Which composer is closely associated with the early development of opera in France?

The composer closely associated with the early development of opera in France is Lully. He played a crucial role in shaping the genre of French opera during the 17th century. Lully, whose full name is Jean-Baptiste Lully, was instrumental in establishing the French operatic style, particularly with his collaboration with the playwright Molière. He is known for creating works that combined music and drama in a way that enhanced the emotional and theatrical experience. His compositions often featured a unique blend of the Italian operatic style with French theatrical traditions, leading to the characteristic grandeur of courtly opera in France.

Lully’s contributions include the establishment of the "tragédie en musique," a form that melded elements of ballet and drama with music, which would become a hallmark of French opera. His works set a precedent for future generations of opera composers in France, influencing the structure and presentation of operatic music in the country.

The other composers listed had significant impacts in their own right, but their contributions were more prominent in different musical contexts: Handel is known for his oratorios and operas in the English tradition; Bach is celebrated for his sacred and instrumental music rather than opera; and Haydn is recognized for his symphonic and chamber music contributions