Charles Gounod's Faust
Synopsis and Character Description of French Opera in Five Acts
Faust is a five-act opera. Composed by Charles Gounod (June 17, 1818 – October 18, 1893), in 1856 to 1859. Libretto was written by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré, after the play Faust et Marguerite by Michael Carré (1850) and the famous play Faust by Johann von Goethe, this one, in the French translation by Gérard de Nerval (1828). It was first performed on March 19, 1859, in Theatre-Lyrique, Paris.
Faust legend has always been popular perhaps because it has been written about by prominent writers and composers. Among those who have interpreted the story are Goethe himself, Mann, Marlowe, Wilde, Berlioz, Liszt, Wagner, and of course, Gounod.
Cast of Characters of Gounod's Faust
- Faust (tenor)
- Mephistophélès (bass)
- Wagner, Faust's friend (baritone)
- Siébel, Faust's pupil (soprano)
- Marguerite (soprano)
- Valentin, soldier, marguerite's brother (baritone)
- Marthe, Marguerite's guardian (contralto or mezzo soprano)
- Chorus of young girls, laborers, students, matrons, demons, church choir, witches, queens and courtesans of antiquity, celestial voices
Plot Summary / Synopsis - Gounod's Faust
Setting in Germany, 16th century
Act I
Faust's Study
Along and depressed in his study, wants to commit suicide but hesitates when he hears an almost heart-rending chorus. Mephistophélès appears to a down-trodden Faust and with a tempting image of a beautiful young girl, Marguerite, persuades him to accept his help in exchange for services that Faust should render in the nether world. The philosopher Faust is transformed into a young nobleman, singing the pleasures of love.
Act II
At the City Gate
At the fair, a chorus of soldiers and villagers sing a drinking song. Valentin appears holding a medallion given to him by his sister Marguerite. Valentin, leaving for war, asks his friends Wagner and Siébel to protect his sister, Marguerite. Mephistophélès proposes a toast to Marguerite, which angers Valentin. He tries to strike Mephistophélès with his sword, but it shatters. Mephistophélès is joined by Faust and the villagers in a waltz but marguerite demurely refuses to take Faust's arm.
Act III
Marguerite's Garden
Siébel leaves a bouquet for Marguerite in her garden. Fausts sends Mephistophélès in search of a better gift and he brings a box of jewels. Marguerite enters, and seeing the jewels, tries them on. Mephistophélès flirts with a neighbor in order that Faust can get closer to Marguerite. She allows Faust to kiss her, and asks him to leave. He does, but returns as she leans from the window, singing of his love for her. Faust goes to her and she submits completely to his seduction.
Act IV
The Town/Marguerite's Garden
Marguerite gave birth to Faust's child and ostracized. Siebel, ever faithful, comforts her. Marguerite tries to pray but is stopped by the mockery of Mephistophélès. As the chorus sings the Dies Irae, she begs for pardon, but in vain. Valentin returns and learning what has happened to his sister, challenges Faust to a duel. He is killed, and with his dying breath he damns her sister to hell.
Act V
On Walpurgisnacht / A Prison
Mephistophélès and Faust are at a Walpurgis Night (Nuit de Walpurgis) feast when Faust is mesmerized by witches and all other antiquity courtesans. Then he sees a vision of Marguerite and asks to see her. He enters the prison where she is being held for killing her child. As Faust urges her to go away with him Marguerite recognizes the dangerous Mephistophélès as the Devil. She hallucinates that Faust's hands are covered in blood, rejects him, and faints. Mephistophélès cries out that Faust has been judged. Faust prays, as Marguerite's soul goes to heaven.
Sources:
Concise Guide to Opera, edited by Amanda Holden, Penguin (2005)
Opera, by Clive Griffin, Focus Publishing/Harper Collins (2007
The Da Capo Opera by Nicholas Ivor Martin, Da Capo Press (1997)
Charles Gounod's Opera Faust
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