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John McCormackOne of the greatest opera singers of the twentieth century
Country:
 USA |
Content:
Early Life and Training
Born in Ireland in 1884 into a working-class family, John Francis McCormack displayed an early interest in singing. Despite minimal formal vocal training, he won the tenor gold medal at Ireland's "Feis Ceoil" national music festival in 1903.
Bel Canto Tenor
McCormack studied briefly in Italy under Sabatini and returned to London in 1906, seeking professional singing opportunities. In 1907, he became the youngest singer to debut at Covent Garden. Within three years, he was singing in the United States and embarking on a storied concert career that would bring him global fame and multi-million dollar earnings. He became a United States citizen in 1919.
Concert Career
McCormack's concert career spanned over forty years. His first recording was made in 1904, his last in 1942. He sang professionally from 1902 and retired from the stage in 1938, returning one year after his farewell concert to sing at a Red Cross benefit for the World War II effort. He toured, recorded for radio and studios until 1943 when declining health forced him into another retirement.
Legacy
McCormack died in 1945, mourned by his countrymen, British society, many in the United States, and music lovers worldwide. He was an unparalleled performer, mastering both grand opera and Irish folk songs. Few tenors have matched his artistry, graceful performance, impeccable diction, and effortless breath control.
Writings
Six biographies of John McCormack have been published, including one by his wife, Lily McCormack, entitled "I Hear You Calling Me," which was released four years after the tenor's death. Lily noted in her book, "John began writing his memoirs about 1936, but he never had the patience to complete them...." Approximately 175 sheets of pencil-written material were left behind by the great tenor, some of which have been published in the biographies.
McCormack's words, written in 1918, offer a glimpse into his philosophy of singing:
"In the end, what is a song? A message that must be understood. First the melody, then the words that find their way to the mind and heart...
But one of the most difficult tasks in my profession, as difficult indeed as the singing itself, is the selection of material...
First, I give my audience the songs I love. Secondly, I give them the songs they are likely to enjoy and that they will come to love. Thirdly, I give them the folk songs of my country, the most beautiful of them all. Fourthly, I give my listeners the songs they want to hear, the songs they are always waiting for."
