Beard, John

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Beard, John (b 1716; d Hampton, 1791). Eng. tenor assoc. with Handel operas and oratorios. Début CG 1734 (Silvio in Handel's Il pastor fido). Ten. parts of his Israel in Egypt, Messiah, Samson, Judas Maccabaeus, and Jephtha were written with Beard in mind. Also sang Macheath in The Beggar's Opera. Manager, CG Th., 1761–7, resigning due to deafness.