The King frequently permitted himself to be
distracted with music and the play in this hall in the Little Gallery.
Here was an orchestra of twenty-eight musicians, a ballet, and a chorus
of twenty-six, under the direction of Monsieur de Bury, Lully's
successor as master of the Court music. Actors, singers, dancers, all
were supplied with gorgeous costumes, and given the services of Sire
Notrelle, the most celebrated wig-maker in Paris, who had in his day a
prodigious vogue. One of his advertisements announced his ability to
imitate the coiffures of "gods, demons, heroes and shepherds, tritons,
cyclops, naiads and furies." Astounding were the head-dresses of the
actors and actresses that graced the stage of Versailles.
Invitations to a dramatic performance were given by the King himself,
and, for many years, to men guests only. Sometimes the Pompadour
played the comedies of Voltaire, whom she favored against the will of
all the royal family. Occasionally, performances were of necessity
postponed out of respect to a member of the Court that had been slain
in a duel; but not for long did the King and his train pause in their
restless pursuit of pleasure.
A new theater was installed, with more room for auditors, troupe and
musicians. Finally, in 1753, the Opera House was begun according to
designs submitted by Gabriel, first architect to the King. After long
delays the edifice was completed in time for the marriage fetes of the
Dauphin (Louis XVI) and Marie Antoinette, Archduchess of Austria.
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