A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Rawlings, Thomas

RAWLINGS, or RAWLINS, Thomas, born about 1703, was a pupil of Dr. Pepusch, and a member of Handel's orchestra at both opera and oratorio performances. On March 14, 1753, he was appointed organist of Chelsea Hospital. He died in 1767. His son, Robert, born in 1742, was a pupil of his father, and afterwards of Barsanti. At 17 he was appointed musical page to the Duke of York, with whom he travelled on the continent until his death in 1767, when he returned to England and became a violinist in the King's band and Queen's private band. He died in 1814, leaving a son, Thomas A., born in 1775, who studied music under his father and Dittenhofer. He composed some instrumental music performed at the Professional Concerts, became a violinist at the Opera and the best concerts, and a teacher of the pianoforte, violin and thorough-bass. He composed and arranged many pieces for the pianoforte, and songs.

[ W. H. H. ]