Linley, THOMAS

Linley, THOMAS, English musical composer, was born at Wells in 1732. He first gained a reputation at Bath as teacher of singing and conductor of the concerts in the Assembly Rooms. But in 1775 his son-in-law Sheridan induced him to compose great part of the music for his opera The Duenna, and persuaded him to go to London to superintend its performance. In the following year the two, in conjunction with R. Ford, bought Garrick's share of Drury Lane Theatre. During the next fifteen years Linley was musical director of this theatre, composing numerous occasional pieces and the music of the operas Gentle Shepherd (1781), Carnival of Venice (1781), Selima and Azor (1784), Strangers at Home (1786), Love in the East (1788), &c. Linley's name stands highest, however, as a composer of music for songs and elegies—it is simple, sweet, melodious, and yet lively. He died in London on 19th November 1795. Two of his sons inherited his musical talent, THOMAS (1756-78), who possessed real genius and was a friend of Mozart in Italy, and WILLIAM (1767-1835), who composed a number of glees, songs, &c.