In Celebration of the Human Voice - The Essential Musical Instrument

Charles Gounod

Born: 1818. Died: 1893. Lived in: France
Charles-Francois Gounod, usually known as Charles Gounod, was a French composer. He wrote twelve operas, of which the most popular has always been Faust (1859); his Romeo et Juliette (1867) also remains in the international repertory. He composed a large amount of church music, many songs, and popular short pieces including his Ave Maria (an elaboration of a Bach piece), and Funeral March of a Marionette.

Few of Gounod's works remain in the regular international repertoire, but his influence on later French composers was considerable. In his music there is a strand of romantic sentiment that is continued in the operas of Jules Massenet and others; there is also a strand of classical restraint and elegance that influenced Gabriel Faure. Claude Debussy wrote that Gounod represented the essential French sensibility of his time.

Songbooks, Arrangements and/or Media

Displaying 1-7 of 7 items.

Charles François Gounod : Messe Solenelle

The Messe Solennelle, also known as "St. Cecilia," was written by Charles Gounod in 1855, featuring chorus, soloists, orchestra and organ. This score presents the mass in English and Latin, with each voice on a separate staff, including a piano (or organ) accompaniment. 72 pages.

Charles François Gounod : Messe Brève in C Major (No. 7)

Charles Gounod was an important French composer and figure in French music during the latter part of the nineteenth century. He began and ended his life's work in the composition of sacred works, including the Messe Breve in C Major for soloist, chorus and orchestra. This choral score is 28 pages long, in Latin, and includes: Kyrie * Gloria * Sanctus * O Salutaris * Agnus Dei.

Charles Gounod : Sérénade in F

For mezzo/baritone

Charles Gounod : Messe Solennelle De Sainte Cecile

Available here is the vocal score of Charles Gounod's Messe Solennelle De Sainte Cecile, for Soprano, Tenor and Bass Soloists, SATB Choir, and Organ accompaniment, as edited by Michael Pilkington.

Charles Gounod : Messe Breve, No. 7

French composer, Charles Gounod (1818-1893) was a prominent composer in his day, best remembered for his Ave Maria and opera Faust. 1890 saw the premiere of his Brief Mass. This work helped establish Gounod as a noteworthy composer. Despite being a minor composer to us today, Gounod was famed in his day, so much so that at his funeral, Camille Saint-Saëns played the organ and Gabriel Fauré conducted. Gounod's Brief Mass proves the composer's extraordinary talent and caught the attention of much of Paris when it was first performed, composed for SATB choir, solo voices and organ or piano accompaniment. For all aspiring choirs, Gounod's Brief Mass is an imperative, sublime addition to the repertoire.

Charles Gounod : Solemn Mass (St. Cecilia)

Latin/English. With Soprano, Tenor and Bass solos.

Charles Gounod : Mass in C

Latin.

Individual Folios

Displaying 1-7 of 7 items.

Ryan Kelly : A Brother's Prayer (Avant de quitter ces lieux)

From the Gounod opera Faust. Here, young Valentin's heartfelt prayer abounds with conflicting emotions. The singers should consider the devotional, yet enthusiastic text and operatic style of the music when performing.

Arranger: Ryan Kelly

Charles Gounod : Ave Maria

Introducing Gounod's beloved "Ave Maria," based on a prelude from J. S. Bach's Well-Tempered Clavier, in an accessible choral arrangement. The melody passes through all voices, while well-written choral parts provide support. An excellent way to introduce not one, but two master composers!

Charles Gounod : Ave Maria

Kirby Shaw : Ave Maria

This choral setting of the famous Ave Maria meditation by Charles Gounod to the Bach Prelude in C will envelop your audience with richness and beauty. Ideal for church or concert performances! Available separately: SATB, 3-Part Mixed, SSA. Duration: ca. 2:30.

Arranger: Kirby Shaw