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Here are some interesting facts about Charles Gounod and his famous work "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel":

1. Composer Background: Charles Gounod (1818–1893) was a French composer known for his operas, religious music, and songs. He was particularly renowned during the Romantic era for his melodic skill and rich harmonies.

2. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel": While Gounod is best recognized for his operatic compositions, he also arranged various religious works, including the well-known hymn "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel." However, it's important to note that the melody itself is much older, dating back to the 15th century or possibly earlier.

3. Chorale Prelude: Gounod's arrangement of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" is not just a straightforward setting of the hymn. He used this melody in a famous chorale prelude for organ, which became part of his larger work titled "Méditation sur le Premier Prélude de Piano de S. Bach" (Meditation on the First Prelude of J.S. Bach).

4. "Méditation sur le Premier Prélude de Piano de S. Bach": Gounod's "Méditation" takes J.S. Bach's Prelude No. 1 in C Major from the "Well-Tempered Clavier" and adds the "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" melody to it. This innovative fusion of Bach's prelude with the hymn melody showcases Gounod's creativity and skill in combining musical elements.

5. Admiration for Bach: Gounod greatly admired Johann Sebastian Bach, and his use of Bach's prelude as a basis for his "Méditation" reflects his reverence for the Baroque composer.

6. Popular Arrangement: Gounod's arrangement of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" within the "Méditation" became widely popular, especially during the Christmas season, for its evocative and contemplative nature, blending the beauty of Bach's music with the poignant melody of the hymn.

These facts highlight Charles Gounod's artistic ingenuity in adapting and merging musical elements from different eras to create a piece that continues to resonate with audiences, especially during the holiday season.