The Lyric Alternative: Gounod and French Melody

Charles Gounod (1818-1893): Between Sacred and Profane

Gounod represented a melodic alternative to Meyerbeerian spectacle. His gift for memorable tunes and ability to balance sensuality with spirituality created enduring works:

"Faust" (1859): Based on Goethe's Part One, this became the world's most performed opera: - Marguerite's "Jewel Song": Coloratura expressing awakening desire - Méphistophélès: French elegance replacing German metaphysics - Garden scene: Love duet of unprecedented sensuality - Integration of the waltz as dramatic device

"Roméo et Juliette" (1867): Shakespeare through French sensibility: - Four love duets chart the relationship's evolution - Juliet's waltz-song: Youth and joy before tragedy - Dawn separation: Orchestral interlude of heartbreaking beauty

Gounod also revitalized French sacred music: - "Messe solennelle de Sainte Cécile" (1855): Operatic grandeur in church - "Ave Maria": Bach's prelude transformed into universal prayer