Final answer:
French grand opera features large casts, elaborate sets, historical themes, five-act structures, ballet, and an emphasis on spectacle, both musical and visual, following neoclassical ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
In French grand opera, one can expect several hallmark features reflective of the grandeur and scale associated with the genre, which developed primarily in the 19th century. This style of opera is known for its large casts and elaborate stage sets, mirroring the complex plots of English and Spanish theatre influences.
The productions often contain historical or mythological themes and adhere to neoclassicial ideals, such as verisimilitude and decorum. Distinct characteristics include lengthy performances that typically stretch over five acts, the use of ballet within the opera, and an emphasis on both musical and visual spectacle.
The Paris Opéra, designed by Charles Garnier, is an architectural example of the opulence associated with French grand opera, featuring a grand stair hall that serves as a secondary stage where the social elite could partake in the spectacle of being seen. Additionally, the inclusion of melodramatic elements, as seen in works like Gaston Leroux's The Phantom of the Opera, contribute to the highly sensational nature of French grand opera.