Jules Massenet

Jules �mile Fr�d�ric Massenet (1842-1912) was a French composer. He is best known for his operas, which were very popular in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Massenet was born in Montaud, St �tienne. In 1862, he won a Grand Prix de Rome and spent three years in Rome. His first opera was a one-act production at the at Op�ra-Comique in 1867. From 1878 to 1996, he was professor of composition at the Paris Conservatory. His greatest successes were with Manon in 1884, Werther in 1892, and Tha�s in 1894. A notable later opera was Don Quichotte, produced in Monte Carlo 1910, with the legendary Russian bass Feodor Chaliapin in the title-role.

Massenet used Wagner's leitmotiv device but gave it French lightness, a style considered by some to be saccharine.

In addition to his operas, he also composed ballet music, oratorios and cantatas, orchestral works, and about two hundred songs.