Charles Gounod (goo-NOE) was born in Paris. His father was an artist and his mother a good pianist who gave him lessons. His early compositions were mostly sacred. The Sanctus from his best known Mass, the Messe solennelle de Saint Cécile, is one of his most popular sacred compositions.  He studied for the priesthood, but did not become ordained. He wrote an Ave Maria melody to be played with Bach's C major Prelude. This is usually called the "Bach - Gounod Ave Maria" and is still frequently played in churches.

The Funeral March of a Marionette was originally written as a movement for a Suite Burlesque, which was never finished. The music indicates that two of the members of Marionette Troupe have had a duel and one of them has been killed. The funeral procession marches toward the cemetery.

The music takes on a cheerful spirit when the weary marchers stop at a wayside inn to refresh themselves and praise the virtues if their deceased comrade. They get into place again and the procession marches into the cemetery. The closing is intended to reflect upon the briefness and weariness of life, even for marionettes.

The Funeral March is a favorite with children. However, they tell me that rather than being shot, the Marionette got tangled up in his strings and choked to death. The music is a favorite selection for children's concerts.

The Funeral March became famous in 1955 when used as the theme song for the Alfred Hitchcock TV mystery series.

Gounod is chiefly remembered for two operas - Romeo and Juliet and Faust. The latter was by far his most famous opera. By 1975 there had been more than 2,000 performances of Faust at the Paris Opéra, not counting performances in other theaters. The Faust opera is based on the German legend of a learned doctor, Faust, who sold his soul to the devil - Mephistophles.  In exchange for his soul, he received youth, wealth, knowledge and magical powers. But in fact, his life was filled with one tragedy after another. A bargain with the devil will never be a bargain!