Lays, or Lay, François (14 February 1758, La Barthe de Nestès, Gascony; 30 March 1831, Ingrande), vocalist, was destined as a child for the priesthood and was placed in the monastery of Guarison. The boy learned the rudiments of musical theory and was coached in singing here, and he developed a striking tenor voice. He decided to leave the seclusion of the cloister, however, and he took up the study of law at Toulouse to prepare himself to earn a living. The news of his exceptional voice…