The French composer Daniel François Esprit Auber (1782-1871) was a successful composer and director of the Paris Conservatory. Emperor Napoleon III appointed him Imperial Court Kapellmeister in 1857. His music is lively, melodic and pleasing. He is also generally regarded as the master of the French opéra comique. His opera "The Mute of Portici" ("Masaniello") is also considered a milestone in French grand opera, apart from its historical significance, which ultimately led to Belgium's independe...