VOLTAIRE, (originally Francois Marie Arouet) (b. Paris, France, 24 Nov 1694; d. Paris, 30 May 1778)
Voltaire is still seen as one of the greatest of French authors, though few of his works are now read. His long life spanned the last years of classicism and the beginning of the revolutionary era in Europe. His works range from poetry, plays and stories to history and philosophy. They undoubtedly influenced the direction taken by European civilisation, as well as the output of other artists of his time.
Composers from Verdi, the nineteenth-century genius of grand opera, to the largely forgotten Zingarelli, last master of opera seria, were inspired by Voltaire's writing. Operas based on his works include Rossini's Semiramis, Bellini's Zaire and, more recently, Leonard Bernstein's Candide, premièred in 1958.
Although his output was vast, Voltaire always returned to particular themes. He was concerned with the establishment of religious tolerance, prosperity for all classes of society, and the abolition of torture and useless punishments by the state.
A stout believer in classicism in the theatre, Voltaire deplored the increase of romanticism. Although interested in Shakespeare's plays, he came to regret their influence in France. His own plays were not always successful but by the end of his life audiences adored him. At a first night in Paris in the year of his death the public crowned him in his box. A significant number of his plays continues to be performed today.
