Alain Vanzo (1928-2002) was one of the few French tenors of international standing in the postwar era. He, along with such singers as Henri Legay and the Canadian Léopold Simoneau, represented a traditional French lyric style during a period when larger Italian and German vocal styles had become popular.

He also sang the Italian repertory, winning great acclaim at the Palais Garnier in 1960, as Edgardo in Lucia di Lammermoor, opposite Joan Sutherland who was making her debut there. This was the beginning of his international career, appearing at many of the major opera houses in Europe and America. He sang at Carnegie Hall, as Gennaro, in the famous 1965 concert version of Lucrezia Borgia, opposite Montserrat Caballé.

As the years went by, Vanzo extended his repertory to more dramatic roles and became internationally renowned as one of best exponent of the roles of Benvenuto Cellini and Werther. Vanzo never officially retired, singing well into his 60s, mostly in recital, and appearing frequently on French television. He left relatively few commercial recordings, the most famous being Lakmé, opposite Joan Sutherland, conducted by Richard Bonynge.

Excellent Sound. Bonus: excerpts with Janine Micheau, Georges Noré / Jules Gressier, Paris 1953