The Quest for the First Complete Opera Recording

Despite the rich history of operatic performances, the question of identifying the first complete opera recording can be both fascinating and complex. This article aims to unravel the enigma surrounding this historical milestone, exploring the early attempts at capturing opera on record and determining the true pioneer.

A Strange Engagement with Ernani

The search for the first complete opera recording was initially entangled in the notorious 'Compilations' of Ernani, a recording purported to span from 1903 to 1904. However, upon closer examination, it was revealed that this so-called complete recording featured five different sopranos performing the part of Elvira! and was released between 1905 and 1906. This compilation, while extensive, lacked the consistency and completeness required to claim the title of the first recorded complete opera.

Early Attempts: Gounod's Faust

Moving towards a more plausible candidate, the recording of Gounod's Faust, issued by French GT, is considered by many to be the earliest effort to record an entire opera. This 24-sided recording, likely released around the end of 1904, stands out for several reasons. First, it attracts attention due to its almost entirely consistent cast, a rarity in early opera recordings. The accompaniment of the orchestra sounds unusually full for the time, and the recording even claims to include parts of the Paris Opéra's chorus, an unprecedented inclusion in opera recordings of the era.

The recording features several notable vocalists. Léon Beyle (1871-1922) as Faust, Antoinette Laute (1876-) as Marguerite, Henri Weber (1875-1940) as Valentin, and André Gresse (1868-1937) as Méphistophélès. Despite significant portions of the opera being missing, the fact that it was recorded in a continuous sequence, mirroring the score's order, indicates a concerted effort to present an almost complete recording.

The Controversial I Pagliacci

The 1907 recording of Leoncavallo's I Pagliacci is another contender. Although this recording is recognized by most collectors and is impressive for its instrumental and vocal performances, it does not quite meet the criteria of a complete recording. Unlike the earlier GT Faust recording, the I Pagliacci recording is a single-act opera, with music cuts typical of the era. Additionally, the set was not issued as a complete package, with only 15 of the 21 sides being released in the United States. This makes it less of a testament to a technical accomplishment and more of a financial decision by the record company.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while several early recordings attempted to capture the essence of opera, Gounod's Faust by GT is considered by many to be the earliest and most consistent effort to record an entire opera in a complete form. The quest for the first complete opera recording, however, remains an intriguing and multi-faceted exploration of early recording history. As new discoveries are made and historical records are re-evaluated, the story of the first complete opera recording continues to evolve.