Bizet: En vain pour éviter les réponses amères (from Carmen) (Card aria)

These rare historical recordings include some made by Gramophone and Tipewriter (G & T) in 1904 in Paris with Debussy playing the accompaniment to his own works. Mary Garden was born in Scotland but grew up in Chicago and won a scholarship to study in Paris. She established herself as the favourite singer of Debussy, Massenet and Charpentier. These recordings follow her exceptional career.

This singer possessed a remarkably beautiful voice, an excellent singing technique and a wide vocal range. After her debut in 1899, her career began successfully in Europe. She moved to North America in 1907 and was immensely popular there until her sudden death in 1915. She is particularly remembered for her portrayal of Dalila and Gluck’s Orfeo.