An anthology of the beginning of recordings with the voices which created the operas of Jules Massenet. A fantastic document on Massenet and on a certain way of "French singing". These 2 CDs demonstrate the evolution of the art of singing Massenet from the beginning of the gramophone to our days. As a bonus we have for the first time the recording of the voice of Lucy Arbell in 3 songs - she was the last egerie of Massenet who gave her a character in all his operas after Ariane. Although all of the singers on this new 2CD set have performed or premiered Massenet operas, they may or may not be performing their original roles on this recording. It is nevertheless a fascinating insight into this style and period of singing.