“A simple square named after a famous composer” you might think. But Square Jean-Baptiste Lully holds more than meets the eye. Jean-Baptiste Lully a name synonymous with French Baroque music. He was born Giovanni Battista Lulli in Florence Italy. His family were millers. He was reasonably well-educated playing the violin exceptionally well. A Franciscan monk supposedly taught him guitar.
Picture this young Lully performing at festivals. It was during one such festival that he was spotted. Roger de Lorraine a French nobleman noticed him. Lorraine was returning to France. He needed someone to converse in Italian with his niece Mademoiselle de Montpensier.
Lully at fourteen entered Mademoiselle de Montpensier’s service. He taught her Italian learning French in return. Officially he was her chamber boy working in the kitchens. He still managed to improve his musical skills learning from Mademoiselle’s musicians. These included Nicholas Metru Francois Roberday and Nicholas Gigault. He also honed his dancing skills. He soon became famous at court for his entertaining performances.
After Louis XIII’s death Louis XIV ascended the throne. Things changed dramatically at court. Lully desperately wanted to remain. Mademoiselle granted his request. Around this time he adopted the French equivalent of his name Jean-Baptiste Lully. He joined the royal band performing at banquets and special occasions. He also acted in comedic roles often as a clown or animal. The young king enjoyed his performances. Lully became his favorite performer.
The king wanted to be a performer himself. Lully helped him with ballet and acting roles. Louis XIV’s debut was in the ballet Cassandre. Soon afterward Lully appeared with him in Ballet royal de la nuit. Lully was made the royal composer for instrumental music. He became indispensable at court.
Lully’s rise was meteoric. He became superintendent of the royal music. He was the music master for the royal family. He received letters of naturalisation making him a French subject. He then married Madeleine Lambert. His works were published and he was put in charge of a violin orchestra. He wrote many operas in French instead of Italian. His songs were immensely popular.
Square Jean-Baptiste Lully is a quiet tribute to this extraordinary figure. A reminder of the life and music of the miller’s son who became the king’s best friend. Reflect on his journey. Reflect on his influence on French Baroque music. Let the square serve as a quiet reminder of his legacy. A legacy that continues to echo through the ages.