the aegis of an institution called the Théâtre de l'Opéra-Comique. In spite of fierce opposition from rival theatres the venture flourished and leading playwrights of the time, including Alain-René Lesage and Alexis Piron, contributed works in the new form.

Late 18th century

The Querelle des Bouffons (1752-54), a quarrel between advocates of French and Italian music, was a major turning-point

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