Gilbert Duprez (1806–1896), tenor and Conservatory professor
1st image: Soirée; 2nd: gravure (1840s); 3rd: Lemercier (c. 1850); 4th: Nadar (1860); 5nd: caricature by Eugène Giraud drawn at soirée April 5, 1861. (Alternative: Dupont)
Gilbert Duprez rose to fame for his groundbreaking ability to sing an operatic high C (C5) from the chest —a feat typically reserved for female sopranos or countertenors.
His Parisian debut in 1837, performing as Arnold in Rossini’s Guillaume Tell, showcased this extraordinary skill, allowing him to tackle demanding roles such as Handel’s Ombra mai fu from Serse. This vocal achievement inspired Eugène Giraud11 to inscribe l’ombre du ténor next to Duprez’ caricature drawing.
Having studied opera in Italy, Duprez built his reputation in Naples and Florence through performances of Lucia di Lammermoor, where he was known simply as Gilbert.
Hector Berlioz later criticized the tenor’s voice, asserting that it had hardened by the late 1840s. However, this may have been an overly severe judgment, given Duprez’s continued operatic success well into the late 1850s.
A highly esteemed guest and performer at de Nieuwerkerke’s vendredi-soirées —notably on February 3, 1854— Duprez frequently sang alongside his friend Roger04a and performed with Ponchard25 and Lefebure-Wély29. Duprez and Roger were regarded as the leading tenors of their time.
During the 1850s, Duprez shifted his focus toward vocal pedagogy. Having served as a professor at the Conservatoire until 1850, he established his own École Duprez and authored two books on vocal training, along with his memoir Souvenir d’un Chanteur.
Although he composed several operas, they did not achieve great success. His most ambitious project, Samson, was begun in 1837 but never completed. However, he presented excerpts from the opera at his salon on Rue Turgot in April 1855 —an event attended by friends including de Nieuwerkerke— where the pieces were warmly received.
In the 1860s, Duprez’ daughter found considerable success as a singer at the Opéra-Comique.
Gilbert Duprez lived to the remarkable age of ninety, leaving behind a lasting legacy in opera and vocal technique.