English Classical period composer Michael Arne (ca.1740-1786) is normally considered to have been the adopted son of composer Thomas Augustine Arne. Some, however, speculate that he was Thomas' natural son, perhaps born out of wedlock. He was noted as a song writer for the London stage, composed or collaborated on several operas, and found a good measure of financial success. However, he lost his fortune through speculation in alchemy and died in poverty.