Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais (1732 – 1799) was not only an innovative watchmaker who created the watch ring but also a marvellous musician.
Pierre-Augustin played many instruments like guitar, viol and flute. But it was the harp that truly captivated him and grew to be the instrument he loved most and also the one he played the best. During his time at Versailles it was known that he is a great musician and composer. And so it happened that he was given the prestigious task to become the harp master for King Louis XV’s four daughters Adelaide, Victoire, Sophie and Louise, who were collectively called Mesdames. Soon after he exceeded his task and became the princesses’ official music steward and evolved to being a close friend and confidant to Mesdames. His closeness to the king’s daughters would help him in his later life especially during a complicated time when he tried to help out his own sister.
Every week Pierre-Augustin Caron would arrange a small concert attended by the King and Queen, the Dauphin and his wife as well as other court nobles. Caron would often take part in the concerts himself and accompany Mesdames with his flute. These concerts were just the beginning of his enthusiasm for the stage drama and his unusual career as dramatist would therefore follow.
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Madame Louise de France
Madame Victoire de France
Madame Sophie de France
Madame Adelaide de France
