Thomas Augustine Arne

Thomas Augustine Arne (12 March 1710 – 5 March 1778) was an English composer renowned for his patriotic song 'Rule, Britannia!' and 'A-Hunting We Will Go'. Arne was a prominent theatre composer of the 18th century, contributing to London's Drury Lane and Covent Garden theatres. Born in Covent Garden, he was from a family of Catholic recusants. His father and grandfather were upholsterers, both holding office in the Worshipful Company of Upholders of the City of London. Despite a destined legal career, Arne's passion for music led him to abandon his articles with a solicitor and pursue music, influenced by composer Michael Festing. Arne composed music for about 90 stage works and was active as a Freemason. His works remained popular, with Artaxerxes being an influential English opera of the time. He reconciled with his wife, Cecilia Young, shortly before his death.