Lucien Muratore

Lucien Muratore was born in Marseille on August 29th 1876, from Italian descent. He studied music in Marseille, but made his debut as a comedian at the Odéon with Sarah Bernhardt. Muratore pursued his vocal studies at the Paris conservatory and made his debut at the Opéra-Comique creating La carmélite, by Reynaldo Hahn, in 1902. In 1904, Muratore sang Werther at the Monnaie. In 1905, Muratore replaced Affre as Renaud in Gluck's Armide at the Opéra. Muratore's roles during his tenure at the Opéra included Faust, La Catalane, Monna Vanna, Le miracle, Roma, and Ariane. In Monte Carlo, Muratore sang Satan, an opera by Gunsbourg. In 1913, Muratore sang Ulysse in Fauré's Pénélope at the Champs-Élysées theater. Until 1920, Muratore sang in Buenos Aires, and with the Chicago opera. He last appeared at the Opéra-Comique in 1932. He was married first to Marguerite Berizza, then to Lina Cavalieri. He took part in silent (!) movies in the USA and talking movies in France. He ended his career singing Orphée aux enfers at the Théâtre Mogador with Dearly, Oudart, and Beaujon. During the Second World War, Muratore was briefly the director of the Opéra-Comique. He died forgotten on July 16th, 1954. Even his daughter was wondering why people would go to the opera.

A six records set recorded during an interview of Muratore on the French radio.

Lucien Muratore sings La favorite: Ange si pur

Lucien Muratore sings Mireille: Anges du paradis

Lucien Muratore sings L'Africaine: Ô paradis

Lucien Muratore sings Magali (Mistral)

I would like to thank Anton Bieber for the recordings and label scans (Africaine, Mireille, Favorite, Magali).

I would like to thank Thomas Silverbörg for the recordings (Cavalleria, Monna Vanna).

I would like to thank Martin Cooke for the pictures (bottom 6).