Arthur Goring Thomas was a nineteenth-century English composer. He was born in Sussex, England, to a military family. He was intended to enter the British Civil Service, but frail health interfered with his studies. In 1873 he traveled to Paris to cultivate the musical talent he had possessed since childhood. He studied there for two years with composer Emile Durand. When he returned to England he entered the Royal Academy of Music. He studied there for three years and twice was awarded the Lucas medal for composition.

His first published composition was the song, "Le Roi Henri." A portion of his second opera, The Light of the Harem, was performed at the Royal Academy in 1879. It was such a success that he was quickly commissioned to write another opera, Esmerelda, which debuted at Drury Lane in 1883. Esmerelda, based upon The Hunchback of Notre Dame, provided a story that did not match well with Thomas's musical style, which was considered to be "gentle." However, the opera was a success both critically and popularly, and was performed numerous times in Germany. In 1885, what many consider his best opera, <em>Nadeshda</em>, opened at Drury Lane, once again to great success.

In addition to his dramatic works, Thomas also produced psalms, works for choruses, and a suite de ballet. He also composed a cantata and more than 100 songs and duets. Many of his minor pieces and songs were dedicated to the most prominent singers of the time.

In 1891 Thomas became engaged to be married, however, shortly after the announcement he began to demonstrate signs of mental instability. His career came to a tragic end on March 20, 1892, when he committed suicide by throwing himself in front of a train. He was, at the time, under a doctor's care and accompanied into town by a trained mental health attendant. However, at some point he broke free from his caregiver and killed himself. His contemporaries and successors recognized the great loss to the music world, and Thomas is today heralded as occupying an important place among nineteenth-century English music. Experts often remark on his talent for dramatic composition, refined melody, and beautiful phrasing. Considered by contemporaries to be a most agreeable, friendly person, he was most critical of his own work. He was known for constantly revising and rewriting his compositions.