François-André Danican
Philidor
(September 7,
1726 – August 31, 1795) was a French composer who contributed to
the early development of the opéra comique.
He was born to his father’s second wife, Elizabeth Le Roy, whom he wed in 1719 when she was 19 years old and he 72. When François-André was born, his father was 79 years old; he died 4 years later and left his son fatherless.
He was also regarded as the best chess player of his age.
Philidor's book Analyse du jeu des Échecs was considered a standard chess manual for at least a century.
He was commonly referred to as André Danican Philidor during his lifetime.