About This Item
Our InchHistoriquesInch collection is devoted to reissuing historic recordings linked to particular performers. This time the focus is on the mezzo-soprano Livine Mertens (Antwerp 1898 - Brussels 1968). 1923 saw her first appearance on the stage on which her whole career was to take place (until 1945) La Monnaie opera house. Her first appearance as Carmen on 1 August 1929 marked a red-letter day her vocal and physical presence made her the uncontested mistress of this role, as crucial for her career as for her life; a Carmen of real stature, of an irresistible realism, a dramatic intensity such as we rarely encounter. The quality of her voice is here magnificently restored in a typical operatic repertoire from the early 20th century- Bizet, Gounod, Massenet, Ravel, Thomas and others, in recordings dating from 1930-32. Meticulous remastering work and the restoration of the correct pitches (the speed of 78 rpm was far from consistent) make it hard to believe that all this dates from almost a century ago. The booklet in four languages is lavishly presented and generously illustrated with rare documents.
