Jean-Baptiste Lully (1632 - 1687)  French composer, dancer and instrumentalist of Italian birth, who is considered a master of the French Baroque. Exerting a massive influence on French musical life, Lully wrote operas, ballet music, much ceremonial and religious music and established the foundation of the modern symphony orchestra. The king granted Lully an orchestra of his own, and rigorously trained and rehearsed, 'Les Petits Violons du Roy' played with a precision and discipline that was admired throughout Europe and set a new standard.