Thomas Arne

Thomas Arne (1710-1778) was an English composer of the Classical era who is best known for writing the patriotic song "Rule, Brittania!" and setting the official version of "God Save the King." Yet Arne produced successful works in many genres, including the masque Alfred; an oratorio, Judith; the operas Artaxerxes, Thomas and Sally, and Love in a Village; four symphonies; six keyboard concertos; eight harpsichord sonatas; as well as numerous other pieces, including cantatas and songs. Unfortunately, a fire in London's Drury Lane in 1809 destroyed much of his music, and Arne's surviving works were largely neglected for two centuries.