DEATH OF M. GOUNOD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9335, 19 October 1893, Page 5

DEATH OF M. GOUNOD.

Press Association.— Telegraph.— Paris, October 17. M. Charles Gounod, the composer, is dead, aged 75 years. Charles Francois Gounod, the great composer, early displayed musical genius. He entered the Conservatoire at the age of 20, and in the following year carried; off the great Rome prize, entitling him to residence in Italy, where he studied early Italian music. On his return to France he soon became known as a lyric composer for the stage. His successful opera of "Faust" (1859), placed him at the head of operatic composers. Other operas followed, including "Mireille" (1864), "Romeo and Juliette," "Cinq Mare, " (1877), andothers. His songs, especially " Nazareth," " There is a Green Hill Far Away,," "The Worker,"and "Serenade" (Victor Hugo), are well known, as is also his grand oratorio of "The Redemption," written for the Birmingham Festival. In 1885 his " Mors eb Vita" was produced at the Albert Hall, London, and a second performance, by special command of the Queen, who was present, a second performance) took place in 1886. It has since been produced many times, including in Australasia. M. Gounod's -latest opera is "Charlotte Corday." At one time he was great Mends with the celebrated Mrs. Weldon, but eventually they quarelled ; she went to law and won, and M. Gounod left England for the Continent.