William Candidus facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Candidus
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| Born | 23 July 1840  Philadelphia |
| Died | 1910 (aged 69–70) |
| Occupation | Opera singer |
William Candidus was an American opera singer. He was born in Philadelphia on July 23, 1840. He passed away in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, in April 1910.
Contents
Early Life and Music
William Candidus started his musical journey in 1861. He sang as a bass in several musical groups in Philadelphia. A bass is the lowest male singing voice.
Service in the Civil War
During the American Civil War, William Candidus served in the military for three years. He was part of the 2nd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery. He rose through the ranks and became a major.
Voice Change During War
Something amazing happened during his time in the military. His voice slowly changed. It went from a deep bass voice to a higher tenor voice. A tenor is a high male singing voice.
After the War
After the war ended, William Candidus got a job at Steinway & Sons in New York City. This company makes pianos. He worked there as a "tone regulator," which means he helped make sure the pianos sounded perfect.
Joining Music Societies
While in New York, he joined two music groups: the Arion and the Liederkranz societies. These groups were for people who loved to sing.
Opera Career Begins
Soon, William Candidus decided to focus on becoming an opera singer. He traveled to Europe to study.
Studying in Europe
- He first studied in Berlin with a teacher named Konapazeck.
- He made his first public appearance in an opera in Weimar. He sang in an opera called Stradella.
- Later, he studied in Milan, Italy, with another teacher named Rouchetti.
Singing in Frankfurt
In 1880, William Candidus became a member of the opera company in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. He sang there for five years.
Return to America
In the autumn of 1885, he returned to the United States. He joined the American Opera Company.
