Thomas Linley the elder

Full biography Thomas Linley the elder

Thomas Linley the Elder was an English composer and musician who lived during the 18th century. He was born in 1733 in Bath, and his father was also a musician and music director in the city.

At a young age, Linley showed an extraordinary talent for music, and he became a chorister at the local church. His father recognised his potential and provided him with the best musical education available. Linley's musical talents quickly became evident, and he became a popular performer in his hometown.

Linley ventured to London in the 1750s, where he established himself as a composer of theatre music. He composed several successful operas and musical comedies, including "The Duenna" and "The Lion's Masquerade," which were both performed to high acclaim. He also established himself as a leading violinist and performer, and he was in demand as a soloist throughout the city.

Linley's popularity as a composer and performer grew throughout his time in London, and he became friends with many other notable figures in British musical society, including Johann Christian Bach and George Frideric Handel.

However, his promising career was tragically cut short when he drowned in a boating accident near Grimsthorpe Castle in 1795. His legacy as a leading composer of the 18th century has lived on through his musical compositions, which still remain popular among modern audiences.