Aaron Hill, English playwright and poet (b. 1685)

Who Was Aaron Hill?

Aaron Hill (10 February 1685 – 8 February 1750) was a prominent and remarkably versatile English literary figure of the early to mid-18th century. Known primarily as a dramatist and a prolific miscellany writer, Hill's influence extended across the theatrical world, journalism, and even into various ambitious commercial enterprises, embodying the diverse intellectual spirit and entrepreneurial drive characteristic of his era.

A Visionary Dramatist and Theatre Manager

Hill's career was deeply intertwined with the London stage. Early in his professional life, he took on significant managerial roles, notably at the historic Drury Lane Theatre (1709-1710) and later at Lincoln's Inn Fields (1710). His tenure as a theatre manager allowed him to champion innovative dramatic forms and practices, shaping the theatrical landscape of his time.

Key Contributions as a Playwright:

• Pioneering English Opera: Aaron Hill played a crucial role in introducing Italian opera to England and adapting it for the local audience. He famously collaborated with the renowned composer George Frideric Handel on *Rinaldo*, which premiered in 1711. This landmark work was not only a significant success but also the first Italian opera specifically composed for the London stage, marking a pivotal moment in English musical theatre history.
• Notable Tragedies and Adaptations: Hill penned numerous plays, showcasing his versatility across genres. His notable tragedies include *The Fatal Extravagance* (1721), a popular play based on a true story of murder, and *Merope* (1749), an adaptation of Voltaire's play. He also demonstrated his adaptive prowess by translating and adapting other foreign works for the English stage, including Voltaire's acclaimed tragedy, *Zaïre* (performed in England as *Zara* in 1736), which enjoyed considerable success.
• Advocacy for Theatrical Innovation: Beyond his own compositions, Hill was known for encouraging new playwrights and advocating for more realistic staging and acting styles, often pushing against some of the more formalized and conventional traditions of the early 18th-century stage.

Beyond the Stage: A Prolific Miscellany Writer

Aaron Hill's designation as a "miscellany writer" truly captures the breadth and depth of his literary output beyond playwriting. His works spanned a wide array of genres, reflecting his multifaceted interests and engagements with contemporary society and intellectual discourse.

Diverse Literary Works Include:

• Extensive Poetry: He was a poet of considerable output, ranging from epic poems like *The Northern Star* (1718), which celebrated Peter the Great of Russia, to various odes, essays in verse, and satirical pieces. His poetry often reflected his philosophical leanings and social commentary.
• Influential Essays and Periodical Journalism: Demonstrating his engagement with public discourse and intellectual debates, Hill co-founded and contributed extensively to *The Plain Dealer*, a significant periodical running from 1724 to 1725. This publication offered incisive commentary on social issues, literary criticism, and political satire, providing a vital platform for intellectual discussion in Georgian England.
• Engaging Pamphlets and Polemics: Hill frequently engaged in public debate through the medium of pamphlets, addressing a variety of social, economic, and political concerns of the day. These writings showcased his willingness to tackle contemporary issues head-on, often with a reformist zeal.

Entrepreneurial Ventures and Intellectual Pursuits

Aaron Hill was not merely a man of letters; he possessed a strong entrepreneurial spirit and an insatiable curiosity that led him to pursue various innovative, albeit sometimes financially challenging, commercial projects. These ventures included ambitious attempts to extract oil from beech-nuts, cultivate wine in England (in a period when winemaking was not common), and establish a domestic beet sugar industry to reduce reliance on imports. Though not all these endeavors achieved lasting commercial success, they highlight his forward-thinking approach and his dedication to national economic improvement and self-sufficiency.

Furthermore, Hill maintained active intellectual correspondence with many leading figures of his time, including the celebrated poets Alexander Pope and James Thomson. His wide-ranging interests, from literature and theatre to economics and agriculture, and his connections with prominent contemporaries, underscore his position as a true polymath and a significant, if sometimes overlooked, figure in the intellectual and commercial circles of 18th-century Britain.

Aaron Hill's Legacy

Aaron Hill remains a fascinating and complex figure in English literary and theatrical history. His pioneering efforts in English opera, his prolific and diverse writings across various genres, and his ambitious entrepreneurial pursuits paint a picture of an innovative, often controversial, but undeniably influential individual. He personifies the intellectual dynamism, artistic experimentation, and commercial ambition characteristic of early Georgian England.

Frequently Asked Questions about Aaron Hill

When was Aaron Hill born and when did he die?

Aaron Hill was born on 10 February 1685 and passed away on 8 February 1750.

What were Aaron Hill's main professional roles?

He was primarily an English dramatist and a miscellany writer, and he also served as a theatre manager at prominent London venues like Drury Lane and Lincoln's Inn Fields.

What was Aaron Hill's connection to George Frideric Handel?

Aaron Hill collaborated with Handel on the opera *Rinaldo*, which premiered in 1711. Hill provided the libretto for this work, which was the first Italian opera specifically composed for the London stage.

What was *The Plain Dealer*?

*The Plain Dealer* was a significant periodical co-founded and largely written by Aaron Hill, published from 1724 to 1725. It featured commentary on contemporary society, literature, and politics, contributing to public discourse of the era.

Did Aaron Hill have interests beyond writing and theatre?

Yes, he pursued various entrepreneurial ventures and commercial projects, including attempts to extract oil from beech-nuts, cultivate wine in England, and establish a domestic beet sugar industry, showcasing his wide-ranging interests and innovative spirit.