Saint Francois d'Assise (Gounod)

Saint Francois d'Assise is an opera in five acts by Charles Gounod. The libretto was written by Michel Carré and Jules Barbier. The opera tells the story of St. Francis of Assisi and focuses on his spiritual journey, his love for nature, and his dedication to serving the poor and sick.

The opera premiered posthumously on October 31, 1921, at the Théâtre National de l'Opéra in Paris. It was not initially a success and is rarely performed in its entirety due to its length and staging demands. However, excerpts and individual arias are occasionally performed.

The music of Saint Francois d'Assise is characteristic of Gounod's late style, marked by a devotional and lyrical quality. It features extended choral passages and emphasizes the spiritual and emotional aspects of the story. The opera explores themes of faith, humility, and the beauty of creation. While less well-known than Gounod's Faust, Saint Francois d'Assise represents a significant work within his operatic output, offering a musical interpretation of the life of a revered saint.