The Franco-Prussian War of 1870-71 forced Gounod to seek refuge in London, and his father-in-law's house in Saint-Cloud was later destroyed by Prussian troops.
Composer Biography
Charles Gounod's mother was an accomplished pianist and encouraged his piano studies with Anton Reicha, an acquaintance of Beethoven.
Composer's Artistic Vision
In Rome, Gounod was particularly drawn to the music of Palestrina, known for its unadorned simplicity and religious inspiration, and to Michelangelo for proportion and beauty.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Gounod's musical and artistic outlook was shaped by the influence of Palestrina and J.S. Bach, whom he heard Felix Mendelssohn play on the Thomaskirche organ.
Composition History
Gounod won the prestigious Prix de Rome in 1839, which provided him with three years in Rome and additional travel opportunities.
Cultural Impact
Gounod's "Marche funèbre d'une marionnette" gained worldwide attention as the theme music for the television series "Alfred Hitchcock Presents."
Performer Biography
The performer, Warren Lee, made his debut with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of six and is a First Prize winner of the Stravinsky Awards International Piano Competition.
You might also enjoy...
Massenet: L'œuvre de piano
Tailleferre: Revived Piano Works, Vol. 1
De Falla: Complete Original Works for Piano
De Falla: Piano Music Complete
Chopin sans Chopin
Mussorgsky: Pictures At An Exhibition And All Other Piano Works
Granados, E.: Piano Music, Vol. 10 - In the Village
