Richard Leveridge
(1670?-1758), Singer and composerSitter in 3 portraits
Leveridge made his debut in 1695 for Purcell and became London's leading bass opera singer for nearly 60 years. He also wrote vocal music for the theatre and was famous for composing the music to Macbeth (1702), a regular part of productions until 1875. As the opera came to be dominated by Italian singers, Leveridge specialised in English musical pantomimes, interludes and afterpieces. He was a leading member of Covent Garden's theatrical community and was friends with Hogarth, Handel, Owen McSwinny and John Rich. His most influential composition was The Roast Beef of Old England (1735) which became a patriotic anthem against France.
by Unknown artist
oil on canvas, circa 1710-1720
NPG 6596
by William Pether, after Thomas Frye
mezzotint, 1750s-1760s
NPG D3577
by Andreas van der Mijn, after Frans van der Mijn (or Myn)
mezzotint, published 1753
NPG D5069
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