Gounod
CHARLES FRANÇOIS (gö-no'), a French composer; born in Paris, France, June 17, 1818. He studied at the conservatoire under Halévy, Lesueur, and Paer. Obtaining the first prize in 1839, he was sent to Rome and while there devoted himself chiefly to religious music. A "Solemn Mass," was the first work which brought him into general notice. His first opera, "Sappho," was produced in 1851. His comic opera, "The Physician in Spite of Himself" (1858), was a great success; it was followed in 1859 by "Faust," his chief work, which raised its composer to the foremost rank of contemporary musicians. It was followed by "Philemon and Baucis" (1860); "The Queen of Sheba" (1862); "Mireille" (1864); "Romeo and Juliet" (1867); "Polyeucte" (1878); "The Tribute of Zamora" (1881). He also published much church music, and was popular as a song-writer. From 1870 to 1875 he resided in England. He was a member of the Institute (1866), and a commander of the Legion of Honor (1877). He died in St. Cloud, France, Oct. 18, 1893.