Auteur: Jules Barbier

Charles-François Gounod (1818 – 1893) was a French composer predominantly known for his operas and sacred music, whose legacy lives on in the classical music canon. His most renowned work is the opera “Faust” (1859), which solidified his reputation and remains a staple in the operatic repertoire. Based on Goethe”s tragic play, Gounod”s “Faust” displays his gift for melody and his skill in setting the French language to music, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of the characters. Gounod”s compositional style often showcases a fusion of romantic lyricism with innovative orchestration. Besides “Faust”, his other significant operas include “Roméo et Juliette” (1867) and “Mireille” (1864). His contribution to vocal music also extends to songs such as “Ave Maria”, an adaptation of J.S. Bach”s “Prelude No. 1 in C Major”, from “The Well-Tempered Clavier”. Described as a pivotal figure in 19th-century French music, Gounod”s influence has been acknowledged for its dramatic expressiveness and for paving the way for later French composers like Bizet and Massenet. Although best known for his operatic works, Gounod also wrote church music, orchestral pieces, and chamber music, leaving a versatile and distinguished catalog behind him.