Charles Gounod was a French Composer of the late 19th century. He is best remembered for his operatic interpretations of "Faust" and "Romeo and Juliette," more commonly known today as "Romeo and Juliet."
Charles-Franois Gounod was born June 18, 1818, in Paris. Gounod''s father was a painter. His mother, a pianist, provided Gounod with his first music instruction.
Upon entering the Paris Conservatoire, Gounod studied under Fromental Halevy. In 1839, he won the Prix de Rome scholarship for his cantata "Ferdinand."
During his scholarship in Rome, Gounod studied 16th-century religious music and wrote both a mass and a requiem.
Returning to Paris, Gounod took a position as an organist at the Mission Etrangres. Gounod also studied theology and literature. For a time, it seemed unlikely he would join the ranks of French opera composers. Those who knew Gounod expected the young man to enter the priesthood.
In 1850, his first opera, "Sapho" was performed. Mezzo-soprano Pauline Viadot met Gounod in 1849. Impressed with his musical talents, she arranged an opera commission for Gounod (with the condition that she was to have the lead role).
Two more of Gounod''s operas played in Paris before 1859. "La none sanglante" premiered in 1854, followed by "Le Mdecin malgr" in 1858. In 1859, Gounod premiered "Faust."
Gounod''s "Faust," based on Goethe''s play of the same name, is a tale of damnation and redemption. Dr. Faust sells his soul to the devil in return for youth and knowledge. Ultimately, he is saved by love.
"Faust" was a great success, but it also caused a controversy. Critics claimed it was too great a step forward when compared to Gounod''s previous operas. One critic went so far as to claim that "Faust" was written by someone other than Gounod. Enraged, Gounod challenged the critic to a duel. The critic quickly retracted his statements.
In 1867, Gounod premiered another famous opera, "Romeo and Juliet." As with "Faust," Gounod found his inspiration for Romeo and Juliet in the theatre, this time from Shakespeare.
In 1870 Gounod moved to England to avoid the turmoil of the Franco-Prussian war. He remained in England until 1875. During this time he organized the Gounod Choir, which eventually became the Royal Choir Society.
On his return to France Gounoud continued to compose operas. His musical interests in later life, however, returned to religious music. Gounod died Oct. 18, 1893, just as he finished writing "Le Grand Requiem" as a memorial to a deceased grandson.
Gounod and BizetGounod was to influence another of the great French opera composers, although not in the field of opera. In 1855 Gounod wrote "Symphony #1 in D Major." This piece was to be the inspiration for Bizet''s "Symphony #1 in C."It''s no surprise Gounod influenced Bizet: In 1855, Bizet was Gounod''s 17-year-old student.
Gounod was to influence another of the great French opera composers, although not in the field of opera. In 1855 Gounod wrote "Symphony #1 in D Major." This piece was to be the inspiration for Bizet''s "Symphony #1 in C."It''s no surprise Gounod influenced Bizet: In 1855, Bizet was Gounod''s 17-year-old student.
Here is a timeline of Gounod''s operas:
Answers.com. (n.d.). Charles Gounod. Retrieved January 20, 2008, from the Answers.com Web site: www.answers.com/topic/charles-gounod.
Martin, S. (11 April 1995). Charles Gounod. Retrieved January 20, 2008, from the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Web site: www.edinboro.edu/cwis/music/Cordell/student-sm.html.