Gounod's retelling of the story of a scholar who sells his soul to the Devil in return for youth and fulfilment. Much of the attention focuses on Marguerite, who is seduced by Faust, imprisoned for murdering the child she bears him, and dies. Despite criticism from Wagner and Debussy, Faust has always enjoyed great popularity. As Berlioz was quick to point out after the opera's 1859 premiere, "Faust is certainly tomorrow's success." Sung in French.
Chorus and Orchestra of the Metropolitan Opera, conductor Julius Rudel
Acts 1 and 2 8.25 Turkey Overtures
Joanne Watson investigates
Glimmerglass Opera, built in a converted turkey farm.
8.45 Act 3
9.40 The Met Opera Quiz
10.05 Acts 4 and 5 Texaco supports the Metropolitan Opera International Radio Network, which is broadcast on Radio 3 through the EBU