Faust

Ever since it opened the Metropolitan Opera in 1883, Gounod’s operatic adaptation of Goethe’s immortal tragedy has been an audience favorite. Throughout, the score juxtaposes poignant lyricism with playful melody, martial vigor with scintillating drama—not to mention some of the most popular arias in the French repertoire. In this performance from 1964, celebrated conductor Fausto Cleva leads some of the era’s most exciting artists. Tenor Barry Morell sings the title role, an aging philosopher yearning for a new lease on life. He meets his match in the suave yet sinister Méphistophélès of bass Cesare Siepi, who gives Faust that second chance in exchange for his soul. Rounding out the principal trio, the radiant soprano Anna Moffo is Marguerite, the unfortunate victim of circumstance who ultimately receives redemption in the opera’s glorious finale.