Adolphe Charles Adam (1803 – 1856) was a French composer and critic.

He was born in Paris on July 24, 1803. His father was a pianist, music teacher, and composer. He is probably best remembered for the ballet Giselle (1841). His Cantique de Noel ('O Holy Night'), may have been the first music broadcast on radio 1 (http://www.cyberhymnal.com). He wrote several other ballets and 39 operas, including Le Postillon de Longjumeau (1836) and Si j'étais roi (1852). His Christmas carol 'Cantique de Noël', often known by its English title 'O Holy Night', has become an international favourite. From 1849 he taught composition at the Paris Conservatoire. He died in Paris on May 3, 1856.

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