Wanted
- We are interested in recordings by Josephine Antoine, coloratura soprano who sang at the Metropolitan Opera from 1936 through 1947. She made at least six commercial recordings for Columbia, but there may be more. Her career also included radio where she appeared on Chevrolet Musical Moments Revue around 1937. Miss Antoine became a regular star on NBC Radio's Carnation Contented Hour with Percy Faith during World War II.
- Until her death in 1971, Miss Antoine was Professor of Music at Eastman School of Music, Rochester, NY. She made her home in Rochester since 1966 and taught voice at Chatauqua Summer Schools. Previous to the position at Eastman she was Assistant Professor of Voice at Arizona State University. She also taught at Indiana University and the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music.
- She trained under the legendary Marcella Sembrich with whom she was often compared. Her voice was remarkable for its bell-like quality in the high register as well as its warmth and power throughout the entire vocal range. Arthur Bodansky of the Metropolitan Opera heard her sing in a student performance of Strauss' "Ariadne Auf Naxos" and arranged an audition with Gatti Casazza. Subsequently she made her Met debut in 1936 as Philine in "Mignon".
- The following are examples of recordings we have.
1. Columbia 69813D; Polonaise: Je Suis Titania (Thomas), Jewel Song (Gounod); 12" 78 rpm. -- 2. Chevrolet Musical Moments Revue: Prog. No. 364, 368; 1937; [Tape of broadcast transcription discs]. -- 3. Armed Forces Radio Service; Melody Hour (Contented Hour): Prog. No. 60; 9/4/44; 16" 33 1/3 rpm. -- 4. Armed Forces Radio Service; Melody Hour (Contented Hour): Prog. No. 63; 10/2/44; 16" 33 1/3 rpm. -- 5. Armed Forces Radio Service; Melody Hour (Contented Hour): Prog. No. 99; 8/13/45; 16" 33 1/3 rpm.
- Still wanted: Columbia 17285-D; My Laddie (Thayer), The Rose and the Nightingale (Rimsky-Korsakov); 10" 78 rpm. Recently found: Columbia 71025-D; Lo! Here the Gentle Lark (Shakespeare-Bishop), The Russian Nightingale (Liebling-Alabiev); 12" 78 rpm.