Description

FRANCIS RUSSELL (SOUTH WALES, 1895 – 1982)

 

 

 

 

He spent his early childhood in South Wales.  Later he studied singing in Italy. The artist performed mainly in England. In 1925, in the 1929-1931 seasons and in 1936 he appeared at the Covent Garden Opera, in 1935 and in 1938 at the Sadler’s Wells Opera. In the 1940s he toured the major English cities with the Carl Rosa Opera Company. Then he emigrated to South Africa (1947) and soon became chief opera producer.  His stage repertoire was extensive and included roles such as Rodolfo in La Bohème, Pinkerton in Madame Butterfly, José in Carmen, the title hero in Offenbach’s Tales of Hoffmann and the Italian singer in Rosenkavalier. Also appeared as a concert singer.

 

 

TRACKLIST

 

 

Fliegende Holländer (Wagner) Erik’s song 9746 AX 4130 Columbia, London

Fliegende Holländer (Wagner) Steersman’s song 9746 AX 4075 Columbia, London

Madama Butterfly (Puccini) Love duet (w.  Baillie) WAX 4859 9654 Columbia, London, 1929-04-19

Merrie England (German) Vocal Gems (part 1) (w. Licette, Serena, Noble & Carr) AX4961 9893 Columbia, London 1929

Merrie England (German) Vocal Gems (part 2) (w. Licette, Serena, Noble & Carr) AX4962-1 9893 Columbia, London 1929

Sacred Songs Holy city; Nearer my God to Thee; Abide with me (w. Baillie, Serena & Allin) DX296 CAX6163 Columbia, London 1931-0607

Sacred Songs The better land; The Lord is my light; The lost chord (w. Baillie, Serena & Allin) DX296 CAX6164 Columbia, London 1931-0607

The Bohemian Girl (Balfe) Vocal Gems part 1, part 2 (w. Licette, Noble & Brindle) AX4343-1-2 AX4344-1 10737 10738 1928 Columbia, London