Dear enthusiasts of the enchanted world of 64 squares, this column is dedicated to the man who invented the game of position almost three centuries ago.
His name is Philidor, and his bust is displayed on the facade of the Opéra Garnier.
Because he was also one of the greatest French musicians of his time.
François-André Danican belonged to an illustrious family of artists, dating back to Louis XIII.
They mastered the instruments of the time: harpsichords, spinets, viols and especially the oboe.
They played it so well that they were nicknamed Philidor after the brilliant Italian Filidori.
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Philidor was also a revered Pre-Mozartian composer who left very important works at the crossroads of the Classical and Baroque eras.
We can cite four that wrote his fame: his
Requiem
(1764), his
Te Deum
(1786), his secular oratorio the
Carmen saeculare
and of course
Ernelinde, Princess of Norway
.
This son and grandson of a musician discovered the game, or rather demonstrated his prowess during…
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