Boivin

History

Boivin was the major French music publisher of the early 18th century (1720-50).

François Boivin, originally from d’Humbertville in Bassigny in Champagne, was nephew of the composer/publisher Michel Pignolet de Montéclair. He received certification to publish on July 10, 1720. Together with his uncle he purchased the musical content of the stationary store “À la Règle d’or” (At the Golden Rule) located on Rue St. Honoré and began to specialize in music publishing. His marriage to Elisabeth-Catherine Ballard (daughter of printer Jean-Christophe Ballard) on July 2, 1724 united the nascent publisher with a family that had been in business for 75 years. He therefore dissolved his business partnership with Monteclair on July 17, 1724. The alliance of Boivin with Ballard proved a profitable one and the reputation of the store “À la Règle d’or” grew considerably. He was granted a royal privilege to publish on July 8, 1729.

On November 25, 1733, François Boivin died. His business was carried on by his widow Elisabeth-Catherine. She allowed the business to grow by continuing to publish, usually in collaboration with other publishers such as Le Clerc. Ultimately the years that she published exceeded that of her husband. Upon the death of her father in May 1750, she retired, selling the business and store to Marc Bayard. She died at Chartres on February 13, 1776.

Imprints, Addresses, Agencies

• François Boivin

Usually indicated as “Le Sieur Boivin,” "Le Sr. Boivin," or simply: Boivin (1720-1733)

• Elisabeth-Catherine Boivin

Indicated as: Veuve Boivin, Vve Boivin, Ve. Boivin, Madame Boivin, Mde. Boivin, and Madam la veuve Boivin 1733-1750, and 1753)

Editions

References

1. Devriès, Anik and François Lesure, ‘’Dictionnaire des éditeurs de musique français’’. Vol. 1 (Genève : Editions Minkoff, 1979), p. 36-37.

Authority control

• VIAF

Links

Works with scores published by Boivin