Irène Joachim (1913-2001) was a French soprano, especially associated with Debussy’s Pelléas et Mélisande. She became one of the defining Mélisandes of the twentieth century.

In the Pristine catalogue she appears in Roger Désormière’s 1941 recording of Pelléas et Mélisande with Jacques Jansen.

Joachim’s singing combined clarity, inwardness and perfectly judged French diction. Debussy’s vocal world needs suggestion, transparency and nerves made of silk.

Her page is essential. Joachim’s Mélisande seems to enter through mist and leave by echo.