Pepusch, John Christopher

Pepusch, John Christopher (pā`psh), 1667–1752, German musician, who lived in London from 1700 until his death. As a theorist he became expert in Greek music and helped found (1710) the Academy of Ancient Music. He was the predecessor of Handel as composer to the duke of Chandos. While director of Lincoln's Inn Theatre he wrote music, notably for John Gay's The Beggar's Opera (1728).