Who does not dream of being eternally young and beautiful? The wonderful story of Faust, about a scientist who sells his soul to the devil, has inspired numerous writers, poets and composers. Charles Gounod’s 1859 version is simply delightful.

DVD’s

©: Deen van Meer

If you want to see the work on screen, the choice is very limited. I myself was once absolutely blown away by Frank Van Laecke’s production at Opera Zuid, but it was not recorded. Pity.

Roberto Alagna

David McVicar, one of my beloved directors, staged the opera at London’s Royal Opera House. I saw it there, first with Roberto Alagna and then with Piotr Beczala. And to be honest: I was somewhat underwhelmed. There was very good singing, sure, but the direction disappointed me a bit.

The first performances, starring Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu, Bryn Terfel, Sophie Koch and Simon Keenlyside, were filmed for Warner (5099963161199) in 2004.

Below is Angela Gheorghiu as Marguerite, with a commentary by herself:

Francisco Araiza

And then we have the ˜enfant terrible” of the 1980s, Ken Russell ….
To be honest, I confess that I didn’t really get very far when watching this DVD (DG 0734108). I find the direction extremely irritating with all sorts of ˜inventions” and ˜symbols”, the point of which completely escapes me. Francesco Araiza was once among my favourites, and in 1983 he still sang a splendid Ferrando in ‘Cosi fan Tutte’ but in this 1985 Viennese production his voice is a fraction of what it had been. What a shame!

Alfredo Kraus

In 1973, Faust was performed in Tokyo and recorded live (VAI 4417). Renata Scotto, Alfredo Kraus, Nicolai Ghiaurov… what a cast! Mouthwatering, right? Yes and no.

Kraus is definitely ˜elegant”, but does Faust have to be elegant? Isn’t he rather a vulgar villain who just wants to cheat the pretty girl? Who wants money? And who wants to enjoy himself? Or have I misunderstood? There is also no passion in his singing and his high notes are somewhat ˜pressed”.

 But Scotto is a very moving Marguerite and Ghiaurov a more than impressive Méphistophéles.

CD’s

Nicolai Gedda

On CD, the choice is immense. How about Victoria de los Angeles and Nicolai Gedda? With Boris Christoff as the devil himself? Conducted by André Cluytens (Brilliant Classics 93964)? This makes my heart melt.

Gedda could probably be compared to Kraus, just a little, but his voice is big and his eloquence inexhaustible. And his sense of language is formidable. So please give me Gedda any day!

Gedda sings ˜Salut! Demeure chaste et pure”:

Plácido Domingo

Domingo is not really the first you think of when discussing Faust, but fortunately for the aficionado, a good studio recording of him exists. Fortunately, because in this case you can safely say it is one of the best recordings of the work (once EMI ).

The Paris Opera orchestra is conducted by Georges Pretre, one of the best conductors for the French repertoire. The cast is finger-licking good: Mirella Freni is a fragile and sensual Marguerite and Nicolai Ghiaurov a very impressive Méphistophéles. .

In the small role of Valentin, we hear none other than Thomas Allen. I have never heard  ‘Avant de quitter ces lieux’ sung more beautifully before (or since).

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