Savage first came to prominence as a boy treble in 1735, singing in a revival of Handel's Athalia and in Alcina during the composer's Covent Garden season. The role of Oberto in Alcina was specially composed with his voice in mind and was added to the score at a later time in order just to cast him. After his voice had broken, he initially continued his career singing as an alto (countertenor), and later turned into a bass.
Savage initially gained recognition as a boy tenor in 1735, performing in a revival of Handel's Athalia and Alcina during the composer's Covent Garden season. The part of Oberto in Alcina was specifically written with his voice in mind and was later added to the score solely for him.