Last performed in 1996
Synopsis | Smart Guide
| Program
Synopsis
Act I, Scene 1 – Faust's study
Faust, renowned doctor of philosophy, laments the vanity of human learning, which has brought him nothing but despair. Tempted to end his misery with poison as morning dawns, he is distracted by the sounds of maidenly laughter and hymns to God outside. In a rage, he curses human science, prayer, and faith, shouting, "Appear, O Satan!" To his surprise, his invocation produces Mephistopheles, an emissary of Satan dressed as a nobleman. He offers Faust all wealth, power, and glory in exchange for his soul. It is youth and the vision of a beautiful maiden, Marguerite, however, that finally persuade the doctor to agree to Mephistopheles' compact. According to the terms of the bargain, Mephistopheles will serve Faust on earth, granting his desire for youth and pleasures, but in death will deliver his soul to hell, where the relationship will be reversed. The two drink to life and rapture, and as Faust drains the goblet, he is transformed into a young man who leaves in the company of Mephistopheles in search of Marguerite.
Act I, Scene 2 – The town square
Soldiers and townspeople celebrate at a gala town fair. Valentine, a young officer about to leave for war, prays for his sister Marguerite, committing her to the care of his friend Siebel, who loves her. Wagner, a student, begins the rousing "Song of the Rat" which is interrupted by the appearance of Mephistopheles, who sings his own "Song of the Golden Calf," leading the men in its chorus. Mephistopheles then displays his sinister power to the amazement of the onlookers. When he makes a brazen toast to the health of Marguerite, Valentine angrily draws his sword, which is shattered by the magic circle that the demon has inscribed around himself. Thus recognizing the power of Satan, the frightened soldiers leave, their sword hilts raised for protection. As the merriment resumes, Marguerite, passing by on her way home from church, declines Faust's offer to escort her, leaving him even more infatuated with her beauty.
Act II – Marguerite's garden
Siebel watches in dismay as the bouquet he has brought to leave on Marguerite's doorstep withers as if touched by some sorcerer's spell. The spell is broken, however, when he dips his fingers in holy water. As he departs, Faust and Mephistopheles arrive to place a casket of glittering jewels on the threshold and then conceal themselves in the garden. Marguerite enters and seats herself at a spinning wheel, where she sings an old ballad and then muses on the handsome stranger whom she saw at the fair. Finding the jewels, she excitedly adorns herself with them, expressing her delight until she is interrupted by her neighbor Marthe, the neighborhood gossip. Faust and Mephistopheles appear, and the latter draws Marthe aside while Faust ardently pursues Marguerite.
Act III, Scene 1 – A cathedral
Marguerite prays for forgiveness of sin, but Mephistopheles taunts her even during her repentance, producing accusing demon voices amid the chant of a choir. When he finally reveals himself as Satan, Marguerite swoons.
Act III, Scene 2 – The street outside Marguerite's house
Victorious soldiers return from the war. Valentine learns of his sister's disgrace from the reluctant Siebel. Defending the honor of his sister, Valentine confronts Faust and Mephistopheles outside her house, where Mephistopheles sings a ribald serenade. The men fight, and through the interference of Mephistopheles, Valentine is mortally wounded by Faust. The dying Valentine curses Marguerite for the shame she has brought upon him and blames her for his death.
Act IV – A prison cell
The imprisoned Marguerite awaits death for having slain her own infant in a fit of insanity. Faust enters to urge her to escape with him, but in her distraction she cannot understand his pleas, her befuddled mind reverting to their meeting and courtship. The appearance of Mephistopheles repulses the horrified Marguerite from her lover. She falls upon her knees, imploring heaven for mercy and finally sinking upon the floor in death. Mephistopheles thunders her eternal damnation, but heavenly voices resound her deliverance. Chanting an Easter hymn of resurrection, angels bear Marguerite heavenward as Mephistopheles drags Faust to hell.