John Rodwell

George Herbert Buonaparte Rodwell (1800–1852) was an English composer, musical director, and author active in London's theatrical scene. Born in London, Rodwell identified Henry Rowley Bishop as his sole music instructor. He became a professor of harmony and composition at the Royal Academy of Music in 1828.

Upon his brother's death in 1825, Rodwell briefly took over the proprietorship of the Adelphi Theatre before selling it. He then focused on musical direction and composing for the stage, producing operas like 'The Flying Dutchman' (1826) and 'The Cornish Miners' (1827). He later served as director of music at Covent Garden Theatre, where he staged his farce 'Teddy the Tiler' and even presented an opera on the same theme as a rival production announced at Drury Lane. Rodwell also attempted to establish a British national opera, though without lasting success. He passed away in 1852 at the age of 52.

George Herbert Rodwell was a prolific figure in London's musical and theatrical world. He composed a significant number of musical pieces for the stage, estimated between 40 and 50, alongside songs, theoretical works, and even novels. His opera 'The Flying Dutchman' premiered at the Adelphi in 1826, followed by 'The Cornish Miners' at the English Opera House in 1827. Rodwell also held the position of professor of harmony and composition at the Royal Academy of Music starting in 1828. His involvement with Covent Garden Theatre as its music director saw him adapt and compose works, sometimes in direct competition with other venues, such as his opera on the theme of 'The Bronze Horse'. He also wrote the music for the melodrama 'Jack Sheppard' in 1839.

Beyond his extensive work in musical composition for the stage, Rodwell also authored several other works. His literary output included romances, burlettas, operettas, and incidental songs, with some pieces featuring lyrics written by himself. He collaborated with librettists such as Edward Fitzball, John Baldwin Buckstone, James Kenney, and Richard Brinsley Peake. Among his published works are 'Songs of the Birds' (1827), a theoretical text titled 'First Rudiments of Harmony' (1831), and 'Letter to the Musicians of Great Britain' (1833). Rodwell also penned a novel, 'Memoirs of an Umbrella', published in 1846.