François-André Danican Philidor

François-André Danican Philidor (7th September 1726-31st August 1795) was a French chess player and composer. He was regarded as the best chess player of his age, although the title of World Chess Champion was not yet in existence. Philidor's book Analyse du jeu des echecs was considered a standard chess manual for at least a century. He is referred to here as André Danican Philidor, the name commonly used during his lifetime.

Philidor joined the Royal choir of Louis XV in 1732 at the age of six <a href="https://www.last.fm/music/Fran%C3%A7ois-Andr%C3%A9+Danican+Philidor">Read more on Last.fm</a>