What major composers wrote in the style of grand opera?

 Grand opera is a term typically used to describe a style of 19th-century opera that originated in Paris. It is characterized by its grandiosity, with large-scale casts and orchestras, and an emphasis on serious, historical, or mythological themes. The following are some of the major composers who are well-known for writing in the style of grand opera:

1. Giacomo Meyerbeer - Often considered the master of grand opera, he is famous for his works such as "Les Huguenots," "Le prophète," and "L'Africaine," which epitomize the grand opera style with their elaborate staging, dramatic plots, and extensive use of chorus and ballet.

2. Daniel Auber - His opera "La Muette de Portici" (also known as "Masaniello") is an important work within the grand opera tradition. Although Auber is less frequently performed today, his contributions were influential at the time.

3. Jacques Fromental Halévy - Best known for his grand opera "La Juive," which explores themes of intolerance and injustice and was one of the most popular operas of the 19th century.

4. Giuseppe Verdi - Although an Italian composer, Verdi’s works such as "Don Carlos" and "Aida" incorporate many elements of the grand opera style, including lavish spectacle and a grand scale, even if they do not strictly adhere to all its conventions.

5. Richard Wagner - While not typically classified as a composer of grand opera, Wagner's early works such as "Rienzi" show the influence of the style. He would later develop his unique form of music drama, which shared some similarities with grand opera in terms of scale and ambition.

These composers were instrumental in developing and popularizing the grand opera genre throughout Europe, particularly in Paris, where the style flourished.