Eleanor Jones-Hudson (1874-1946), the Welsh soprano and wife of the flautist Eli Hudson has appeared here in a number of ensemble recordings, so it seems time to present some of her solo work. In this anniversary year, it’s somehow appropriate to hear her in two of the best known soprano arias by Handel and Haydn. As an extra, there’s an example of her operatic singing, with Musetta’s waltz song in English.

Handel – Messiah – I know that my Redeemer liveth
Haydn – The Creation – With verdure clad
Zonophone The Twin Serial A 10
Matrices 4366f, 4365f (single side numbers Z-043014, Z-043017)
Recorded 31st July 1910
Orchestra
Eleanor Jones-Hudson, soprano
(credited as Madame Deering)

Download – Handel – Messiah – I know that my Redeemer liveth – Eleanor Jones-Hudson

Download – Haydn – The Creation – With verdure clad – Eleanor Jones-Hudson

(mp3 file – right click the link, then select “Save as” or click the play button)

In the Handel aria bars 1- 14, 40-91, 154-160 are omitted.
In the Haydn aria bars 64-82 are omitted

These two sides are very worn, and suffer from blasting on Madame Jones-Hudson’s high notes.

Puccini – La Bohème – Musette’s Song
His Master’s Voice G.C.-3770
Matrix 8837e (single side number 3770)
Recorded 1908
Orchestra
Eleanor Jones-Hudson, soprano

Download – Puccini – La Bohème – Musette’s Song – Eleanor Jones-Hudson

(mp3 file – right click the link, then select “Save as” or click the play button)