Born in 1710, Arne became the leading figure in English theatrical music during the unsettled and adventurous period between the 1730s and his death in 1778. Since his Catholicism prevented him from taking a church or court appointment, Arne turned his composing efforts to the world of London entertainment music. His natural melodic style suited the public that resorted to the pleasure gardens, and over the next 20 years Arne established a position at Vauxhall, Ranelagh and Marylebone as the mos...