Haym, Nicola (Francesco)

views updated

Haym, Nicola (Francesco) (b Rome, 1678; d London, 1729). It. cellist, composer, and librettist, of Ger. parentage, who took leading role in establishing It. opera in London. Played violone in private orch. in Rome under Corelli 1694–1700. From 1701 to 1711 was in London as chamber musician to Duke of Bedford. Played vc. in orch. when Clayton's Arsinoe was first all-sung opera in It. style to be given at Drury Lane. Wrote lib. for Handel's Teseo (1713) and between 1723 and 1728 wrote 7 more libs. for him, Ottone, Flavio (1723), Giulio Cesare, Tamerlano (1724), Rodelinda (1725), Siroe, Tolomeo (1728). From 1718 was string bass player in service of Duke of Chandos at Cannons, playing in Handel oratorios. Comp. oratorios, anthems, etc.

More From encyclopedia.com