Gustave Charpentier: Louise [New York -- February 20, 1943: Grace Moore, Raoul Jobin, Doris Doe, Ezio Pinza; Sir Thomas Beecham] plus, as a bonus, arias and songs sung by Grace Moore

On Naxos 8110102-04; 3 CD's; Beecham's well-known affection for light music comes through in all the waltzy and Parisian chanson passages. The performance is dominated by Ezio Pinza as Louise's father. Although obviously sung with something of an Italian accent, his characterization is wonderfully vivid, especially in the closing scene as he alternately coaxes and rails against his daughter and the underlying tension and unexplained nature of his obsession is fully portrayed. Doris Doe as the Mother seems rather bland by comparison, although her voice is strong. Raoul Jobin has a nice free top to his voice and makes a first rate Julien; he is the only one of the four principals to have authentic French. Grace Moore was one of the most glamorous figures of the time; her film career by this date was over, but like her near contemporary, Jeanette Macdonald, she had done an enormous amount to help make opera popular in the USA through her films and broadcasts. Moore captivated nearly everyone who met her; her exuberant personality (“'the little Tennessee prima donna” as she called herself) charmed Charpentier himself, and she studied the role with him before singing it at the Opera-Comique in the 1930s. There is never any doubt that she is a woman of spirit, and she sings well and characterizes beautifully. This is very special, wonderful performance, and the set is made even more valuable by the bonus of songs and arias sung by Moore.