The most prolific composer of the London stage of the late-eighteenth century, Samuel Arnold was also a popular composer for London's pleasure gardens. He wrote songs ('gratis') for Vauxhall during the 1760s when he was establishing his reputation and all-sung burlettas for Marylebone during the time he was owner-proprieter (1769-1774). Arnold's Six Overtures, Op.8 were undoubtedly composed for Marylebone: they were published in parts by John Welcker in ca 1771 (lost) and reissued by Longman & Broderip a decade later; a keyboard version (with minor variants) testifies to their popularity as home entertainment.

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