(b Lons-le-Saumier, 10 May 1760; d Choisy-le-Roi, 26/27 June 1836). French poet and composer. Posted as a lieutenant to Strasbourg in 1791, he became popular as a poet, violinist and singer. His Chant de guerre pour l′armée du Rhin (1792), later known as the Marseillaise, became an official national song in 1795 and the French national anthem in 1879. It has been quoted by composers including Tchaikovsky (1872 Overture) and Schumann. Rouget de Lisle also wrote other Revolutionary works, songs and opera librettos.
