Charles Gounod was a French composer born on June 17, 1818, in Paris. He is best known for his operas, particularly Faust, which premiered in 1859 and remains one of the most performed operas today. Gounod's music is characterized by its lyrical melodies and rich harmonies, blending elements of Romanticism with traditional forms. In addition to operas, Gounod composed sacred music, including the famous Ave Maria, which is based on Bach's Prelude No. 1 in C major. Throughout his career, Gounod contributed significantly to the development of French opera and left a lasting legacy in the world of classical music. He passed away on October 18, 1893.