Jean-Alexandre Talazac

Who was Jean-Alexandre Talazac?

Jean-Alexandre Talazac, was a French operatic tenor, particularly associated with the French repertory.

Talazac was born in Bordeaux. He studied at the National Conservatory of Music in Paris, and made his debut in 1877 at the Théâtre Lyrique. In 1878, he made his debut at the Opéra-Comique, where he was to enjoy his greatest success, creating there the title role in Les contes d'Hoffmann on February 10, 1881, Gérald in Lakmé on April 14, 1883, des Grieux in Manon on January 19, 1884, and Mylio in Le roi d'Ys on May 7, 1888. He also sang at the Paris premiere of Samson et Dalila at the Théâtre Lyrique, on October 31, 1890.

In 1889, he first appeared at the Royal Opera House in London, as Alfredo in La traviata, Faust, and Nadir in Les pêcheurs de perles. He also made guest appearances at the Monte Carlo Opera, La Monnaie in Brussels, and the Teatro Nacional Sao Carlos in Lisbon. He was also active in concert and recital.

Other notable roles included; Méhul's Joseph, Tamino in Die Zauberflöte, Wilhelm Meister in Mignon, Fernand in La favorite, Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, and Raoul in Les Huguenots.

A highly stylish singer noted for the purity and brilliance of his voice, he was married to soprano Hélène Fauvelle in 1880; she gave up her career after her marriage. He died in Paris.