Léo Delibes

Clément Philibert Léo Delibes (; 21 February 1836 – 16 January 1891) was a French Romantic composer, best known for his ballets and operas. His works include the ballets ''Coppélia'' (1870) and ''Sylvia'' (1876) and the opera ''Lakmé'' (1883), which includes the well-known "Flower Duet".

Born into a musical family, Delibes enrolled at France's foremost music academy, the Conservatoire de Paris, when he was twelve, studying under several professors including Adolphe Adam. After composing light comic opérettes in the 1850s and 1860s, while also serving as a church organist, Delibes achieved public recognition for his music for the ballet ''La Source'' in 1866. His later ballets ''Coppélia'' and ''Sylvia'' were key works in the development of modern ballet, giving the music much greater importance than previously. He composed a small number of mélodies, some of which are still performed frequently.

Delibes had several attempts at writing more serious operas, and achieved a considerable critical and commercial success in 1883 with ''Lakmé''. In his later years he joined the faculty of the Conservatoire, teaching composition. He died at his home in Paris at the age of 54. ''Coppélia'' and ''Sylvia'' remain core works in the international ballet repertoire, and ''Lakmé'' is revived from time to time in opera houses. Provided by Wikipedia