A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Brent, Charlotte

by William H. Husk

BRENT, Charlotte, soprano singer, was the daughter of a fencing master and alto singer, who was the original Hamor in Handel's 'Jephtha' in 1752, and who, on the production at Ranelagh in 1759 of Bonnell Thornton's burlesque 'Ode on St. Cecilia's day,' with Burney's music, admirably accompanied Beard in the Salt-box song 'on that instrument.' Miss Brent was a pupil of Arne's, and first appeared as a singer in Feb. 1758 at a concert given by Cecilia Davies, and next on March 3, 1758, at Drury Lane in Arne's opera 'Eliza,' performed oratorio-wise for his benefit. She sang in opera at Drury Lane during 1758 and 1759. She was then engaged by Beard for Covent Garden, where she appeared Oct. 10, 1759, as Polly in 'The Beggar's Opera,' and where she continued until the close of her theatrical career. In 1762 she reached the summit of her reputation by singing the part of Mandane in Arne's 'Artaxerxes' (produced Feb. 2), which had been written expressly for her. In 1765 she sang at Hereford Festival, in 1766 at that of Gloucester, and in 1 767 at Worcester. In November 1766 she became the second wife of Thomas Pinto, the violinist. [See Pinto.] She continued to sing at Covent Garden until about 1770, when she took to touring with her husband. On April 22, 1784, she appeared for one night in 'Comus' at Covent Garden for the benefit of Hull, the stage-manager. Charles Dibdin described her as 'possessing an exquisite voice,' and being 'a most valuable singer. Her power was resistless, her neatness was truly interesting, and her variety was incessant;' and a later writer said, 'her bravura singing had considerable merit, her execution being neat, distinct, rapid, and at that time unrivalled.' She survived her powers, and lived, forgotten by the public, till April 10, 1802, when she died, in very straitened circumstances, at No. 6 Vauxhall Walk. She was buried April 15, in the churchyard of St. Margaret, Westminster.

[ W. H. H. ]