Anne Danican Philidor

Anne Danican Philidor was a French woodwind player and composer of the Philidor family. Born in Paris on 11 April 1681, his grandfather and father were also professional woodwind players in the king's service. Anne was named for his godfather Anne Jules de Noailles. His composition "L'Amour vainqueur" was given a court performance in 1697, financially backed by his godfather. 1702 saw him succeed his father in the king's orchestra, primarily as oboist. In addition to his playing duties he was the king's musical librarian. He assembled several hundred portfolios of music, both instrumental and operatic, several of which are well-preserved in French libraries. Anne is best remembered today for having founded the Concert Spirituel, an important series of public concerts held in the palace of the Tuileries from 1725 to 1791.