Francois joseph gossec biography of martin

Early symphonist of the classical school (also Gossé); b. Vergnies (Hainaut), France, Jan. 17, 1734; d. Passy, Feb. 16, 1829.

Francois Joseph Gossec - Encyclopedia.com

Gossec had been a choir boy at the Antwerp cathedral and at age 17 was sent to Paris with an introduction to rameau. Through him he was accepted by a musical patron, Le Riche La Pouplinière, a rich "fermier général" who maintained a private theater and a fine instrumental ensemble. For this "veritable musical laboratory," as it has been called, Gossec composed some of Europe's first symphonies (his early works predate F.

J. Haydn's), as well as string quartets and trio sonatas, and also conducted the orchestra. At the patron's death in 1762, Gossec (then 28) embarked on a career of royal then public acclaim. He served princes through the monarchy, conducted the National Guard band during the Revolution, and became a director of the Conservatoire in 1795.

He was also associate director of the Opéra, founded Le François-Joseph Gossec (1734-1829, French) – Discophage GEV