Artist Info: Thomas Augustine Arne

Thomas Augustine Arne (March 12, 1710 – March 5, 1778) was an English baroque composer, best known for the song, “Rule, Britannia!”, and his musical settings of songs from the plays of William Shakespeare.

Arne was born in the Covent Garden area of London, to a family that had prospered in the upholstery business. He was educated at Eton College, and was interested in music from his earliest youth. A chance meeting with Michael Festing gave him the opportunity to indulge his interest [read more...]