Goethe's immortal drama "Faust" — with it's legendary deal with the devil — has been adapted in countless ways, from symphonic poems to rock musicals. But few if any can match the power and romance of Gounod's opera.
The libretto of Gounod's "Faust" is based on a play by Michel Carré called "Faust and Marguerite" — and the opera's insights lie as much in her story as in his. Faust makes his bargain knowing full well that he'll likely face dire consequences. Marguerite is taken unawares. Her aspirations are commonplace and defensible — she longs for meaningful love and a rewarding life. When she accepts both, and the result is a nearly unimaginable anguish, she refuses the easy way out, relying instead on faith that her innocence will also be her salvation.
On World of Opera, host Lisa Simeone presents Gounod's "Faust" from the Royal Theater in Turin, Italy. American tenor Charles Castrovono shines in the title role, alongside two Russian stars, soprano Irina Lungu as Marguerite and bass Ildar Abdrazakov as Méphistophélès. The production is led by conductor Gianandrea Noseda.
Cast:
Faust: Charles Castronovo (tenor)
Marguerite: Irina Lungu (soprano)
Méphistophélès: Ildar Abdrazakov (bass)
Valentin: Vasilij Ladjuk (baritone)
Siébel: Ketevan Kemoklidze (mezzo-soprano)
Wagner: Paolo Maria Orecchia (baritone)
Marthe: Samantha Korbey (mezzo-soprano)
Teatro Regio Orchestra and Chorus
Gianandrea Noseda, conductor
