLEANS, 12 SEPTEMBER, 1895 – NEW YORK, 14 SEPTEMBER, 1981)

 

 

 

 

He studied singing in Paris and Milan, where he refined his craft under esteemed teachers.

Career Highlights:

• Debut: Rayner made his professional debut in 1921 at the Teatro Adriano in Rome, performing the role of Rodolfo in G. Puccini’s La Bohème.
• Italian Opera Houses: From 1921 to 1929, he performed at various Italian opera houses, gaining significant experience and establishing his reputation.
• Staatsoper Berlin: In 1929, Rayner appeared at the Staatsoper in Berlin, marking a notable step in his career.
• Paris Debut: In 1930, he made his Paris debut as Julien in Louise at the Opéra-Comique. He became a member of the Opéra-Comique for five years, performing a range of roles.
• Metropolitan Opera: In the spring of 1936, Rayner made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera House in New York, appearing as Don José in Carmen. His performances at the Met were well-received and marked a significant achievement in his career.
• Guest Appearances: Following his time at the Met, Rayner made guest appearances with the San Francisco and Los Angeles Operas. He was also active in concert engagements across the US and Europe.

Legacy: Rayner is remembered for his versatile and powerful tenor voice, which allowed him to excel in both operatic and concert performances.

 

Chronology of some appearances

 

1930 San Francisco Civic Auditorium Tannhauser (Tannhauser)

1930 San Francisco Civic Auditorium Pagliacci (Canio)

1937 New York Teatro Metropolitan Carmen (Don Jose)

1939 New York Hippodrome Theater Rigoletto (Duke)

1939 New York Hippodrome Theater Tosca (Cavaradossi)

1939 New York Hippodrome Theater Traviata (Alfredo)

 

TRACKLIST

 

  

1. Obstination – Fontenailles – Decca F 3327 (en français)
2. A Vucchella – Tosti – Decca F3327 (en italien)
3. I love life (Mana-Zucca) M423, GB4648-1D
4. Parted (Tosti) M423, GB4649-1D
5. Werther – Massenet – « j’aurais sur ma poitrine » – Decca K 685 (en français)
6. Manon – Massenet – « Ah, fuyez, douce image »- Decca K 685 (en français)
7. Carmen – Bizet – « La fleur que tu m’avais jetée » – Decca K677 (en français)
8. Roméo et Juliette – Gounod –« Ah, lève-toi, soleil » – Decca K677 (en français)
9. L’Africaine – Meyerbeer « O Paradis » – Decca M 453 (en français)
10. Au clair de la lune – Leoncavallo – Decca M 433 (en français)
11. Elégie (Massenet) M433 GB4750-2C
12. Mattinata – Leoncavallo – Decca M 437 (en français)
13. Première caresse – Cresenzo – Decca M 437 (en français)
14. Bohème (Puccini) Que cette main est froide Decca T 205
15. Otello – Verdi – « Ora e per sempre, addio » – Decca T 204 (en italien)
16. Rigoletto – Verdi – « La donna e mobile » – Decca M 453 (en français)
17. Aïda – Verdi – «Celeste Aïda”» – Decca T 204 (en italien)
18. Andrea Chénier (Giordano) Un dì all’azzurro spazio K997 Decca
19. Traviata (Verdi) De’ miei bollenti spiriti K995 GA5384-1D
20. Paillasse – Leoncavallo – « Recitar » – Decca T 203 (en italien)