![]() Lays was born in the village of La Barthe-de-Neste in the region of Bigorre in what was then Gascony. ![]() One of the Opéra's most popular artistes, he enjoyed his greatest success singing comic roles, such as Anacreon in Grétry's Anacréon chez Polycrate (1797) and the bailiff in Lebrun's Le rossignol (1816).īiography Youth and education Lays was famous for the beauty of his voice. After a career spanning more than four decades, he died in poverty. This association with the Emperor caused him trouble when the Bourbon monarchy was restored and Lays's final years were darkened by disputes over his pension, mounting debts, the death of his only son and his wife's illness. ![]() Barère's downfall led to Lays being imprisoned briefly, but he soon won back the public and secured the patronage of Napoleon, at whose coronation and second wedding he sang. Lays enthusiastically welcomed the French Revolution and became involved in politics with the encouragement of his friend Bertrand Barère. He soon became a leading member of the company, in spite of quarrels with the management. Originally destined for a career in the church, Lays was recruited by the Paris Opéra in 1779. François Lay, better known under the stage name Lays (14 February 1758 – 30 March 1831 ), was a French baritone and tenor opera singer.
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