Gounod, Charles Fran�ois 1818-93
French composer

Born in Paris, he studied at the Paris Conservatoire and in Rome. He became organist of the Church of the Missions Etrang�res, Paris, where his earliest compositions, chiefly polyphonic in style, were performed. His major works include the comic opera Le M�decin malgr� lui (1858, 'The Mock Doctor') and Faust (1859). He also published hymns, masses, and anthems, and was popular as a songwriter. He fled to England during the Franco-Prussian War (1870). He was a member of the Institute (1866) and a commander of the French Legion of Honour (1877).