Samuel Arnold

ARNOLD, Samuel. b. London, 10 Aug 1740; d. 22 Oct 1802. As a boy singer, Arnold was educated at the Chapel Royal, where he eventually became organist (1783); from 1793 he was also organist of Westminster Abbey. He composed much music for the cathedral service, and edited a four-volume continuation of William Boyce*’s Cathedral Music (1790) as well as the first collected edition of Handel*’s works (1787-97). He was awarded a doctorate in music at Oxford in 1773. At the same time he carried on a successful career at Covent Garden and other theatres, composing or adapting nearly 100 works for the musical stage as well as seven oratorios. He became an undisputed leader in London's musical...