Martin Pierre d'Alvimare

Martin Pierre d’Alvimare du Briou (18 September 1772 – 3 June 1839), sometimes spelled Dalvimare, was a French musician, harpist and composer. He was harp master of Queen Hortense. Biography Martin Pierre d’Alvimare du Briou was born on 18 September 1772 at Dreux. His parents were Pierre d’Alvimare du Briou, a lawyer in the Parliament and receiver of gabelles, and Cécile Doury de Sacy. He received an excellent education, and at an early age learned drawing, as well as the harpsichord and harp. Noticed by Duke of Penthièvre residing in the nearby château d’Anet, he was introduced by the latter and Madame de Lamballe to the court at the age of 7, where he played in front of Queen Marie Antoinette. In 1788, he composed his first opéra, Églé. At the age of fourteen, he obtained the office of receiver of salt-tax of his father, but the position did not interest him and it could be done by proxy. He therefore embarked on a military career and became a bodyguard of Louis XVI, which enabled him to compose at leisure. We was at his post for the Insurrection of 10 August 1792 and managed to escape, taking refuge in the porter’s house of one of his friends, who made him pass for his sick son.