The New International Encyclopædia/Beck, Johann Nepomuk

BECK, (1828-1904). An Austrian barytone. He was born in Budapest, where in 1846 his fine voice attracted the attention of the singer Erl, and of Carl Formes, who induced him to study music. After making his debut at Budapest as Ricardo in I Purtani, he obtained in 1853 a position at the Imperial Opera, Vienna, with which theatre he remained associated until his retirement in 1885. His deep barytone voice, of a uniform and beautiful quality throughout, and his effective acting, produced a profound impression. His principal roles were William Tell, Don Giovanni, Hans Sachs, and Alberich. During the last years of his life he was insane.