ARNE, Thomas
b London, 12 March 1710
d London, 5 March 1778, aged sixty-seven

His father was an upholsterer and coffin-maker, though, surprisingly, he produced a Handel opera. Thomas went to Eton College, played flute and violin and taught himself composition. His sister and brother were both singers, as was his wife, Cecilia, whom he married in 1737, and they all performed in his operas and masques. In 1742 he went to Dublin, where his music was very popular, and on returning to London in 1744 he was appointed resident composer at the Drury Lane Theatre. Henceforth he worked closely with Garrick, who was actor-manager there. In 1759 the University of Oxford conferred on him the degree of doctor of music.
1733 (23)
Rosamund, opera
Opera of Operas, opera
Dido and Aeneas, opera
1736 (26)
Zara, incidental music
1738 (28)
Comus, a masque
1740 (30)
Alfred, a masque (in which occurs 'Rule Britannia')
The Judgment of Paris, opera
1743 (33)
Eliza, opera
Britannia, a masque
1744 (34)
Abel, oratorio
1750 (40)
p Seven trio sonatas for two violins with figured bass
1762 (52)
Artaxerxes, opera
Love in a Village, pasticcio
1764 (54)
Judith, oratorio (possibly 1761)
Olimpiade, opera
1775 (65)
Caractacus, oratorio