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64 A CENTURY OF BALLADS |
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In 1817 Incledon visited America, where he enjoyed a considerable success. On his return he travelled through the provinces, giving an entertainment under the name of "The Wandering Melodist." Early in 1826 he was seized with paralysis at Worcester, and died after a few days' illness.
Braham made his appearance a few years later than Incledon, and continued singing for many years after the latter's death. It is remarkable that two such exceptionally fine tenor singers should have flourished at practically the same time.
Braham's real name was Abraham. Parke in his Musical Memories tells a story of Braham's little boy, which, he remarks, would appear to establish both the child's and his father's nationality. The boy possessed a very sweet voice, and was once asked to sing by a gentleman dining in the house. He demanded sixpence for a song. " Can't you make it less ? " the gentleman asked. "Not for one," said the child, "but I'll sing you three for a shilling ! "
Braham himself made his initial appearance in public at the age of thirteen. This was at Covent Garden Theatre, April 21, 1787, when the following announcement appeared on the bills: "At the end of Act I, 'The soldier tired of war's alarms,' by Master Braham, being his first appearance on any stage." |
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