Charles Gounod

Born in Paris in 1818, Charles Gounod grew up in an artistic household: his father was a painter, and his mother, a pianist, gave him his first musical training. He studied at the Paris Conservatory, won the Prix de Rome, and spent formative years in Italy, where sacred music made a deep impression on him.

Gounod became one of the central French composers of the Romantic era. He wrote a dozen operas, and Faust remains his most famous work; Roméo et Juliette also secured a lasting place in the repertory. Alongside his stage works, he composed church music, songs, orchestral pieces, and the well-known Ave Maria associated with Bach's C major Prelude.

He was also a conductor and organist, and his career reflected both theatrical ambition and strong religious feeling. Gounod died in Saint-Cloud in 1893, leaving music that is remembered for its lyric warmth, elegance, and emotional directness.