Gounod: Faust
Airs Saturday. September 11, 6:30 p.m.

James Valenti, Faust
Maureen O'Flynn, Marguerite
Chester Patton, Méphistophélès

Faust - What's the Story?
Gounod's famous opera is based on the German legend in which Dr. Faust makes a pact with the Devil in order to gain knowledge. Gounod based his opera on the first part of Goethe's famous version of the legend. In Geothe's play and Gounod's Opera, Faust gives his soul to the Devil, Méphistophélès, in exchange for attaining the zenith of human happiness. Faust's quest leads him into a destructive and lustful relationship with an innocent young woman, Marguerite (Gretchen in Geothe's play). Read the full synopsis.

Watch:
Act I Slide Show
Act II Slide Show
Act III  Slide Show

About the Composer/ Historical Background
Charles Gounod (1818-1893) was one of France’s premiere composers, standing alongside Jules Massenet and Jacques Meyerbeer. Born in 1818, he won the prestigious Prix de Rome before he was 20. But during his studies in Rome he focused not on the composition of opera, but on sacred music. Indeed, throughout his life, Gounod was fascinated with religious music. In 1843, he returned to Paris and took the position as organist of Mission Etrangères. Later that year he wrote the mass "Messe Sollennelle," which launched his reputation as a noteworthy composer. Read more about Gounod.

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