Thomas Morell facts for kids
Thomas Morell (born March 18, 1703 – died February 19, 1784) was an English writer, scholar, and printer. He is most famous for writing the words, called "librettos," for many musical works by the famous composer George Frideric Handel.
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Thomas Morell's Life Story
Thomas Morell was born in a town called Eton in England. He went to school at Eton College, which is a very old and famous school. After that, he studied at King's College, Cambridge, a well-known university. He earned several degrees there, showing he was a very good student.
A Scholar and Member of Important Groups
Morell was a very smart person who loved to learn. He became a member of the Society of Antiquaries of London. This group studies old things and history. In 1768, he was also chosen to be a member of the Royal Society. This is a very old and respected group for scientists and scholars. They chose him because he was "well skilled in Natural History and every branch of Polite Literature" (meaning he knew a lot about nature and many types of writing).
Later in his life, in 1775, he became a "Garrison Chaplain" at Portsmouth. This means he was a religious leader for the soldiers stationed there.
Working with Handel
Thomas Morell worked closely with the famous composer George Frideric Handel. Morell wrote the words for many of Handel's large musical pieces called "oratorios." An oratorio is like a play set to music, but it's usually based on a religious story and performed without costumes or scenery. Morell wrote the most detailed stories we have about how he and Handel worked together.
He passed away in 1784 and was buried in Chiswick, a part of London.
Thomas Morell's Librettos
Thomas Morell is best known for writing the words (librettos) for these famous oratorios by George Frideric Handel:
- Judas Maccabaeus (1747)
- Joshua (1747)
- Alexander Balus (1748)
- Theodora (1750)
- The Choice of Hercules (1750). It's not completely certain if Morell wrote this one.
- Jephtha (1752)
- The Triumph of Time and Truth (1757). Morell probably wrote this one.
