PHILIDOR, FRANOIS-ANDR

born Sept. 7, 1726, Dreux, Fr. died Aug. 24, 1795, London original name Franois-andr Danican French composer whose operas were successful and widely known in his day and who was a famous and remarkable Chess player. The last member of a large and prominent musical family, Franois-Andr was thoroughly trained in music, but at age 18 he turned entirely to Chess competition throughout Europe. He was particularly well received in England, where he published a book on Chess and eventually received a pension from the London Chess Club. In 1754 he returned to Paris and set about composing highly popular operas, such as Sancho Pana dans son isle (1762) and Tom Jones (1765), as well as other dramatic and sacred music. He continued playing Chess and composing for the remainder of his life, travelling regularly to London.