V0007. GERMAINE MARTINELLI: Songs by Duparc, Fauré, Schubert & Schumann (the latter's Frauenliebe und Leben). (France) Malibran 111, recorded 1931-35, Early Edition, accompanied by 23pp brochure with notes, photos & texts. Final copy! - 3760003771112

CRITIC REVIEW:

“Germaine Martinelli belongs to the most renowned concert and Lieder singers. She has a truly sumptuous and rich voice, delivered by a beautiful legato. French sopranos are said to produce a ‘Gallic edge’ in the upper register. This is not to be found in Martinelli’s voice. She has a dark timbre of an almost mezzo-like quality.

Germaine Martinelli began as a mezzo-soprano and became a dramatic soprano a long time afterwards. She studied with Jean Lassalle, a baritone who had created the part of Massenet’s LE ROI DE LAHORE. She made further private studies with Albert Petit (Garcia method). In 1908, under her maiden name, she sang in a musical matinee with Pablo Casals, Jacques Thibaud and Raphael Pugno. This was her first big success, but it was not until 1919 that her career began. Gabriel Pierné, who was then first conductor of the Concerts Colonne, asked her to sing with him. He was so impressed by her talent, that he engaged her immediately. That was the beginning of a long lasting artistic collaboration and great friendship. She was a soloist in concerts at Colonne, Lamoureux, Padeloup and the society of the conservatoire. She was directed by the most famous conductors: Eugene Ysaye, Ernest Ansermet, Pablo Casals, Henry Tomasi among others. She began to give recitals in 1928 and she had an extremely wide repertory in French and German songs. She sang frequently with Georges Thill, Charles Panzéra, Roger Bourdin and André Pernet. She was awarded with several prizes. She was a star at the French radio (some hundred broadcasts!). In 1941, she decided to retire and became a member of the board of examiners at the Conservatoire de Paris and taught singing until 1963.”ť

- Andrea Shum-Binder, subito-cantabile