Faust

Faust rehearsals have begun. Last Monday we had our first look at the music of Gounod’s Faust (not to be confused with The Damnation of Faust by Berlioz). This production is sung in French, which can be intimidating at times, and we are fortunate to have a French teacher, Jill Marrese, in our chorus to help with the language. Jill has recorded a language tutor for each of the voice parts and that is always a great help!

Most people have heard of the phrase “he sold his soul to the devil” which is the story of the scholar Faust, his love Marguerite and the devil Mephistopheles. Faust is an aging scholar who laments that he is tired of living and welcomes death until he hears a song of springtime and praise to God. He then spurns God and calls on Satan in his despair. So begins the downward spiral of events which culminates in Marguerite being raised to Heaven after committing murder and Faust being left to serve his debt with Satan. Not exactly a happy ending; but very powerful and definitely great theater.

Personally, I believe that Satan should not be taken lightly. The story of Faust should be a warning call to all who believe they can get what they want with evil ways. Fortunately there is a moral/religious line running throughout the opera which keeps the story from being too macabre. Moral of the story: don’t mess with the devil!

I will now take up my broken sword in the sign of the cross and stride forward to the challenge of French, Faust and Mephistopheles.