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**Intelligent products of the Belle Époque**, Massenet's operas are notable for their exquisite craftsmanship, blending of diverse influences, and exploration of profound human emotions. They were a product of their time, reflecting the artistic and cultural ideals of the Belle Époque, a period characterized by optimism, technological advancements, and a celebration of the arts. Massenet's works exemplified the era's pursuit of beauty, sophistication, and emotional resonance.