3-053-682 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

M. Faure, 1873. Engraving from a photograph by Messrs. Elliott and Fry. 'M. Faure early attained eminence in his own country...The character in which he made the earliest impression in this country was Mephistopheles, in the production of Gounod's Faust at the Royal Italian Opera ten seasons ago. Merely as a piece of acting this was, and is, one of the most highly studied and perfectly executed representations ever seen, either on the opera stage or in performances of what is called the "regular drama."...Added to this is a baritone voice of pure quality, used with all the skill and style of cultivated art and systematic study. Here we have a combination of merits such as has rarely been realised by a stage singer. Another fine performance of the same kind is one that was repeated this week, for the first time this season - that of Caspar in "Der Freischütz." Among the many high merits of M. Faure is undoubtedly that of versatility, both as a musical and a dramatic artist. In Italian opera, and in adaptations of that of Germany, he is equally admirable - for example, as Don Giovanni and Figaro. Perhaps the highest proof yet given by M. Faure of his histrionic power has been afforded by his fine performance as Hamlet in M. Thomas's opera'. From "Illustrated London News", 1873.