Birth

:

November 4, 1889 in Worcester, MA

Death

:

January 1, 1942 in New York City, NY

Genre

:

Opera

 

 

Vocal

 

Charles Hackett was a renowned American tenor who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music during the early 20th century. He was born on December 22, 1889, in Walsall, Staffordshire, England, to a family of musicians. His father, William Hackett, was a well-known baritone, and his mother, Mary Hackett, was a pianist. Charles showed an early interest in music and began singing in church choirs at a young age. In 1905, Charles and his family moved to the United States, where he continued his musical education. He studied voice with William Shakespeare and piano with his mother. He also attended the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, where he studied under the tutelage of Arthur J. Hubbard. Hackett made his professional debut in 1913, singing the role of the Duke in Verdi's Rigoletto with the Boston Opera Company. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. In 1915, he joined the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, where he performed for the next 20 years. Hackett's repertoire included a wide range of operas, from Mozart's Don Giovanni to Wagner's Tristan und Isolde. He was particularly renowned for his performances in French operas, such as Gounod's Faust and Massenet's Werther. He also sang in several world premieres, including Deems Taylor's The King's Henchman and Frederick Converse's The Pipe of Desire. One of Hackett's most memorable performances was in the title role of Richard Strauss's opera, Der Rosenkavalier, which he sang at the Metropolitan Opera in 1919. His portrayal of the young lover, Octavian, was praised for its sensitivity and emotional depth. He also received critical acclaim for his performances in Puccini's La Bohème and Tosca. Hackett was known for his exceptional vocal range, which allowed him to sing both tenor and baritone roles. He was also admired for his ability to convey the emotional nuances of a character through his singing. His performances were marked by a sense of passion and intensity that captivated audiences. In addition to his work in opera, Hackett was also a prolific concert singer. He performed in recitals throughout the United States and Europe, singing a repertoire that included art songs, oratorios, and lieder. He was particularly renowned for his performances of Schubert's Winterreise and Schumann's Dichterliebe. Hackett received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. In 1924, he was awarded the Légion d'honneur by the French government for his contributions to French music. He was also awarded the Gold Medal of the National Institute of Arts and Letters in 1935. In 1940, he was elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Hackett retired from the Metropolitan Opera in 1935, but continued to perform in concerts and recitals until the late 1940s. He also taught voice at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He died on March 19, 1951, in New York City, at the age of 61. Charles Hackett was a gifted and versatile musician who left an indelible mark on the world of classical music. His powerful voice, emotional depth, and dynamic stage presence made him one of the most celebrated tenors of his time. His legacy continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and music lovers.

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