A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Butler, Tomas

BUTLER, Tomas Hamly, son of John Butler, professor of music, was born in London in 1762. He received his early musical education as a chorister of the Chapel Royal under Dr. Nares. On the breaking of his voice he was sent to Italy to study composition under Piccini, where he remained three years. On his return to England he was engaged by Sheridan to compose for Drury Lane Theatre. Differences however arising, he quitted England at the expiration of his engagement and settled in Edinburgh, where he established himself as a teacher, and where he died in 1823. Butler composed the music for 'The Widow of Delphi,' a musical comedy by Richard Cumberland, 1780, besides many pieces for the pianoforte.

[ W. H. H. ]