French librettist and author Philippe Quinault started writing play when he was still in his teens, and his his first play produced when he was just 18. Although he toyed with the idea of working in law, with the support of his wealthy wife he was able to pursue a living as a dramatist full time.
He found most success in his historical tragedies, and later in his collaborations with composer Jean-Baptiste Lully. Many consider Quinault's best works to be the lyric dramas he wrote for Lully's operas. Together Quinault and Lully really established the standard for French baroque opera.
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