Jean Baptiste Lully

Italian-French musician, a violinist, composer, conductor and dancer considered a master of the French Baroque music style.

Born into a humble family, he was brought to Paris in 1646 as a servant to Mademoiselle d'Orleans, where his musical talents were discovered. He entered the Kings orchestra in 1652 and soon became its conductor. Insatiably ambitious, Lully became music master to the royal family and made friends with Moliere. He primarily composed from 1663-1671, and then became director of the Paris Opera, 1672-1687. Lully introduced ballet into his operas and composed at least thirty ballets for which he won great repute.

He injured his foot on 8 January 1687, resulting in a growth that led to gangrene, causing his death on 22 March 1687 in Paris at age 54.