He then built for himself a small theatre on the east side of Leicester Place, which he opened under the same name in Towards the close of the last century Dibdin published a 'History of the Stage,' in live volumes, and in his 'Professional Life,' in four volumes.
In he sold his theatre and retired from public life. The speculation, however, failed, and he became bankrupt. Subsequently his pension was restored to him. Towards the end of the year Dibdin was attacked by paralysis, and on July 25, , he died at his residence in Arlington Street, Camden Town.
He was buried in the cemetery belonging to the parish of St. Dibdin's two sons, Charles and Thomas, were well-known dramatists. The following is a list of Dibdin's operas and other dramatic pieces.
Besides these Dibdin was author of 'The Gipsies,' a comic opera for which Dr. Arnold composed the music, 'The Harmonic Preceptor,' a didactic poem, , 'The Musical Mentor,' 'Music Epitomised,' and a few novels and miscellaneous works. He acquired his first knowledge of music from his eldest sister, Mary Anne, afterwards Mrs. Tonna, an excellent harpist, pupil of Challoner and Bochsa. He subsequently studied the harp under Bochsa, and also became proficient on the organ and violin. Early in Dibdin went to Edinburgh, where he established himself as a teacher.
He died May 6, Dibdin composed a few psalm tunes and some pieces for the organ and pianoforte, but he is best known as the compiler of 'The Standard Psalm Tune Book,' the largest and most authentic collection of psalm tunes ever published, the contents being mainly derived from ancient psalters.
