A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Dignum, Charles

by William H. Husk

DIGNUM, Charles, son of a master tailor, was born at Rotherhithe in 1765. His father, being a Roman Catholic, placed him when a boy in the choir of the Sardinian ambassador's chapel in Duke Street, Lincoln's Inn Fields, where his fine voice attracted the attention of Samuel Webbe, the glee composer, then organist there, who undertook to instruct him. On leaving the choir he had no idea of pursuing music as a profession, but was rather solicitous of being sent to Douay to be educated for the priesthood. His father's pecuniary embarrassments however and other circumstances prevented it. He decided on adopting the profession of music, and articled himself to Thomas Linley for seven years. Linley bestowed the utmost attention on his pupil, and would not allow him to sing in public until his powers were sufficiently matured. In 1784 Dignum made his first appearance at Drury Lane Theatre as Young Meadows in 'Love in a Village,' and, although his figure was somewhat unsuited to the part, the beauty of his voice and his judicious singing secured him a favourable reception. He next appeared as the hero in Michael Arne's 'Cymon,' and fully established himself in public favour. In 1787, on the removal of Charles Bannister to the Royalty Theatre, Dignum succeeded to a cast of characters better suited to his person and voice. In 96 [App. p.614 "90"] he gained much credit by his performance of Crop the miller, in Storace's 'No song no supper,' of which he was the original representative. After singing at the theatres, at Vauxhall Gardens, and at concerts for several years, he retired in easy circumstances. He died March 29, 1827. Dignum composed several ballads. He published a volume of songs, duets, and glees, composed and adapted by himself, to which an engraved portrait of him is prefixed.

[ W. H. H. ]