Christoph Gluck was an influential Austrian composer born on July 2, 1714, in Erasbach, Germany. He is best known for his operas, which played a significant role in the transition from the Baroque to the Classical style. Gluck aimed to reform opera by emphasizing clarity in music and drama, making it more accessible to audiences. His most famous works include Orfeo ed Euridice and Alceste, which showcase his innovative approach to storytelling through music. Gluck's contributions to opera have had a lasting impact, influencing later composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and shaping the future of the genre.