Period

:

Romantic

Genre

:

Opera

 

Thomas Round was a renowned English tenor who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. He was born on June 6, 1915, in the town of Hull, East Yorkshire, England. His father was a music teacher, and his mother was a singer, which meant that music was an integral part of his upbringing. Round's musical talent was evident from a young age, and he began singing in his local church choir when he was just six years old. He later joined the choir of Hull Holy Trinity Church, where he received formal training in music. He also attended the Hull Grammar School, where he continued to hone his musical skills. In 1933, Round won a scholarship to study at the Royal College of Music in London. He studied under the tutelage of renowned vocal coach, Frederic King, and quickly established himself as a talented tenor. He made his professional debut in 1936, singing the role of the Shepherd in Benjamin Britten's opera, "The Rape of Lucretia." Round's career took off in the 1940s, and he became a regular performer at the Royal Opera House in London. He was known for his powerful voice and his ability to convey emotion through his singing. He performed in a wide range of operas, including "La Bohème," "Carmen," and "The Marriage of Figaro." One of Round's most significant achievements was his performance in the world premiere of Benjamin Britten's opera, "Peter Grimes," in 1945. The opera was a huge success, and Round's performance as the character of Bob Boles was widely praised. He went on to perform in many other Britten operas, including "Billy Budd" and "The Turn of the Screw." Round also had a successful career as a concert singer, performing in venues all over the world. He was particularly renowned for his performances of the works of Handel and Bach. He was a regular performer at the annual Proms concerts in London, and he also performed at the Edinburgh Festival and the Glyndebourne Festival. In addition to his performances, Round was also a respected vocal coach. He taught at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and he also gave private lessons to many aspiring singers. He was known for his patient and supportive teaching style, and many of his students went on to have successful careers in the music industry. Round received many awards and honors throughout his career. In 1953, he was awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to music. He was also awarded the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977 and the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002. In 1995, he was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society's Gold Medal, which is one of the highest honors in the classical music world. Despite his success, Round remained humble and dedicated to his craft throughout his career. He continued to perform and teach well into his 80s, and he remained a beloved figure in the classical music world until his death on March 12, 2016, at the age of 100. In conclusion, Thomas Round was a talented and respected tenor who made a significant contribution to the world of classical music. His powerful voice and emotional performances captivated audiences all over the world, and his dedication to teaching ensured that his legacy would live on through the next generation of singers. He will be remembered as one of the greats of the classical music world, and his contributions will continue to inspire and delight audiences for many years to come.

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