Julian Biel (Tenor) (Saragossa 1869 – Barcelona 1948)

                                                                Don Jose

At first he worked as a painter. He was a student of Antonio Cotogni in Rome. In 1900 he made his debut at the Teatro Reale in Madrid as Radames in ‘’Aida’’. In 1901 he moved to the Principal Theater in Sargossa where he appeared with famous baritone Marino Aineto and Fidela Gardeta. The next year he sang at  the Teatro de la Ópera in Buenos Aires where he again performed the role of Radames in Verdi’s ‘’Aida’’. In 1903 Biel debuted at the Teatro Liceo in Barcelona as Vasco in ‘’L’Africana’’. From 1903 to 1907 he performed regularly at the Teatro Reale in Madrid and also made guest appearances in Europe. In Italy Biel made his debut in Bologna as Manrico in ‘’Il Trovatore’’, then he performed at La Scala in Milan again as Manrico in ‘’Il Trovatore’’ under A. Toscanini who considered him best interpreter of the role of Manrico. From 1905 to 1906 Biel rivalled in Covent Garden with Caruso. He also made guest appearances in France, Belgium, Alemania, Portugal and Russia. In 1917 for psychological problems Biel moved back to Spain where he taught singing. He died forgotten by all.

Chronology of some appearances

1900 Madrid Teatro Reale Aida (Radames)
1901 Sargossa Principal Theatre
1902 Buenos Aires Teatro de la Opera Aida (Radames)
1903 Barcelona Teatro Liceo L’Africana (Vasco)
1903-1907 Madrid Teatro Reale
1905-1906 London Covent Garden

RECORDINGS FOR SALE

 

G&T, Milano 1903-02

Africana (Meyerbeer): O paradiso 52691 3065b

Trovatore (Verdi): Ah si ben mio 52692 3066b
Aida (Verdi): Celeste Aida 52696 3079b
Trovatore (Verdi): Di quella pira 52695 3078b

Juive (Halevy): Rachele allor che iddio 52697 3101b