Jules Émile Frédéric Massenet was born on May 12, 1842, in Montaud, near Saint-Étienne, France. He was the youngest of four children in a family where his father, Alexis Massenet, was a prosperous ironmonger, and his mother, Eléonore-Adelaïde, was a talented amateur musician who introduced him to the piano. The family moved to Paris in 1848, where Massenet continued his education and developed his musical talents.

Massenet was admitted to the Paris Conservatoire at a young age, where he studied under the esteemed composer Ambroise Thomas. His talent was recognized early, and in 1863, he won the prestigious Prix de Rome with his cantata "David Rizzio." This accolade marked the beginning of a prolific career in composition.

Massenet is best known for his operas, having composed more than thirty throughout his lifetime. His works are celebrated for their lyricism, sensuality, and theatrical aptness. Among his most famous operas are "Manon" (1884) and "Werther" (1892), both of which remain staples in the operatic repertoire. His operatic style was diverse, ranging from opéra-comique to grand opera, and he was adept at incorporating contemporary musical trends, such as Orientalism and verismo, into his work.

In addition to operas, Massenet composed oratorios, ballets, orchestral works, and songs. His oratorio "Marie-Magdeleine" (1873) and the opera "Thaïs" (1894), with its famous "Méditation," are notable examples of his ability to blend religious themes with a sense of eroticism and emotion.

Massenet's influence extended beyond his compositions. He was a professor of composition at the Paris Conservatoire from 1878 to 1896, where he taught notable students such as Gustave Charpentier and Reynaldo Hahn. Despite being considered old-fashioned by some critics towards the end of his life, his works experienced a revival in the mid-20th century and continue to be appreciated for their craftsmanship.

Jules Massenet passed away on August 13, 1912, in Paris, leaving behind a legacy as one of France's leading opera composers of the Romantic era. His autobiography, "Mes Souvenirs" (My Recollections), was published in 1912, offering insights into his life and career.