Born in France in 1689, Joseph Bodin de Boismortier became one of the first composers whose income totally depended upon his ability to provide a constant flow of new works. He had no patrons, few of his scores were commissioned, and in his mature life he never appeared as an instrumental musician. Yet such was his popularity as a composer that he became a wealthy person. He introduced many new ideas, principally in the unusual combination of instruments that he employed in his works. Though he wrote in many genres, the major part of his output covered various chamber groups, and frequently involved the flute. To meet the popular demand, his scores were often composed with amateur musicians in mind, and are notable for their tunefulness, interesting harmonies, and elegance.