Above: Patricia Brooks
One of my dearest memories from my early opera-going experiences is of my first PELLEAS ET MELISANDE, in a lovely production at New York City Opera in 1970. Debussy’s haunting score moved me, even though it was not always easy to comprehend. And the poetry of the words conveyed a sense of mystery; since I had studied French in high-school (with a native-born Frenchwoman as my teacher) it was engrossing to listen to the language being sung.
One of the most memorable portrayals in the superb cast was that of the mysterious, fragile Mélisande by Patricia Brooks. Apart from her iconic Violetta, Mélisande was the Brooks role that I recall most vividly. I was so excited to find this recording on YouTube.
Read more about this soprano here.
Julius Rudel is the conductor, with the following cast:
Arkel – Malcolm Smith; Geneviève – Francis Bible; Golaud – Louis Quilico; Pelléas – André Jobin; Mélisande – Patricia Brooks; Yniold – Robert Puleo; Physician – Don Yule; Shepherd – William Ledbetter
The above names may be largely forgotten by now, some 55 years on. To me they were remarkable artists who played a part in my abiding passion for opera.
If you are not familiar with the Brooks voice, this will give you an idea of her unique qualities as a singer:
Patricia Brooks as Violetta – w Molese – NYCO – 9~28~69
Oberon's Glade 