Hugues-Adhemar Cuenod Swiss singer (tenor). Date of Birth: 26.06.1902 Country: Switzerland

1. Early Life and Musical Education
2. Early Career
3. London and New York
4. International Recognition
5. Return to the Stage
6. Extensive Repertoire
7. Creative Longevity
8. Legacy

Early Life and Musical Education

André-Ernest Cuenod was born in the Swiss town of Corseaux-sur-Vevey, into a family with a musical background. Influenced by the vibrant musical atmosphere of the nearby resort town of Vevey, Cuenod developed a passion for music from a young age. He enrolled at the Basel Conservatory, where he studied under Willy Rehberg and Colette Wisse. Later, he furthered his training in Vienna under Hermine Singer-Burian, a pupil of Rosa Papier.

Early Career

Throughout the 1920s, Cuenod participated in intimate concerts in Vienna and Paris. In 1928, he made his professional debut in Paris in Ernst Krenek's opera "Jonny spielt auf." This role paved the way for his burgeoning career in France, including collaborations with Vincent d'Indy's orchestra, where he performed tenor solos in Bach's oratorios.

London and New York

In 1929, Cuenod made his way to London for the premiere of Noel Coward's musical "Bitter Sweet." He then accompanied the London company to Broadway, where he recorded spirituals with his own piano accompaniment.

International Recognition

In the 1930s, Cuenod divided his time between Paris, the United States, and Switzerland. He taught at the Geneva Conservatory from 1940 to 1946 and participated in concert performances of Stravinsky's "Les Noces," Igor Markevitch's "Paradise Lost," and Arthur Honegger's "Danse macabre." Notably, Cuenod's involvement in Nadia Boulanger's pioneering recordings of Claudio Monteverdi's works laid the foundation for future interpretations.

Return to the Stage

Cuenod returned to the stage in 1943 in a production of Johann Strauss Jr.'s "Die Fledermaus." His career reached its peak in the 1950s, with performances at Milan's La Scala, the Glyndebourne Festival, and London's Covent Garden. He created the role of Sellem in the world premiere of Stravinsky's "The Rake's Progress" in 1951.

Extensive Repertoire

Cuenod's repertoire was remarkably diverse, ranging from medieval and Renaissance works to contemporary compositions. He recorded Bach's "St. Matthew Passion" under Ernest Ansermet and songs by Gilles Binchois and Guillaume de Machaut. His collaborations with Dinu Lipatti included works by Heinrich Schütz and François Couperin.

Creative Longevity

Cuenod's career extended into his later years. In the 1970s and 1980s, he focused on chamber music, particularly French vocal works by Erik Satie, Gabriel Fauré, Debussy, Roussel, and Poulenc. At the age of 84, he made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in Puccini's "Turandot." His final stage appearance came in 1994, reprising his role as Triquet in "Eugene Onegin."

Legacy

André-Ernest Cuenod's exceptional vocal abilities and musical versatility have left an enduring legacy. His recordings and live performances continue to inspire musicians and audiences worldwide.