Giacomo Meyerbeer was a German composer born on September 5, 1791, in Berlin. He is best known for his operas, which played a significant role in the development of the grand opera style in the 19th century. His most famous works include Les Huguenots and The African. Meyerbeer was influential in the music world and was a mentor to other composers, including Richard Wagner. His operas often featured elaborate staging and dramatic storytelling, making them popular in theaters across Europe. He passed away on May 2, 1864, in Paris, leaving a lasting legacy in the realm of opera.