(January 17, 1734, Vergnies — February 16, 1829, Paris) Belgian-born French composer and music educator. Gossec lived to the age of 95, and throughout his long musical career, he composed over 42 symphonies, more than 20 theatrical works, numerous sacred pieces, and chamber music. During the French Revolution, he conducted the military band of the National Guard and composed many patriotic songs. He significantly influenced the development of French instrumental music and was also active as a music educator. Today, the Gavotte in D major, extracted from his opera Rosine, ou L'épouse abandonnée (1786), is well-known in Japan.