Who's behind the notes? Discover Charles Gounod: The French Master of Opera and Sacred Music
Composed during Gounod's residency at Villa Medici after winning the Prix de Rome, "Le soir" exemplifies early French Romantic mélodie. Its long, lyrical vocal line floats above chromatic piano harmonies, setting Lamartine's contemplative poem about evening. Though Gounod later rearranged it for solo piano, this 1840s original remains his most acclaimed song.