Gounod won the prestigious first Prix de Rome in 1839 with his cantata Fernand, after winning the second prize in 1837.
Composer Biography
Charles Gounod, the composer of these symphonies, came from a culturally rich family; his father was a painter and a friend of Ingres, and his mother was a pianist.
Cultural Impact
Gounod significantly influenced the next generation of French composers, including Bizet and Massenet, and his operas Faust and Roméo et Juliette remain in the major repertoire.
Composition History
Bizet's Symphony No. 1, now considered a minor masterpiece, was closely modeled on Gounod's Symphony No. 1, which was only rediscovered in the 1950s.
Composer Biography
Gounod's opera Faust, first staged in 1859, secured his definitive position as a composer, supported by his continued church music.
Performer Biography
Patrick Gallois, the conductor of this album, was appointed principal flute in the Orchestre National de France at age 21 and has since pursued a successful international career as both soloist and conductor.
Composer's Artistic Vision
During his time in Rome, Gounod was influenced by the church music of Palestrina, the music of Bach and Beethoven introduced by Fanny Hensel (Mendelssohn's sister), and the writings of Goethe.
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