French mezzo-soprano Célestine Galli-Marié (1837–1905) is a critical figure in operatic history. She created 16 roles in 15 years at the Opéra-Comique, including, most famously, Georges Bizet’s Carmen and Ambroise Thomas’s Mignon. The singing actress of her day, she was noted for her intensity and chameleonic quality. This recording from fellow French mezzo Eva Zaïcik pays tribute to Galli-Marié and the many roles she originated, in what is the 150th anniversary year of both Bizet’s death and the premiere of Carmen.   

Zaïcik’s voice is an appealing one. It’s on the smaller side but clear and warm, with virtuosity – it doesn’t surprise me she got her start in early music. It can also take on a more muscular character when required. Her voice isn’t dissimilar to historical accounts of Galli-Marié’s instrument, described as a light, high mezzo with an attractive timbre. Zaïcik strikes me as a very musical, subtle artist who builds emotion from small details and inflections – her natural sense of restraint might not grab you immediately, but there’s something special here.

Listen to the lovely...