Jean-Baptiste Matho

Who was Jean-Baptiste Matho?

Jean-Baptiste Matho was a French composer of the Baroque era. Born in Montfort-sur-Meu near Rennes, his name was originally M. F. H. Thomassin. As a child, Matho attracted attention for the quality of his singing voice and he was sent to Versailles where he began a career as one of the king's musicians. In 1720, he became Master of the King's Music and was charged with the musical education of the young Louis XV alongside François Couperin and Jean-Joseph Mouret. He wrote several works for the stage, including the tragédie en musique Arion as well as ballets and other divertissements.