IIASSE, ADOLPH, a composer of great celebrity during the early part and middle of the last century, was born at Bergednrf, near Hamburg, in 1705. Wbeu very young, ho distinguished himself as a superior tenor singer, but soon left Germany for Italy, and became first the disciple of Porpora, then of Alessandro Scarlatti. In 1725 ho produced an opera, 'Sesostrate,' at Naples, which was followed by others in different parte of Italy. In 1733 Hasse, being then in London, was engaged by the noblemen hostile to 'Handel to compose for the opposition Italian theatre, at which he brought out with success his Artaaeree.' Ho could not however bo persuaded to remain in London, the head-quarters of a cabal lie did not approve, but went to Dresden, where ho remained several years. It was there, in 1745, that Frederick of Prussia heard his 'Armenia' which so pleased that warlike, musical, and commonly parsimonious prince, that ho sent the composer 1000 dollars and a diamoud ring. In 1760, at the bombardment of Dresden,
Hasse lost all his property, including his valuable mauuscripts, by fire. In 1763 ho was obliged, by changes made in the court of Dresden, to leave that city, and proceed to Vicuna. In that capital he wrote several operas. lie finally retired to Venice, where he produced a grand ' To Deum,' which was performed before the pope in the church of Santo Giovanni. Ito died iu 1783. Sumo years previous to his decease he composed a Requiem' for hie own funeral, which was duly applied to the intended purpose, and is a work affording evidence of his powers in an advanced period of life. Hasse is certainly entitled to be considered as one of the best composers of his day. Some of his productions, and among these his Pellegrini' and two Litanies, are much admired by unprejudiced judges; but many of his operas have sunk into an oblivion by no means unmerited.