French family of string players and composers in the service of the Musique de la Chambre du Roi and the Paris Opéra throughout the 18th century. (b c1662; d Paris, 1741). Bass violinist. On 7 September 1687 he married Charlotte Converset, daughter of the violinist Jean Converset. He joined the 24 Violons du Roi in 1706 and the Opéra orchestra in 1713. (b Paris, c1692; d Paris, before Sept 18, 1745). Composer and violinist, son of (1) Joseph Francoeur. He began his career in the Opéra orchestra in 1704. On 26 May 1710 he took possession of J.-B. Anet's seat in the 24 Violons du Roi and in 1717 was promoted to leader of the group. There he met Jean-Fery Rebel, whose son François Rebel was to become the lifelong associate and friend of (3) François Francoeur. On ...