Singer, who was the foremost English operatic, oratorio and ballad tenor vocalist of the mid-Victorian era. He began his singing career in 1838 but continued his vocal studies until 1847. He soon established himself on the opera and concert stage and became known for his interpretation of ballads. He continued singing through the 1880s and later taught and wrote about singing. By the age of fourteen he was appointed choirmaster of North Cray church and performed organist's duties. He seems to have studied medicine for a year but changed his mind when he gained his adult voice: it was at first a baritone. He also learnt oboe, bassoon, violin, and violoncello and other instruments. He later studied piano under Johann Baptist Cramer. In summer 1843 Reeves studied in Paris under the tenor and pedagogue Marco Bordogni of the Paris Conservatoire. Bordogni was responsible for opening and developing the upper (tenor) octave of his voice into the famous rich and brilliant head notes. His debut in Italian opera was made 1846 at La Scala in Milan as Edgardo in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, partnered by Catherine Hayes: he got a fine reception, and Giovanni Rubini paid his respects in person. In February 1848 he sang Handel's Judas Maccabaeus, at Exeter Hall for John Hullah, Acis and Galatea in March and Jephtha in April and May. He was, meanwhile establishing himself as the leading ballad-singer in England, and had the honor of singing privately for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Michael Costa, Arthur Sullivan and the other leading British composers of the period wrote tenor parts specifically for him.
Singer, who was the foremost English operatic, oratorio and ballad tenor vocalist of the mid-Victorian era. He began his singing career in 1838 but continued his vocal studies until 1847. He soon established himself on the opera and concert stage and became known for his interpretation of ballads. He continued singing through the 1880s and later taught and wrote about singing. By the age of fourteen he was appointed choirmaster of North Cray church and performed organist's duties. He seems to have studied medicine for a year but changed his mind when he gained his adult voice: it was at first a baritone. He also learnt oboe, bassoon, violin, and violoncello and other instruments. He later studied piano under Johann Baptist Cramer. In summer 1843 Reeves studied in Paris under the tenor and pedagogue Marco Bordogni of the Paris Conservatoire. Bordogni was responsible for opening and developing the upper (tenor) octave of his voice into the famous rich and brilliant head notes. His debut in Italian opera was made 1846 at La Scala in Milan as Edgardo in Donizetti's Lucia di Lammermoor, partnered by Catherine Hayes: he got a fine reception, and Giovanni Rubini paid his respects in person. In February 1848 he sang Handel's Judas Maccabaeus, at Exeter Hall for John Hullah, Acis and Galatea in March and Jephtha in April and May. He was, meanwhile establishing himself as the leading ballad-singer in England, and had the honor of singing privately for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Michael Costa, Arthur Sullivan and the other leading British composers of the period wrote tenor parts specifically for him.
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
