Charles Gounod was a pivotal figure in 19th-century French opera, celebrated for his lyrical style and melodic grace. Born in 1818, Gounod initially pursued law under pressure from his parents but soon followed his passion for music, studying at the Paris Conservatoire. He won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1839, allowing him to spend time in Italy, where he absorbed the works of Palestrina and became acquainted with the Faust legend—both of which would profoundly influence his later compositions.

Gounod’s music is noted for its rich, expressive melodies and his ability to blend sacred and secular influences. His most famous opera, Faust (1859), showcases his gift for drama and character development through music, blending traditional French lyricism with a spiritual depth. Gounod’s delicate orchestration and emphasis on vocal beauty are key hallmarks of his style, seen again in Roméo et Juliette (1867), where his ability to capture romantic and emotional nuance shines.

Although he composed several other operas, including Mireille and Philémon et Baucis, none reached the same lasting popularity as Faust and Roméo et Juliette. In his later years, Gounod turned more toward sacred music, reflecting the spiritual inclinations that had always been a part of his creative life, and composed masses, oratorios, and hymns, including the famous Ave Maria.