A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Barthelemon, François

by William H. Husk

BARTHELEMON, François Hippolite, born at Bourdeaux July 37, 1741, was the son of a French government officer and an Irish lady. He commenced life as an officer in the Irish brigade, but being induced by the Earl of Kelly, a well-known amateur composer, to change his profession for that of music, he became one of the most distinguished violinists of his time. In 1765 he came to England, and was engaged as leader of the opera band. In 1766 he produced at the King's Theatre a serious opera called 'Pelopida,' and in the same year married Miss Mary Young, a niece of Mrs. Arne and Mrs. Lampe, and a favourite singer. In 1768 Garrick engaged him to compose the music for the burletta of 'Orpheus,' introduced in his farce 'A Peep behind the Curtain,' the great success of which led to his composing the music for other pieces brought out at the same theatre. In 1768 he went to Paris, and produced there a pastoral opera called 'Le fleuve Scamandre.' In 1770 Barthélémon became leader at Vauxhall Gardens [App. p.532 "Marylebone Gardens"]. In 1776 he left England with his wife for a professional tour through Germany, Italy, and France. At Florence Barthélémon, at the request of the Grand Duke of Tuscany, set to music the Abate Semplici's oratorio 'Jefte in Masfa.' He returned to England late in 1777. An acquaintance with the Rev. Jacob Duché, chaplain to the Female Orphan Asylum, led to his composing, about 1780, the well-known tune for the morning hymn 'Awake, my soul.' In 1784 Barthélémon and his wife made a professional visit to Dublin. In 1791–5 he contracted an intimacy with Haydn, then in London. On Sept. 20, 1799, Mrs. Barthélémon died. Besides the compositions above named Barthélémon wrote the music for the following dramatic pieces:—'The Enchanted Girdle'; 'The Judgment of Paris,' 1768; 'The Election,' 1774; 'The Maid of the Oaks,' 1774; 'Belphegor,' 1778; and several quartets for stringed instruments, concertos and duos for the violin, lessons for the pianoforte, and preludes for the organ. As a player he was distinguished by the firmness of his hand, the purity of his tone, and his admirable manner of executing an adagio. He died July 20, 1808.

[ W. H. H. ]