Frederick Jagel

Frederick Jagel

American tenor
Date of Birth: 10.06.1897
Country: USA

Content:
  1. Biography of Frederick Jagel
  2. Metropolitan Opera Career
  3. Post-Opera Career
  4. Legacy and Death

Biography of Frederick Jagel

Frederick Jagel was an American tenor who performed at the Metropolitan Opera in the 1930s and 1940s. He was born on June 10, 1897 in Brooklyn, New York. Jagel studied vocal music in both New York City and Milan, Italy. His professional debut took place in 1924 in Livorno, where he sang the role of Rodolfo in "La bohème". He performed in Italian regional theaters under the name Federico Jaghelli.

Frederick Jagel

Metropolitan Opera Career

Upon returning to the United States, Jagel made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera on November 8, 1927, singing the role of Radames in "Aida". Throughout his 23-season career at the Metropolitan Opera, he gave 217 performances, portraying 34 different roles, mainly from the French and Italian repertoire. Jagel also frequently participated in radio broadcasts of opera performances from the Met. Some notable recordings include his portrayal of Pollione in "Norma" alongside Croatian soprano Zinka Milanov, and his performance as Edgardo in "Lucia di Lammermoor" with the enchanting Lily Pons.

Post-Opera Career

Jagel continued his singing career in theaters in San Francisco, Chicago, and Buenos Aires until his retirement in 1950. After leaving the stage, he became a vocal teacher in New York City. Among his notable students were tenors Augusto Paglialunga, Robert Moulson, and John Stewart, as well as bass-baritone Justino Diaz. Additionally, Jagel held the position of chairman of the vocal department at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

Legacy and Death

Frederick Jagel passed away on July 5, 1982 in San Francisco, California. He left behind a lasting legacy as an esteemed American tenor and a dedicated teacher, having contributed significantly to the opera world both on stage and through his mentorship of future generations of singers.

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