V0021. PIERRE MOLLET, w.Ernest Ansermet & Samuel Baud-Bovy Cond. Orchestre de la Suisse Romande: Songs by Duparc, Ravel, Poulenc, Vellones & Brahms. (Switzerland) Cascavelle VEL 2011, Live Performances, 1953-69, Genève. Very long out-of-print, Final Sealed Copy! - 7619930201116

CRITIC REVIEW:

“Pierre Mollet was born in Switzerland, 23 Mar 1920, then became a naturalized Canadian in 1974. While directing amateur choirs he studied voice at the Lausanne Conservatoire with Charles Panzéra and obtained a second prize at the 1946 Geneva International Competition for Musical Performers. He moved to Paris in 1947, taking courses in interpretation with Nadia Boulanger, with whom he participated in many concerts. Between 1948 and 1962 he made extensive tours in France and North Africa for the JM in addition to being soloist with Parisian orchestras. He took part in several festivals, including those of Strasbourg and Aix-en-Provence, and made his debut in 1952 at the Opéra-Comique in the role of Pelléas (PELLÉAS ET MÉLISANDE). He recorded the role the same year for Decca-London under the direction of Ernest Ansermet and later sang the role almost 100 times in major cities of Europe and South America.

Mollet came to Canada in 1967 as a jury member at the JMC (YMC) national competition and as soloist with the Orchestre de la Suisse romande at the World Festival of Expo 67. He settled in Montréal, teaching 1968-78 at the CMM. He also taught at the JMC Orford Art Centre in 1967, 1968, and 1974, gave many recitals in Québec devoted to the Lied and to French art song, and performed on the CBC. In 1980 he founded the Ensemble vocal Arioso, which specializes in repertoire for the male voice with or without accompaniment. In 1985, with the Orchestre métropolitain under the direction of Bernard Jean, Mollet premiered ‘Hiver dans l'âme’ dedicated to him by its composer André Prévost. The next year he gave its European premiere with the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra at the Nyon Festival in Switzerland. In 1990, Mollet was pursuing his career as a recitalist in Quebec and Europe.”

- Gilles Potvin, HISTORICA CANADA