Rey, Jean Baptiste

1734-1810

 

French dramatic conductor and composer; born at Lauzerte, Tarn-etGaronne. In 1754 he became conductor of opera at Toulouse, and up to 1776 held similar posts at Montpellier, Marseilles, Bordeaux and Nantes. In the latter year he became assistant conductor at the Grand Opera, Paris, becoming conductor in 1781. He remained at the Grand Opera altogether thirty years. From 1781 to 1785 he was conductor of the Concerts Spirituels. He was also conductor to Louis XVI. in 1779 and chapelmaster to Napoleon in 1804. From 1795 to 1802 he was professor of harmony at the Paris Conservatory. His compositions include two operas; ballets; masses, with orchestra; and motets.