Opera Guide and Synopsis: Faust, by Charles Gounod

There are many works for the theatre based on the Faust legend; among the most well-known is the opera Faust by the French composer Charles Gounod. The story is based on the first part of the play Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The primary librettist, Jules Barbier, had offered a libretto on the subject to the German composer Giacomo Meyerbeer, but it was refused; the sole contributions of the second librettist, Michael Carré, appear to be the aria "Calf of Gold" and a version of the King of Thule song from his play Faust and Marguerite. Much of the philosophy of Goethe's original, which is retained in Arrigo Boito's opera Mefistofele, is lost in Gounod's version.

Faust was first performed in Paris on March 19, 1859. Like many famous works, Faust is said to have been a failure at its premiere; it is impossible for modern listeners, it seems, to fathom that people of an earlier time might have had tastes as discerning as ours. In any case, while the work was not an immediately overwhelming success, it received fifty-seven performances in 1859 alone and received slow but steady popularity and acclaim.

Characters in Faust

• Dr. Faustus, an old philosopher (Tenor)
• Mephistopheles, the Devil (Bass)
• Valentine, a soldier (Baritone)
• Marguerite, his sister (Soprano)
• Siebel, in love with Marguerite (Mezzo-soprano or soprano)
• Marthe, Marguerite's neighbor and former guardian (Mezzo-soprano)
• Wagner, a student (Baritone)

Synopsis of Faust

The story takes place in the sixteenth century.

Act I-Faust's Study in Wittenberg, Germany

Faust describes his frustration with philosophy; he has sought knowledge, but it has brought him nothing. He seeks death, but the voices of people praising God disrupt his attempt to poison himself. Doubting God's existence, Faust calls on the Devil.

Mephistopheles appears in the form of a gentleman, offering Faust anything he desires. Faust wishes for youth. Mephistopheles shows him a vision of Marguerite and tempts him to sign a contract with the Devil: on Earth, Mephistopheles will serve Faust, but Faust's soul will be forfeit. Faust agrees, and is transformed into a young man.

Act II-Village Fair in Leipzig

Valentine prepares to go to war and worries about who will care for Marguerite (Avant de quitter ces lieux). Wagner begins his own song ("Song of the Rat"), but is interrupted by Mephistopheles, who claims to know a better one ("Calf of Gold"). Mephistopheles conjures up a fine wine and toasts Marguerite; Valentine challenges him, but the Devil makes his sword snap in two. The villagers defend themselves against the Devil by making the sign of the cross with their swords.

Mephistopheles is left alone, and Faust enters, asking for Marguerite. There is a waltz, and Marguerite enters. He asks her to dance; she refuses, but he still falls instantly in love.

Act III-Marguerite's Garden

Siebel enters with flowers for Marguerite ("The Flower Song"); he has been worried by Mephistopheles, who prophesied that every flower Siebel touches will wither. He notices that the flowers have withered, and picks new ones. Faust and Mephistopheles enter, and he flees.

Faust is enchanted by Marguerite's environment, beautiful yet simple (Salut demeure-"All hail thou dwelling pure and lowly"). Mephistopheles leaves a box of jewels by Marguerite's door, and they leave.

Marguerite sits at her spinning wheel and sings a ballad ("King of Thule"), full of interruptions about the young man she just met. She finds the flowers and then Mephistopheles' jewels; she puts on the jewelry and admires her beauty ("The Jewel Song").

Marthe enters, and Mephistopheles attempts to seduce her while Faust spends time with Marguerite. They express their love for each other. It grows late, and Faust tries to leave, but Mephistopheles points out Marguerite in her window, still thinking about her new love. Faust rushes in and embraces her, and Mephistopheles laughs.

Act IV

(Portions of the last two acts, including the scene in Marguerite's room and the ballet scene, are often omitted or re-ordered in performance.)

Scene 1-Marguerite's Room

Marguerite, pregnant and abandoned by her lover, has been scorned by the rest of the town. Siebel tries to console her (Si le bonheur).

Scene 2-A Church

Marguerite prays for forgiveness, but Mephistopheles and his chorus of devils interrupt and mock her, and Mephistopheles damns her to hell.

Scene 3-Outside Marguerite's House

Valentine returns from the war; seeing Faust and Mephistopheles, he realizes what has happened and challenges Faust to a duel. With Mephistopheles' help, Faust stabs Valentine in the heart, then flees with the Devil. Valentine dies, cursing Marguerite.

Act V

Scene 1-Harz Mountains

Mephistopheles brings Faust to a wild Walpurgis Night festival and reveals famous beauties such as Cleopatra and Helen of Troy. But Faust has a vision of Marguerite dying and wishes to go to her.

Scene 2-Marguerite's Jail Cell

Marguerite has gone mad and is awaiting execution for murdering her child. Faust enters, and they express their love for each other. Marguerite recognizes Mephistopheles as the Devil and cries out to Heaven. She is saved by a Heavenly choir, and Mephistopheles escapes with Faust.

Sources:

• Gounod, Charles. Faust (score and libretto).
• Newman, Henry W. Stories of the Great Operas and Their Composers. Garden City: Garden City Publishing, 1930.
• Simon, Henry W. 100 Great Operas and Their Stories. Garden City: Dolphin, 1960.