French musician, composer and harpsichordist (1705-1755), born in Turin and died in Paris. He moved to Paris 1725 where he made a name for hmself as harpsichordist and composer of operas and opéras bouffes. He was conductor at the Opéra de Paris from 1730 to 1734 as well as royal musician. In 1746 he was made Master of Music with the Enfants de France. Later he became director of the Concert Spirituel where he expanded its musical programme. He had an organ built in the concert hall and invited virtuoso players from abroad. He enlivened its repertoire with works like Jean-Jacques Rousseau's symphonie avec cors de chasse and the French premiere of Pergolesi's Stabat Mater. Rising to the post of Inspector of the Opera in 1753, he took the role of Master of Music with the Musique de la Chambre du Roi. He ensured that private concerts performed at the home of patron of the arts La Poupelinière were performed on stage at the Concert Spirituel. His compostions went down well with the public. His opera Zaïd ran for 30 years at the Opéra de Paris.
