French composer, Charles Gounod (1818-1893) was a prominent composer in his day, best remembered for his Ave Maria and opera Faust. 1890 saw the premiere of his Brief Mass. This work helped establish Gounod as a noteworthycomposer. Despite being a minor composer to us today, Gounod was famed in his day, so much so that at his funeral, Camille Saint-Saëns played the organ and Gabriel Fauré conducted. Gounod's Brief Mass proves the composer'sextraordinary talent and caught the attention of much of Paris when it was first performed, composed for SATB choir, solo voices and organ or piano accompaniment. For all aspiring choirs, Gounod's Brief Mass is an imperative,sublime addition to the repertoire.