[Born at Felletin, in France, 1635. Died in Paris, 1688. Aged 53.]
A lyrical poet of great reputation, and the most famous writer of French
operas. His earliest works were tragedies and comedies, but in 1670,
after his election to the Royal Academy, he allied his verse to music,
and did not sever the union until he altogether eschewed dramatic
composition. He furnished to Lully, the musician, the words for his
first opera, and continued to aid that composer until Lully’s death.
Towards the close of his days, Quinault, influenced by religious
scruples, ceased to write for the stage. His lyrical productions have
great tenderness, and melodious sweetness, and are happily and eminently
adapted to their alliance with the sister art.
[From a bust in terra cotta, by Caffieri, which was the model for that
in marble placed in the public room of the Opera, at Paris, and for
another in the Bibliothèque Généviève, at Paris.]