Sir Henry Rowley Bishop

• Born: November 18, 1786, London, England
• Died: April 30, 1855, London, England
• Genres: Classical
• Instrument: Composer

Biography

This English composer of noted fame during his life-time was thought to be an operatic composer. Given the stilted style of his writing, with few through-composed works, multiple songs and duets from the trivialized opera-like venues demanded by his theatre managers, Bishop cannot be considered an operatic composer. The songs attributed to him from his stage works are quite numerous and have indeed had their lasting effect. His most famous song "Home, Sweet Home" demonstrated his ability to capture an audience with good melodic lines. Bishop's most important operatic work was "Aladdin", and that was more likened to an operetta, while his best genre -- outside of the context of pure English ballads -- was in setting Shakespeare to music. ~ Keith Johnson, All Music Guide