Synopsis: Faust
Act I
Alone in his study, the aging and disillusioned philosopher Faust is in despair; his life-long search for eternal youth has yielded nothing, and has only caused him to miss out on life and love (Rien! En vain j’interroge – “Nothing! I have searched in vain”). He raises a poisoned goblet to his lips, but hesitates when he hears the carefree singing of merrymakers. Cursing, the envious Faust invokes Satan. Méphistophélès appears (Me voici – “I am here”) and, with a tempting image of Marguerite, persuades Faust to accept his services on Earth in exchange for Faust’s soul in Hell. Faust’s goblet of poison is magically transformed into an elixir of youth, transforming the aged doctor into a handsome young gentleman; the strange companions then set out into the world.
The townsfolk gather in a tavern. A chorus of students, soldiers and villagers start the revelry with a lively song (Vin ou Bière – “Wine or Beer”). Marguerite’s brother, Valentin, asks God to protect the girl when he goes off to war (Avant de quitter ces lieux – “Before leaving this place”). Méphistophélès appears, interrupting the party with a rousing, irreverent song of his own – a rude hymn in praise of greed and gold (Le veau d’or – “The golden calf”). Méphistophélès maligns Marguerite and the outraged Valentin draws his sword, but it shatters in mid-air. Faust approaches Marguerite, but she refuses to allow him to escort her. The villagers return, and Méphistophélès whips the crowd into a frenzy.
INTERMISSION
Act II
Siébel, who is in love with Marguerite, tries to collect a bouquet for her, but every flower he touches withers – until he dips the hand cursed by Méphistophélès in holy water (Faites-lui mes âveux – “Make her my confession”). He shyly leaves the flowers for her to find. Determined to help Faust win Marguerite, Méphistophélès leaves to find a gift which will outshine Siébel’s. Faust sings a tribute to Marguerite’s simple home (Salut, demeure chaste et pure – “I greet you, home chaste and pure”). Méphistophélès returns with a box of exquisite jewels to tempt Marguerite. He and Faust conceal themselves as she enters, pondering her brief encounter with Faust (Il était un roi de Thulé – “He was a king of Thulé”). Marguerite tries on the jewels and is captivated by how they enhance her beauty (Ah! je ris de me voir – “Ah, I laugh to see myself”). Marthe, Marguerite’s neighbour, notices the jewelry and says it must be from an admirer. Méphistophélès and Faust join the women in the garden and romance them. As night falls, Marguerite confesses her love but demurely persuades Faust to leave. As he is about to comply, Méphistophélès sends him back and laughs with derision as Faust and Marguerite are drawn irresistably together.
INTERMISSION
Act III
Marguerite, now pregnant, seeks consolation in the church, but Méphistophélès appears and mocks her for having yielded to temptation. The church choir sings of Judgement Day as Marguerite collapses.
In the town square, the soldiers have returned home from the war (Deposons les armes…Gloire immortelle – “Put down the weapons…Immortal glory”). Valentin questions Siébel about his sister, but receives only evasive replies. Puzzled, he enters his house. Faust, remorseful at having abandoned Marguerite, arrives with Méphistophélès, who sings a mocking serenade (Vous qui faites l’endormie – “You who are supposed to be asleep”). Valentin steps forth to defend his sister’s honor, and fights a duel with Faust; Méphistophélès blocks Valentin’s sword, allowing Faust to make the fatal thrust. As the townspeople rush into the square, Méphistophélès and Faust disappear. Marguerite kneels by her dying brother, who curses her with his final breath (Écoute-moi bien, Marguerite – “Listen to me well, Marguerite!”).
Marguerite lies in prison, condemned to death for the murder of her illegitimate child. Méphistophélès and Faust arrive to rescue her. As Méphistophélès keeps watch, Faust wakens Marguerite; she is overjoyed to see him, but instead of fleeing, she pauses to recall their first days of happiness (Oui, c’est toi que j’aime – “Yes, it is you that I love”). When Méphistophélès emerges from the shadows urging haste, Marguerite calls on the angels to save her (Anges purs, anges radieux – “Angels pure, angels radient”). Méphistophélès pronounces the couple condemned, but a heavenly choir proclaims their salvation.
