Barthélémon, François Hippolyte (1741-1808)

French violinist and composer. An exponent of the ‘galant’ style, he produced Pelopida, the first of several successful dramatic works, in 1766.

He settled in London, England, in 1765. A year later he married the singer Mary Young, daughter of Charles Young and niece of Mrs Arne and Mrs Lampe. He composed stage pieces for the actor-manager David Garrick and visited France, Germany, and Italy with his wife, who sang there. He was a friend of Haydn during the latter's visits to London, and is said to have suggested the subject of The Creation.

Works Stage works Pelopida (1766), The Judgement of Paris (1768), The Maid of the Oaks (1774), Belphegor (1778).

Oratorio Jefte in Masfa.

Orchestral symphonies; concertos.

Chamber sonatas, duets for violin.