Author:
Giacomo Meyerbeer [né Jakob Liebmann Beer] (1791-1864), German composer of Jewish birth, who established the ‘grand opera’ genre [Andalusia Molesworth, Lady Molesworth]
Meyerbeer is said to have been the most frequently performed opera composer during the nineteenth century. He encouraged and supported the young Wagner, who turned on him viciously later in life. Lady Molesworth (née Andalusia Carstairs, d.1888) had herself been a professional singer. She was the widow of Sir William Molesworth (1810-55), founder of the London Review and owner, under the editorship of John Stuart Mill, of the Westminster Review.
