MASSENET: “Werther.” Georges Thill, Ninon Vallin, Germaine...

MASSENET: “Werther.” Georges Thill, Ninon Vallin, Germaine Feraldy, Marcel Roque, others; Opera-Comique Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Elie Cohen. EMI CDHB 63195 (2 compact discs). Two of the reasons French opera seldom receives its due these days are the absences of singers the quality of Thill and Vallin. In this 1931 recording, the sumptuous elegance and purity of Thill’s voice is particularly astonishing. Vallin’s bright Gallic timbre will not appeal to all, but she makes the sometimes syrupy music of Charlotte come to life as it seldom does. Needless to say, the projection of the text is flawless and almost conversational in its intimacy. Orchestral quality is several notches below the singing.