Complete Encyclopaedia of Music/B/Berton, Pierre Montan

Berton, Pierre Montan, a celebrated French musician, was taught music from four years of age, and at six years old was able to read common vocal compositions at sight ; at twelve he sang in the cathedral of Senlis, and occasionally played the organ. In the year 1744, he made his debut, as a singer, at the Opera at Paris, which situation, however, from the failure of some notes .n his voice, he did not long hold ; but obtained, about two years afterwards, the place of chef d'orchestre at the Grand Opera. Here his talents became so conspicuous, that he obtained successively the offices of chamber musician to the king and director of the Opera. P. M. Berton composed or made considerable alterations in nine or ten operas. It was during his direction that Gluck and Piccini came to Paris, when the great revolution in French music was effected. Gluck had such confidence in the talents of Berton, that he requested him to revise and alter the denouement of his "Iphigenie en Aulide," which is still performed as Berton arranged it. Berton did all in his power to appease the parties of the Gluckists and Piccinists, by reconciling the chiefs. He died at Paris in 1780.