MODESTE VOCI: EDMOND CLÉMENT

Edmond Clément (1867, Paris – 1928, Nice) made his stage debut at the Opéra-Comique in 1889, as Vincent in Mireille. He remained first tenor there until 1909, appearing as Ottavio, Tamino, Almaviva, Georges Brown, Fra Diavolo, Gérald, des Grieux, Werther and Hoffmann, among other roles. He also took part in Parisian premieres of Falstaff and Madama Butterfly. He also sang in Brussels, Monte Carlo, Madrid and London, although never at Covent Garden. He joined the Metropolitan Opera, where he performed in 1909-1910 but was not re-engaged. Then it was Boston from 1911 to 1913 where he was very popular. Clément returned to his homeland when the First World War erupted in 1914 and was wounded subsequently while serving with the French army. America heard him again during the early 1920s in concert performances. His last years were spent in semi-retirement inFrance. He gave his last recital at the age of 60 in 1927 and died the following year in Nice.

Although his voice is by no means neither large nor especially beautiful and at first glance not particularly suited to Roméo or Don José (two of his most celebrated roles) Clément was admired for his excellent musicianship and stylish vocalism and last but not least elegant stage presence. Listen to his truly clear and exemplary diction and his polished and imaginative singing: coulours, shades, voix-miste, tempo variations – all the tricks and treats of a truly great singer are there. Never a dull sound. I´m sorry if I might be breaking a rule, but I just was not able to restrict myself to one single audio-example. So listen also to the duet with Geraldine Farrar, how excellent the balance is and how beautifully the voices blend. Duet-singing at its finest.