French composer and violinist (1698-1787). From an eminent family of musicians, Francœur started his career as violinist with the Opéra de Paris and then with the Musique de la Chambre du Roi for whom he regularly composed. From 1750 onwards he gradually moved away from instrumental music and in 1753 became director of the Opéra de Paris. He composed many instrumental pieces, tragédies lyriques and ballets-héroïques.
