Dubbed 'Philidor le Grand' (1726-1795), he was born in Dreux and grew up amongst the choir students at Versailles. He acquired the rudiments of music under Campra and when still young compsed motets for the Royal Chapel at Versailles and the Concert Spirituel. In 1740, he worked in Paris as copyist, musician and teacher. He left in 1745 to travel around Europe making a living as a professional chess player. On his return to Paris in 1754 he embarked on a career as a composer of opéra-comique with great success, incorporating Italian elements. He died in London, where his work was popular and which he often visited.
