A prolific composer of operas and ballets , he is best known today for his ballets `` Giselle '' ( 1841 ) and `` Le corsaire '' ( 1856 , his last work ) , his operas `` Le postillon de Lonjumeau '' ( 1836 ) , `` Le toréador '' ( 1849 ) and `` Si j' étais roi '' ( 1852 ) and his Christmas carol `` Minuit , chrétiens ! ''
He is best known today for his ballets `` Giselle '' ( 1841 ) and `` Le corsaire '' ( 1856 , his last work ) , and his operas `` Le postillon de Lonjumeau '' ( 1836 ) , `` Le toréador '' ( 1849 ) , and `` Si j' étais roi '' ( 1852 , often regarded as his finest work ) . He also composed the popular Christmas carol `` Minuit , chrétiens ! ''