A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Rodwell, George

RODWELL, George Herbert Bonaparte, born Nov. 15, 1800, son of Thos. Rodwell, part proprietor and manager of the Adelphi Theatre, London, and author of several dramatic pieces, was for many years music director of the Adelphi. On the death of his father, in March 1825, he succeeded to his share in the theatre. He was the composer of very many operettas and other dramatic pieces, of which the following are the principal; viz. 'The Bottle Imp' and 'The Mason of Buda' (partly adapted from Auber's 'Le Macon'), 1828; 'The Spring Lock,' 'The Earthquake,' and 'The Devil's Elixir,' 1829; 'The Black Vulture,' 1830; 'My Own Lover,' and 'The Evil Eye,' 1832; 'The Lord of the Isles,' 1834; 'Paul Clifford' (with Blewitt), 1835; 'The Sexton of Cologne,' 1836; 'Jack Sheppard,' 1839; and 'The Seven Sisters of Munich,' 1847. In 1836 he was director of the music at Covent Garden. He was author of several farces and other dramatic pieces, amongst which were 'Teddy the Tiler' (written for Tyrone Power, and eminently successful), 'The Chimney-piece,' 'My Own Lover,' 'The Pride of Birth,' 'The Student of Lyons,' 'My Wife's out,' and 'The Seven Maids of Munich'; of three novels, 'Old London Bridge,' 'Memoirs of an Umbrella,' and 'Woman's Love'; and of 'The First Rudiments of Harmony,' 1830. He composed also two collections of songs: 'Songs of the Sabbath Eve,' and 'Songs of the Birds.' His compositions abound in pleasing melodies. He for many years persistently advocated the establishment of a National Opera. He married the daughter of Liston, the comedian; died in Upper Ebury Street, Pimlico, Jan. 22, 1852, and was buried at Brompton Cemetery.

[ W. H. H. ]