Jacques Aubert
1689 - 1753
Aubert was born in Paris and although little is known about his youth, he must have shown promise as a violinist as by the age of 18 he was studying the instrument under the tutelage of Jean Baptiste Senaillé.
His first professional position was as violinist at the court of the Prince of Condé. Within a decade he was a renowned dancing-master, violinist, and composer! For the Théâtres de la Foire, he wrote the music for at least five ballets and comedies.
He was one of the 24 Violins of the King at the royal court from 1727 to 1746 and led the Orchestra at the Paris Opera from 1728 and was a leading performer for the Concert Spirituel from 1729.
In between all of his engagements he found time to continue composing and although, never apparently having visited Italy, is credited with introducing Italian influences (especially Vivaldi) to French classical music.