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Adolphe Adam
Adolphe Charles Adam was born on July 24, 1803, in Paris, France, and died on May 3, 1856, in Paris. He was a prominent French composer, teacher, and music critic, renowned for his contributions to the world of ballet and opera. Despite his father's wishes for him to pursue a non-musical career, Adam followed his passion for music, eventually studying at the Paris Conservatoire under François-Adrien Boieldieu. He became a key figure in the development of the Romantic French opera, alongside contemporaries like Daniel Auber.

Adam is best known for his ballets, particularly "Giselle" (1841), which remains a staple in the ballet repertoire due to its graceful and compelling music. He also composed "Le Corsaire" (1856), his last work. His operatic works include "Le Postillon de Lonjumeau" (1836) and "Si j'étais roi" (1852), among others. Additionally, Adam composed the famous Christmas carol "Minuit, chrétiens!" ("O Holy Night") in 1847.

Throughout his career, Adam composed over 70 operas and numerous ballets, achieving significant success. However, his attempt to establish the Théâtre National in Paris in 1847 ended in financial ruin due to the Revolution of 1848. To recover, he turned to journalism and teaching, becoming a professor at the Paris Conservatoire, where he influenced future composers like Léo Delibes. Adam's legacy endures through his contributions to both the operatic and ballet traditions.

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