GERMAN, SIR EDWARD

born Feb. 17, 1862, Whitchurch, Shropshire, Eng. died Nov. 11, 1936, London original name Edward German Jones popular composer of light operas whose music was noted for its lyric quality and distinctly English character. German began his career as an orchestral violinist and conductor in London and became known for his incidental music to the plays Henry VIII and Nell Gwynn. In 1901 he completed Sir Arthur Sullivan's The Emerald Isle. His light operas include Merrie England, A Princess of Kensington, Tom Jones, and Fallen Fairies, on a libretto by Sir W.S. Gilbert. He also composed several orchestral works and songs. He was knighted in 1928.