econd pathetic in character, forming a contrast
of great power and beauty.

The tenth and closing number, "Quando corpus morietur," for quartet and
chorus, is constructed substantially upon the same themes which appeared
in the "Stabat Mater," and closes with an "Amen" of a massive character,
exhibiting astonishing contrapuntal skill. One of the best English
critics says of the whole work:--

"The 'Stabat Mater' approaches as near to greatness as possible, if it
be not actually destined to rank among world-renowned masterpieces. It
is fresh and new, while in harmony with the established canons of art;
and though apparently labored and over-developed in places, speaks with
the force and directness of genius."

GOUNOD.

Charles Francois Gounod was born in Paris, June 17, 1818. His fame has
been made world-wide by the extraordinary success of his opera "Faust,"
and yet more than almost any other operatic composer of modern times he
has devoted himself to sacred music. His earlier studies were pursued in
Paris at the Conservatory, under the tuition of Paer and Lesueur, and in
1839 the receipt of the Grand Prix gave him the coveted opportunity to go
to Italy. In the atmosphere of Rome religious influences made a strong
impression upon him. He devoted himself assiduously to the study of
Palestrina, and among his first important compositions were a mass
performed at the Church of San Luigi dei Francesi in 1841, and a second,
written without accompaniment, which was given in Vienna two years later.
On his return to Paris, religious ideas still retained their sway over
him, and he became organist and conductor at the Missions etrangeres. He
even contemplated taking orders, and attended a theological course for
two years. In 1846 he became a pupil at the Seminaire; but at last he
gave up his priestly intentions and devoted himself wholly to musical
composition, though he has been, if not a devotee, a religious enthusiast
all his life, and that too in the midst of a peculiarly worldly career.
It was about this period that he wrote his "Messe Solenelle" in G,--the
first of his compositions that was ever produced in England. It was
cordially received, and he was universally recognized as a promising
musician. For many years succeeding this event he devoted himself mainly
to secular music, and opera after opera rapidly came from his
pen,--"Sappho" (1851); "Nonne Sanglante" (1854);