Thomas Carter (composer) facts for kids
Thomas Carter (born May 1769 – died 8 November 1800) was a talented Irish composer. He lived in London during the most active part of his short life.
The Life of Thomas Carter
Thomas Carter was born in Dublin, Ireland. He likely came from a family of musicians in Dublin. For example, there were other composers named Timothy Carter and (Charles) Thomas Carter. People sometimes confused their music because both published works in London in the 1790s. They also both used the short name "T. Carter."
From a young age, Thomas Carter showed amazing musical talent. A wealthy supporter, the Earl of Inchiquin, helped him. Around 1788, Thomas went to Naples, a city in what was then the Kingdom of Naples, to study music. There, he was helped by Sir William Hamilton, a well-known diplomat.
After his studies, Thomas traveled to Calcutta, India. He planned to become a music director for a theatre there. However, he had to return to England in July 1789 because of health problems. In 1793, he married Mary Wells, who was from Cookham, Berkshire.
Thomas Carter died in London when he was only 31 years old. A magazine called Gentleman's Magazine wrote that he died young due to a serious liver illness.
Thomas Carter's Music
It can be tricky to tell Thomas Carter's music apart from the works of the other composer named (Charles) Thomas Carter. A music expert named Roger Fiske tried to sort this out in a famous music dictionary.
According to Fiske, many songs published after 1793 were likely written by Thomas Carter. These include a duet called Goodman White and Gaffer Grey (around 1796). He also wrote a Canzonet (around 1796) for one or two voices. Another collection of his works is Songs, Duos, Trios, Catches, Glees and Canons.
These pieces were often "published for the composer." This means Thomas paid for them to be printed himself. It's thought that his marriage to Miss Wells might have given him the money to do this. He also wrote Six Easy Lessons for the Harpsichord or Pianoforte. Since his wife was from Berkshire, the Berkshire Militia March (around 1795) might also be his work.
