M’Guckin, Barton

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M’Guckin, Barton

M’Guckin, Barton , Irish tenor; b. Dublin, July 28, 1852; d. Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire, April 17, 1913. After serving as a choirboy at Armagh Cathedral, he went to Dublin to pursue vocal training and to sing at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In 1874 he made his concert debut in Dublin, and then sang in London in 1875. Following further vocal studies in Milan, he made his operatic debut with the Carl Rosa Opera Co. in Birmingham in 1878, remaining with it until 1887. After touring the U.S. (1887–88), he returned to England and once more sang with the Carl Rosa Opera Co. (1889–96). In addition to his roles in English operas, M’Guckin was especially admired for his portrayals of Des Grieux, which he introduced to English audiences, and of Wilhelm Meister and Don José.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis Mclntire