HADES

"and John MacCormack I hope and. The best, in fact.
- And madame, Mr Power said smiling. Last but not least.
Mr Bloom unclasped his hands in a gesture of soft politeness and clasped them." (6.222)

John Francis McCormack (1884 - 1945) was an Irish tenor celebrated for his performances of the operatic and popular song repertoires, and renowned for his diction and breath control. In March 1904, McCormack met Joyce, who at the time had singing ambitions himself, and they spent several evenings practicing together. McCormack persuaded Joyce to enter the Feis Ceoil that year, where Joyce, not yet famous as a writer, was awarded the Bronze Medal (3rd prize). MacCormack is seen here during rehearsal for a performance in New York, 1922.