Francois Andre Better Known As Philidoe (Damcajv), a French composer and chess player, born at Dreux about 1727, died in London, Aug. 30, 1795. His father and grandfather were musicians, "and the latter, who was flutist to Louis XIII., received from that monarch the surname of Philidor, which had been borne by a celebrated hautboyist of the time, and this name was retained by his descendants. Andre was admitted at an early age as chorister in the chapel of Louis XV., studied composition under Campra, and at 15 produced a motet for a full choir, which was performed before the court at Versailles. After leaving the chapel he supported himself by teaching and copying music, and in 1745 commenced a tour through Germany, Holland, and England, in the course of which he exhibited his skill in the game of chess, which he had begun to cultivate a short time before. He returned to Paris in 1754, and devoted himself chiefly to his profession. Failing to receive the appointment of maitre de la chapelle, he wrote for the opera comique with considerable success. In 1777 he revisited London, where he published his treatise on chess.

He continued to compose for the comic stage, and produced airs and choruses for the Carmen Seculare of Horace, performed in London in 1779; but the last ten years of his life were almost entirely devoted to chess, which had become a passion with him. In Paris he played at the cafe de la regence, where the greatest players in France assembled, and in London at Parsloe's club in St. James's street. At both places he maintained a supremacy which reached its highest point when he performed what was then considered the marvellous feat of playing three simultaneous games blindfolded, against skilful antagonists, each of whom he defeated. A month before his death he played two games in the same manner, and was again successful. His death was hastened by grief at the refusal of the French government to allow him to return to his native country. His treatise on chess has been frequently republished in foreign languages. - See "Life of Philidor," by G. Allen (Philadelphia, 1863).