Balfe
MICHAEL WILLIAM, composer, was born in Dublin, May 15, 1808. In his ninth year he made his début as a violinist, having begun to compose at least two years earlier. In 1823 he went to London, and, during 1825-1826, studied in Italy under Paer, Galli, Federici, and Rossini. In 1826 he wrote the music for a ballet, "La Pérouse," performed at Milan; and in 1827 he sang in the Italian opera at Paris with great success. In 1833 he returned to England, and in 1846 was appointed conductor of the London Italian Opera. He died Oct. 20, 1870. Of his numerous operas, operettas, and other compositions the most successful have been "The Bohemian Girl" (1843); "The Rose of Castile" (1857), and "Il Talismano" (1874). If Balfe was wanting in depth of dramatic force, he had command of orchestral resources; and his compositions are distinguished by fluency, facility, and melodic power. a