Jélyotte, Pierre de

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Jélyotte, Pierre de

Jélyotte, Pierre de, French tenor and composer; b. Lasseube, April 13, 1713; d. Oloron, Oct. 12, 1797. He received training in harpsichord, cello, guitar, voice, and composition in Toulouse. In 1733 he made his operatic debut in Collin de Blamont’s Les fêtes grecques et romaines at the Paris Opéra, where he was a leading singer from 1738 until his retirement in 1765. He was widely admired for his leading haute-contre roles in Rameau’s operas, which displayed his brilliant vocal range (up to d”). He also appeared at the court, and in 1745 was named maître de guitare to the King. He likewise served as a cellist to Madame de Pompadour. Among his compositions was the comédie-ballet Zéliska (1746), as well as several vocal pieces.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire