( b Saxony, c 1703; d Edinburgh, 25 July 1751). German composer. He worked in London as a bassoonist from c 1724 and a dramatic composer from 1732. His several attempts at serious English opera in the Italian manner failed, but he had success with lighter works, notably the burlesque The Dragon of Wantley (1737) and the satirical all-sung mock opera, after Shakespeare, Pyramus and Thisbe (1745). His other works include songs, hymn tunes (to words by Charles Wesley) and two harmony manuals.




