Charles Gounod

Romeo and Juliet

Charles Gounod (1818-1893) completed the five-act opera Roméo et Juliette (Romeo and Juliet) in 1867. With a libretto by Jules Barbier and Michael Carré, the opera tells the tragic story of Shakespeare's play with little deviation. The work is well-known for the series of four duets sung by the main characters and the waltz song Ah! Je veux vivre as sung by the soprano lead. It premiered on April 27, 1867 at the Théâtre Lyrique in Paris, Adolphe Deloffre conducting. 2(2nd dPicc).2.2.2: 4.2(both dCrnt).3.0: Timp.Perc(2-4): Hp(2).Org: Str (4-4-3-3-3 in set): Vocal Soli (13 roles: SAATTTBBBBBBB): Chorus.