Pierre Gaveaux (1761–1841) was a French composer and opera singer, primarily recognized for his contributions to the genre of opera. He was active during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, a period marked by the transition from the classical to the romantic style in music. Gaveaux is best known for his operas, particularly "L'Ernani" (1802) and "Le Vieux de la Montagne" (1801), the latter being noted for its innovative use of melodrama. He was also a significant figure in the development of French operatic forms, blending elements of Italian opera with French musical traditions. His impact on music lies in his ability to convey emotion and narrative through music, influencing subsequent composers in the French operatic scene. Despite not achieving the lasting fame of contemporaries like Giacomo Meyerbeer or Hector Berlioz, Gaveaux's work contributed to the evolution of operatic style in France, paving the way for later developments in the genre. Though not extensively recorded or performed in modern times, Gaveaux's contributions remain a noteworthy part of French operatic history.