Arnould, Sophie (13 February 1740, Paris; 22 October 1802, Paris), vocalist, embarked upon a theatrical career after the striking quality of her voice had been noticed during her early childhood, and her parents had agreed to provide her with vocal instruction while encouraging her to sing at the convent of Val-de-Grâce. They believed that they were preparing their precocious and gifted child to sing sacred music, but matters took a different turn when the princess of Modena heard her perform…