Jules Diaz de Soria by Fratelli Vianelli with autograph

Jules Diaz de Soria (1843-1919); French baritone.

A remarkable baritone singer, who was born of Jewish Portuguese parents at Bourdeaux on 28 April 1843. His musical ability showed itself early and at 13 he already sang solos. Though a (very active) member of a wine house in his native city and therefore strictly an amateur, Jules Diaz de Soria is as widely known as if he were a professional musician, which he might well have been had he chosen to forsake commerce for music. He has chosen to combine both. He has travelled over the greater part of Europe and has produced the same remarkable effect everywhere from the singular beauty of his voice and the exquisite taste and tact with which he manages it. In Rome, Venice, Vienna, Paris, St. Petersburg, and Athens (where he assisted in founding the Conservatoire) and in other cities of the Continent he is well known in the best and highest musical circles. The same in London, which he visited in 1867 and 1872, and where he made many and lasting friends. Gounod, Felicien David, Massenet, Lenepveu, Faure and others have written pieces expressly for him and his interpretations of the songs of Schubert and Schumann are worthy of all praise. He has appeared also on the boards both at Paris and Nice with success. His voice was a high baritone and his management of it peculiarly good and effective.

The photo has a dedication dated London15 July 1880 and bears the autograph of the singer.