1. Hector Berlioz (1803-1869): Known for his innovative use of orchestral colors, Berlioz is considered a pioneer of the Romantic movement in music. His works include the Symphonie Fantastique, Grande Messe des Morts (Requiem), and Les Troyens (opera).
2. Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849): Although of Polish origin, Chopin spent most of his life in France and is regarded as a French composer. He gained fame for his piano compositions, particularly his études, preludes, nocturnes, and mazurkas.
3. Charles Gounod (1818-1893): Gounod is famous for his operas such as Faust, Roméo et Juliette, and Mireille. He also wrote religious music, including the Messe Solennelle and the oratorio Rédemption.
4. Georges Bizet (1838-1875): Bizet's fame rests on his operas, most notably Carmen, which is considered one of the greatest operas of all time. His other notable works include the Symphony in C and the orchestral suite L'Arlésienne.
5. Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921): Saint-Saëns was a prolific composer whose oeuvre includes symphonies, operas, concertos, chamber music, and choral works. He is well-known for his Symphony No. 3 ("Organ Symphony"), the opera Samson et Dalila, and the Piano Concerto No. 2.
6. Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924): Fauré's music is characterized by its elegance, lyricism, and emotional depth. He composed numerous songs, piano pieces, chamber works, and orchestral compositions, including his Pavane, Requiem, and the opera Pénélope.
7. Claude Debussy (1862-1918): Debussy is considered a key figure in the development of modern music. His style is marked by the use of innovative harmonies, exotic scales, and a highly impressionistic approach to composition. His major works include the orchestral suites Prélude à l'après-midi d'un faune and La Mer, as well as the opera Pelléas et Mélisande.
8. Maurice Ravel (1875-1937): Along with Debussy, Ravel is credited with shaping the impressionist movement in music. His works exhibit masterful orchestration, colorful harmonies, and a blend of classical and modern elements. Notable compositions include Boléro, Daphnis et Chloé, and Piano Concerto in G major.
These are just a few of the many significant French composers from the 19th century, each leaving a lasting impact on classical music and beyond.