Philippe Pierre De St. Seven and Pierre De St. Seven Abbe

Two brothers, violoncellists, were music masters of the parish church of Agen early in the 18th century. It seems doubtful whether they were actually ordained priests, or merely in consequence of their office had to wear the ecclesiastical dress. From this circumstance, however, they received the name of Abbe l'aine--or simple l'Abbe--and l'Abbe cadet, respectively. They gave up their connection with the Church and went to Paris, where they obtained engagements at the Grand Opera. They were both excellent players, but the younger brother seems to have been the more celebrated of the two, and to have been specially remarkable for his beautiful tone. It is said to have been owing in great measure to the impression produced by his playing that the ciol da gamba more and more fell into disuse and the violoncello was more extensively introduced (Batistin).