Role

:

Composer

Birth

:

March 5, 1756

Death

:

August 5, 1778

Period

:

Classical

Genre

:

Choral

 

 

Vocal

 

Thomas Linley (The Younger) was a prominent English composer and musician of the 18th century. He was born on May 7, 1756, in Bath, England, to Thomas Linley (The Elder) and Mary Johnson. His father was a well-known musician and composer, and his mother was a singer. Thomas Linley (The Younger) grew up in a musical family and showed an early interest in music. At the age of six, Thomas Linley (The Younger) began taking music lessons from his father. He showed remarkable talent and quickly became proficient in playing the violin, harpsichord, and organ. He also had a beautiful singing voice and often performed with his siblings in concerts organized by his father. In 1770, Thomas Linley (The Younger) was sent to London to study music under the famous composer and organist, William Boyce. He spent two years in London, during which he honed his skills and composed several pieces of music. He returned to Bath in 1772 and became a prominent figure in the city's musical scene. Thomas Linley (The Younger) composed music in various genres, including operas, oratorios, cantatas, and instrumental music. His most famous work is the opera, "The Duenna," which premiered in 1775. The opera was a huge success and was performed over 80 times in London and other cities. It was praised for its beautiful melodies, witty libretto, and lively characters. In addition to "The Duenna," Thomas Linley (The Younger) composed several other operas, including "The Persian," "The Royal Merchant," and "The Tempest." He also composed oratorios, such as "The Song of Moses," "The Song of Miriam," and "The Song of Deborah." His cantatas, such as "The Choice of Hercules" and "The Song of the Muses," were also popular. Thomas Linley (The Younger) was also a skilled instrumental composer. He composed several pieces for the violin, including sonatas, concertos, and chamber music. His violin music was known for its lyrical melodies and technical virtuosity. He also composed music for the harpsichord and organ. Despite his success as a composer, Thomas Linley (The Younger) faced several challenges in his personal life. In 1778, he fell in love with Elizabeth Ann Sheridan, the sister of the famous playwright, Richard Brinsley Sheridan. However, their relationship was opposed by Elizabeth's father, who disapproved of Thomas's profession as a musician. The couple eloped to France in 1779 and got married. They returned to England in 1780 and settled in Bath. Tragically, Thomas Linley (The Younger) died at the young age of 22 in a boating accident on August 5, 1778. He was on a trip to Bristol with his friend, Richard Brinsley Sheridan, when their boat capsized in the River Avon. Thomas's body was never found, and he was presumed dead. His death was a great loss to the music world, and he was mourned by his family, friends, and fans. In conclusion, Thomas Linley (The Younger) was a talented and prolific composer who made significant contributions to the English music scene of the 18th century. His music was known for its beauty, elegance, and technical skill. Despite his short life, he left behind a rich legacy of music that continues to inspire and delight audiences today.

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