Adam, Adolphe

(1803-1856)

French composer, whose music is distinguished by its daintiness and finish. He was born in Paris.

Although originally interested in a scientific career, he entered the Paris Conservatoire in 1817 and studied music composition under the French composer François Adrien Boieldieu.

In 1829 Adam's one-act opera Pierre et Cathérine was successfully produced; 52 more works followed, of which one of the most famous was the ballet Giselle (1841).

He became professor of musical composition at the Paris Conservatoire in 1849. His autobiography was published posthumously in 1860.