(b London, 25 Dec 1765; d Downside, 15 Jan 1844). English composer of Corsican origin. A child prodigy, he studied with J. C. Bach in London and at 19 became music director and harpsichordist at the King's Theatre. Before leaving there in 1798 he presented over 20 ballets (most including pieces by other composers), two English and two Italian operas. Later he taught the piano (notably to the Princess of Wales) and composed other English stage works and numerous instrumental works for amateurs, especially piano sonatas with violin accompaniment and (from 1810) variations and arrangements for piano, harp and flute. He also wrote many songs, glees etc.

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