Benjamin Louis Paul Godard (August 18, 1849 – January 10, 1895) was a French composer and violinist, celebrated for his contributions to Romantic-era music. Born in Paris, Godard was a child prodigy who entered the Conservatoire de Paris at the age of 14, studying violin under Henri Vieuxtemps and harmony with Napoléon Henri Reber. Despite not winning the Prix de Rome, Godard's musical talent was recognized early on, and he gained a reputation across Europe by the 1870s.

Godard's oeuvre is extensive, including eight operas, five symphonies, two piano concertos, and numerous chamber works. His most famous opera, "Jocelyn," premiered in 1888 and is particularly noted for its "Berceuse." Other significant works include the "Concerto romantique" and the "Symphonie légendaire." Godard's style was influenced by Felix Mendelssohn and Robert Schumann, and he was known for his opposition to Richard Wagner's music and antisemitism.

In addition to composing, Godard was a professor at the Conservatoire de Paris and was made a Chevalier of the Légion d'honneur in 1889. He died of tuberculosis at the age of 45 in Cannes and was buried in Taverny, Val-d'Oise. Despite his prolific output, Godard's music is characterized by its charm and sentimentality, with his smaller works often regarded as his best.