Gounod - Faust (Met, 2011, Kaufmann, Pape) (320kbps .mp3)
When the New York Metropolitan Opera opened in 1883 the very first opera to be staged was Gounod's Faust and it has been enormously popular there ever since. It tells the famous story of Dr Faust and how he sells his soul to the devil, Mephistopheles, in order to regain his youth. It's the opera that features in the plot of 'Phantom of the Opera' and it's music includes some very famous numbers, including the 'Jewel Song' and the Soldiers Chorus. Initially something of a failure, Gounod's Faust has been providing a great night out at the opera (and a great challenge to star singers) ever since its first revival in 1863 and will no doubt do so for many years to come.
This performance from the Met archive was first broadcast in December 2011, and this evening is presented by Mary-Jo Heath with guest commentator Ira Siff.
01. Gounod - Faust - Acts I and II
01a. Gounod - Faust - Introductory commentary
01b. Gounod - Faust - Commentary after Act II
02. Gounod - Faust - Act III
02a. Gounod - Faust - Commentary after Act III
03. Gounod - Faust - Acts IV and V
Faust.....Jonas Kaufmann (tenor)
Méphistophélès.....René Pape (bass)
Marguerite.....Marina Poplavskaya (soprano)
Valentin.....Russell Braun (baritone)
Wagner.....Jonathan Beyer (baritone)
Siébel.....Michèle Losier (mezzo-soprano)
Marthe Schwerlein.....Wendy White (mezzo-soprano)
New York Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus
Conductor.....Yannick Nézet-Séguin
