Charles-François GOUNOD (1818-1893)
October 2018
(b.Paris, 17 June 1818; d.Saint-Cloud, 18 October 1893)
The bicentenary of Gounod’s birth fell this summer. We show here a few items relating to his years based in London, 1870-1874.
Gallia. First edition of the vocal score of the choral ‘lamentation for France’ composed for the opening of the London International Exhibition of 1871. Gounod conducted the premiere at the Royal Albert Hall at the concert following the exhibition’s opening ceremony, 1 May 1871. This was to lead to the formation of the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society under Gounod’s conductorship.
Programme for Sir Julius Benedict’s Annual Concert at the Floral Hall, Covent Garden, 31 May 1871. This very early appearance by Gounod in his four-year London period includes what is probably his first work for the soprano Georgina Weldon and the first performance of his duet La Siesta.
Carte de visite photograph by the London Stereoscopic & Photographic Company, [c.1872].
Programme for a Gounod Festival Concert at the Crystal Palace, 27 July 1872. Gounod conducted eight of his works, including one first performance. The Albert Hall Choir, founded under Gounod as the Royal Albert Hall Choral Society in 1871, was to be renamed the Royal Choral Society in 1888.
