46th Season 2001–2002 |
Faust Music by Charles Gounod Libretto by Jules Barbier with additions by Michel Carré from the play Faust et Marguerite by Michel Carré based on the poetic drama by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe |
Scene One: Faust’s Study
Faust, an aged philosopher, has grown weary of life in his vain efforts to penetrate to a knowledge of the real essence of things. His latest vigil has lasted through the night, and as he sees the light of a new day he seizes a cup of poison to put an end to his existence. As he raises the cup, the song of a group of maidens floats through the window, celebrating the joy of living and the beauty of nature. Faust’s hand trembles, but again he lifts the cup, only to pause again to listen to the song of the reapers going into the fields to work, singing their gratitude to God. Enraged past endurance, Faust curses all that is good and summons Satan to his aid. Méphistophélès appears. He offers gold, glory, and power; but they are declined. Faust craves youthfulness, with its desires, passions, and delights. Méphistophélès promises him all, and when Faust hesitates, inflames his ardor with a vision of the maiden that will be his. The compact is signed—Méphistophélès is to serve Faust here, but the roles are to be reversed below.
Scene Two: The Village
Soldiers, students, old men, maids, and masters sing their pleasures at the town fair. Valentin, a soldier who is about to go to the wars, gives his sister to the care of Siébel, who loves her. Wagner, a student, attempts to sing a song, but is interrupted by Méphistophélès’s who sings a song of his own. Méphistophélès’s accepts a cup of wine. Displeased with the taste, he causes a better vintage to flow. He proposes the health of Marguerite, and Valentin tries to protest the insult with his sword. Marguerite passes by on her way home from church. She declines Faust’s offer to escort her. Faust becomes even more enamored of the maiden he saw in the vision.
Scene Three: Marguerite’s House and Garden
Faust and Méphistophélès conceal themselves in the garden of Marguerite’s home, having placed a casket of jewels beside a modest bouquet of flowers left on the threshold by Siébel. Marguerite enters, and alternately sings stanzas of a ballad and speaks her amazed curiosity about the handsome stranger who had addressed her in the village. She finds the jewels and ornaments herself while singing of her delight. She is interrupted by Faust and Méphistophélès, who draws away Marthe, the neighborhood gossip, so that Faust may woo Marguerite with successful ardor.
Act II
Scene One: Outside the Church
Marguerite seeks consolation in religious worship, but Méphistophélès is at her side even in the cathedral. His taunts and the accusing chant of a choir of demons interrupts her prayers. The devil reveals himself and Marguerite falls into a swoon.
Scene Two: The Village
The deceived maiden is jeered at and mocked by her former companions and is comforted by Siébel. She has become the talk of the town and evil reports reach the ears of her brother Valentin on his return with the victorious soldiers. Valentin confronts Faust as Méphistophélès sings a ribald serenade at Marguerite’s door. Faust and Valentin fight; through the machinations of Méphistophélès, Valentin is mortally wounded. He dies, denouncing the conduct of Marguerite and cursing her for having brought death upon him.
Scene Three: Prison and Finale
The distraught Marguerite has slain her child and now lies in prison awaiting death. Faust enters and tries to persuade her to fly with him. She has lost touch with reality, and can think only of the scenes of their first meeting and the love-making in the garden. She turns in horror from Faust when she sees his companion, Méphistophélès. Marguerite falls on her knees and implores the pardon of heaven. She sinks lifeless to the floor. Méphistophélès pronounces her damned, but a voice from on high proclaims her saved. Celestial voices sing a hymn as a band of angels bear the soul of Marguerite heavenward.
