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Faust
Opera in 5 acts
Music by Charles Gounod
Libretto by
Jules Barbier
& Michel Carré
First Performance: Théâtre Lyrique, Paris, 19 March 1859
Cast:
Faust Lyric tenor
Mephistophèles Bass or bass-baritone
Marguerite Lyric soprano
Valentin Baritone
Marthe Mezzo soprano or
contralto
Siebel Mezzo soprano
or contralto
Wagner Baritone
Chorus: SSAATTBB
Ballet: Waltzes in the Kermesse scene, large ballet in Walpurgis Night
scene.
Background
Synopsis
Act
I. Dr. Faust's study. The old philosopher sells his soul to
Mephistophèles for the promise of youth and the possession of
Marguerite.
Act II. A street fair - the Kermesse. Rejuvenated, he is led to
Marguerite by the devil.
Waltz:
Act III. Marguerite's garden. Margaret quickly forgets a bouquet
from Siebel (entrusted with her welfare by her soldier brother Valentin)
in excitement over a casket of jewels placed on her doorstep by
Mephistophèles. Encouraged by her neighbor Marthe, and bewitched by a
spell wrought by Mephistophèles, she succumbs to Faust.
Act IV.
Faust, challenged to a duel by Valentin, who has returned from war,
kills him and flees, leaving Marguerite to her fate. She bears Faust's
child and, in shame, kills it.
Act V. Maguerite's prison cell. Condemned to death, she languishes
half-crazed in prison, from which the repentant Faust seeks to abduct
her. But Marguerite recognizes the evil spirit that guides Faust and
renounces her love. Commending her soul to heaven, she dies as a chorus
of angels proclaims her salvation and Mephistophèles constrains Faust to
keep his fatal bargain
Libretto
Links
Last updated: January 22, 2008