Trial, Jean Claude

1732-1771

French dramatic composer; born at Avignon. He studied music under the Maitrise of Avignon Cathedral and also took violin lessons, gaining a position in the orchestra. He studied for a time under Gamier at Montpellier, then settled in Paris, where he became the friend of Rameau and also of the Prince de Conti, who made him second violin and afterward conductor in his private orchestra, and who obtained for him the appointment of joint director of the Opera with Berton as his colleague. He died of apoplexy in Paris. His compositions are Esope a Cythere; La fete de Flore, Sylvie and Theonis, all operas; cantatas; motets; overtures and violin music, and music to Le Chercheuse d'Esprit.