Jean-Baptiste Lully

Full biography Jean-Baptiste Lully

Jean-Baptiste Lully was a French composer who lived during the 17th century. He is considered to be one of the most important figures in the development of French opera. Lully was born in Florence, Italy in 1632, and moved to France at the age of 14 to join the court of King Louis XIV. He quickly became a favorite of the king and was appointed as the director of music.

As the director of music, Lully was responsible for composing and performing music for the French court. He was also heavily involved in the creation of French opera. Lully's first opera, "Les fêtes de l'Amour et de Bacchus," was performed in 1672 and was a huge success. He went on to compose numerous other operas, including "Armide" and "Atys," which are still performed today.

One of Lully's most important contributions to the development of French opera was the creation of the French overture. This style of overture became a standard for French operas and is still used today. Lully also introduced ballet into French opera, which became a popular feature of French opera for centuries.

Despite his many successes, Lully had a tumultuous personal life. He was notoriously hotheaded and had several conflicts with other musicians and members of the court. In 1687, Lully accidentally struck his foot with a staff while conducting a performance of one of his operas. The wound became infected and Lully died a few months later from gangrene.

Overall, Jean-Baptiste Lully's contributions to French opera were immense. His innovative approach to composition and incorporation of ballet and French overtures transformed French opera and his music continues to be performed and celebrated to this day.