Hugh Talbot facts for kids
Hugh Talbot (born Hugo Talbot Brennan on October 15, 1844 – died October 31, 1899) was an Irish singer with a high, clear voice, known as a tenor. He is most remembered for being the first person to play the role of Frederic in the famous Gilbert and Sullivan opera, The Pirates of Penzance, when it first opened in New York. Interestingly, his performance in this role received very tough reviews from critics.
Talbot began his singing career in Italy in 1872. He then performed in Italian operas in England between 1877 and 1878. In 1879, he was hired by Richard D'Oyly Carte, a famous theatre manager, to create the role of Frederic. After the critics' harsh comments, Talbot toured with other opera companies in America, but without much success. He eventually settled in California in 1881, where he became a well-known voice teacher.
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Hugh Talbot's Musical Journey
Early Life and Training
Hugh Talbot was born at Portobello Barracks near Dublin, Ireland. His birth name was Hugo Talbot Brennan. He was one of six children in his family. By 1851, his family had moved to London, England. As a young boy, he reportedly sang in a church choir. Later, he worked as a clerk for a lawyer.
By 1868, Talbot was singing as an amateur tenor. He performed with groups like the Moray Minstrels. In 1872, he traveled to Italy to study music more seriously. There, he started performing under the name Signor Ugo Talbo. He sang in several operas, including Rigoletto by Giuseppe Verdi, Faust, and La Forza del destino. He also performed in concerts until about 1876.
Returning to England's Stage
In 1877, Talbot came back to Britain. He became a main tenor at Her Majesty's Theatre with Mapleson's Italian Opera company. Still using the name Ugo Talbo, his first role was the Duke in Rigoletto. While one newspaper, The Times, generally praised him, it also said he still had a lot to learn. Another paper, The Era, called him "a new tenor of considerable merit." They noted his "excellent voice" and good stage presence.
He also played the main role in Faust alongside a famous singer named Christina Nilsson. However, by the end of that season, The Musical Times felt that Talbot's initial warm welcome had faded. In August of that year, he went on a two-month concert tour in Scandinavia. After Christmas, Talbot rejoined the Mapleson company. He continued to tour with them in 1878. After this, he mostly appeared in a few concerts.
Joining D'Oyly Carte and Pirates
In the autumn of 1879, Richard D'Oyly Carte sent one of his theatre groups to America. They were going to perform the first official production of H.M.S. Pinafore. This company was also getting ready for the premiere of the next Gilbert and Sullivan opera, The Pirates of Penzance, which would open in New York.
Pinafore opened in New York City on December 1, 1879. Hugh Talbot was cast in the main tenor role of Ralph Rackstraw. A review in The New York Times said that Talbot had "a light, pleasant tenor voice." They also noted he was "the best actor" in that role.
The Pirates of Penzance Premiere
On December 31, 1879, Hugh Talbot created the role of Frederic in The Pirates of Penzance. His performance as Frederic was one of the most criticized opening night performances in any Gilbert and Sullivan opera. Almost every critic wrote very negative reviews about him.
Even Arthur Sullivan, one of the creators of the opera, was unhappy. He wrote to his mother that Talbot was "vain and empty-headed." Sullivan added that Talbot "very nearly upset the piece on the first night as he didn't know his words, and forgot his music." Talbot stayed with the company in New York until March 6, 1880. He left after an argument with W. S. Gilbert, the other creator of the opera. During this time, he briefly traveled to Philadelphia to play Frederic for the opening of Carte's Second American Company. He also performed a few more times in Boston and New York.
W. S. Gilbert, who wrote the words for the operas, had some challenges with his tenors. Because of these experiences, the tenor roles in the next two operas, Patience and Iolanthe, were made much smaller and less important.
Life After D'Oyly Carte
After leaving D'Oyly Carte, Talbot toured the United States with Tagliapietra's Opera Company. He performed in operas like Il Trovatore, Faust, and Martha. Next, he joined the Blanche Roosevelt English Opera Company. He played Epitmethius in a show called The Masque of Pandora in Boston in 1881, but this production was not successful.
Still performing as Signor Ugo Talbo, he then joined another opera company for a few weeks. He sang in Faust and Mefistofele. After this, in August 1881, he moved to San Francisco, California. There, he joined Inez Fabbri's opera company, performing in Carmen and La Dame blanche. However, that season was also not successful.
Despite these challenges, Hugh Talbot lived the rest of his life in California. He continued to sing in concerts and became a very successful singing teacher.
Talbot passed away in Stockton, California, in 1899.
