My Beloved Spake was composed in 1871/72 when Gounod was living in London. The text is taken from 'The Song of Solomon' and the style is lyrical and dramatic, with a passionate cello line and strongly supportive piano accompaniment partnering the operatic-style solo soprano. Although out of print for many years, this is a beautiful scena which has great appeal for performers and audiences alike.

The song is also known as 'Une Bouche Aimee', in a version for soprano, double bass and piano by Giovanni Bottesini (1821-1889), published by Recital Music. Bottesini transposed it into a lower key and with new words by an unknown poet.

Charles Gounod (1818-1893) was one of the leading French composers of the 19th-century, producing a wealth of vocal and choral music. His opera 'Faust' is still in the repertoire today but he is probably best known for 'Ave Maria' which adds a solo vocal line to Bach's C major Prelude, and has been arranged for almost every conceivable instrument, including double bass.