A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Thomas, Arthur

THOMAS, Arthur Goring, born at Ratton, Sussex, in November, 1851, was educated for another profession and did not begin to study music seriously until after he came of age. In 1875 he went to Paris, and studied for two years under M. Emile Durand. On his return to England he entered the Royal Academy, studied there for three years under Messrs. Sullivan and Prout, and twice gained the annual prize for composition. His principal compositions are an opera in 3 acts (MS.), libretto by Mr. Clifford Harrison, on Moore's poem 'The Light of the Harem'; four Concert-scenas, two of which have been performed in London and one at the Crystal Palace; an anthem for soprano solo, chorus, and orchestra, performed at S. James's Hall in 1878; some detached pieces for orchestra; ballet music, etc.; a number of songs; and a cantata, 'The Sun-worshippers,' given with success at the Norwich Festival in 1881. His 4-act opera, 'Esmeralda,' words by Randegger and Marzials, was produced by Carl Rosa at Drury Lane, March 26, 1883, with great success, and has since been reproduced at Cologne. [App. p.799 "Add that his four-act opera ' Nadeschda,' set to a libretto by Julian Sturgis, was produced by the Carl Rosa Company at Drury Lane, April 16, 1885. An orchestral 'Suite de ballet' was performed by the Cambridge University Musical Society on June 9, 1887. (Died Mar. 20, 1892.)"]

[ W. B. S. ]