Jean Elleviou

Born Pierre-Jean-Baptiste-François Elleviou, he made his debut at the Comédie-Italienne in Paris in 1790, as a baritone in the role of Alexis in Monsigny's Le déserteur, and the following year as a tenor in Dalayrac's Philippe et Georgette.

He went on creating some 40 roles during the next 20 years, in operas by Grétry, Dalayrac, Monsigny, Boieldieu, Méhul, Isouard, etc.

He sang extensively in Italy in 1795, and across France in 1795 to 1797, then returned to Paris, appearing at the newly renamed Opéra-Comique.

He retired in 1813, after Napoléon I refused to increase his already huge salary.

According to contemporaries, his voice was very sweet and flexible, he was noted for his eloquent diction, and had a handsome and charming stage presence which made him a great favourite of Paris audiences.