Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Lablache, Frederick

593695Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900, Volume 31 — Lablache, Frederick1892George Clement Boase

LABLACHE, FREDERICK (1815–1887), vocalist, eldest son of Luigi Lablache [q. v.], vocalist, was born on 29 Aug. 1815, and educated by his father. About 1837 he appeared at the King's Theatre, London, in Italian opera, and afterwards frequently sang at Manchester with Mario, Grisi, and Favanti. In 1844 he took a part in ‘Così fan tutte’ at Her Majesty's Theatre, and in 1846 in ‘Il Matrimonio Segreto.’ He played the part of Count Rodolphe to Jenny Lind's Amina on her first visit to Manchester, 28 Aug. 1847, and he also appeared with her in other characters under the management of Michael Balfe in 1849. About 1865 he withdrew from the stage, and devoted himself to teaching. He died at 51 Albany Street, Regent's Park, London, 30 Jan. 1887. His son, Luigi Lablache, is a well-known actor.

His wife, Fanny Wyndham Lablache (d. 1877), vocalist, whose maiden name was Wilton, was born in Scotland, studied at the Royal Academy of Music, London, 1836–7, and then made her début at the Lyceum Theatre, afterwards appearing at Her Majesty's Theatre. She was a serviceable vocalist and a teacher of much skill. After her marriage she retired from the stage, and died in Paris 23 Sept. 1877.

[Times, 4 Feb. 1887, p. 11; Theatre, March 1887, p. 173; Brown's Biog. Dict. of Musicians, 1886, p. 369.]