Jules Massenet (12/05/1842 - 13/08/1912) was born in Montaud (St. Etienne), France. He was one of the best-respected French composers of his day. He was, a member of the Academy and a professor of composition at the Paris Conservatoire. Massenet was very influential on other French composers in France. His students were also successful sue to Massenet's tutelege. Though he was principally an opera composer, he also wrote ballets, orchestral works and several oratorios. Massenet died in Paris on August 13, 1912.