Charles Gounod

In 1859, the success of his opera *Faust* practically overnight made Charles Gounod the most famous composer in France. In 1839, he had won the Prix de Rome from the Paris Conservatoire, and during his subsequent stay in Italy, he was deeply impressed by 16th-century vocal polyphony, especially by the works of Palestrina, which he encountered in the Sistine Chapel. In addition, while in Rome, he delved into German music and literature (including Goethe's writings, from which he would draw the material for his most famous work), introduced to him by Mendelssohn's sister Fanny. A year in Vienna (1842/43) allowed him to deepen these studies before he returned to Paris. He studied theology ("I had a vague desire to become a clergyman," was his weak attempt at an explanation) but was never ordained as a priest; however, in addition to his operas, he also composed numerous sacred works. Gounod's music is characterized by catchy melodies, which, however, tend to be overly sweet, especially in his late choral works. Besides *Faust*, *Roméo et Juliette* and *Mireille* are arguably his most successful operas.