Jean-Baptiste Lully 28 or 29 November [O.S. * 18 or 19 November] 1632 – 22 March 1687
Miserere
By Paul Mignard – http://www.photo.rmn.fr/archive/17-510739-2C6NU0ATWZKF7.html, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=13254553
Jean-Baptiste Lully, born Giovanni Battista Lulli, was an Italian-French composer, dancer, and instrumentalist, celebrated as a master of French Baroque music. He was born on November 28 or 29, 1632, in Florence. Lully became a French subject in 1661 and worked at the court of Louis XIV. He was a close friend of playwright Molière, collaborating on many comédie-ballets, including his famous work, Le Bourgeois gentilhomme. Lully’s music is known for its lively rhythms and emotional depth, reflecting the characteristics of Baroque music. He introduced new dance forms and combined theatre with music, creating a unique genre. His operas, such as Armide, showcased his innovative style and contributed significantly to the development of French opera. Lully’s influence extended beyond his lifetime, shaping the future of orchestral music. He died on March 22, 1687, from gangrene after an accident during a performance. Lully’s legacy continues to be celebrated, as he is remembered for his contributions to music and the arts in the royal court of France.
*Old Style (O.S.) and New Style (N.S.) indicate dating systems before and after a calendar change, respectively. Usually, they refer to the change from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar as enacted in various European countries between 1582 and 1923.
