Virtuoso French musician (1711-1772) on a par with Leclair and Guignon, and composer of grands motets. After publishing two collections of instrumental music he left his province to join the Concert Spirituel in 1739, and also become official violinist with the Musique de la Chambre et de la Chapelle. In 1744, he was appointed assistant master of music for the royal chapel. He later served as director and conductor with the Concert Spirituel, while continuing to compose highly inventive secular music. He turned to writing operas, notably Titon et l’Aurore (1753) which stood up to La Serva padrona and Le Devin du Village during the Querelle des Bouffons controversy. In 1758 his Israélites à la Montagne d’Oreb heralded the French oratorio genre which was to become a huge money-maker. Mondonville's style reflects Italian, French and Germanic influence, particularly in his religious works. As such, he is more European than Rameau, the iconic 18th century icon, and a precursor of classical music.
