Faust – Méphistophélès’s Act II aria ‘Le veau d’or’ (Erwin Schrott; The Royal Opera)

Disillusioned with life, the aged philosopher Faust calls upon Satan to help him. The devil Méphistophélès appears and strikes a bargain with the philosopher: he will give him youth and the love of the beautiful Marguerite, if Faust will hand over his soul.

Gounod's Faust (1859) was one of the world's most popular operas from the 1860s to World War II, and remains a core repertory work. The story, adapted by Gounod's librettists Jules Barbier and Michel Carré from Carré's play Faust et Marguerite, is based on Part I of Goethe's epic poem Faust, which was a major inspiration for many composers during the 19th century and beyond. Gounod added a ballet to Act V when Faust received its first Paris Opéra staging in 1869.

David McVicar's wonderfully theatrical production draws insightful parallels between Faust and Gounod, a composer torn between piety and worldly and romantic success. Sets and costumes by Charles Edwards and Brigitte Reiffenstuel pay tribute to the art and architecture of 1870s Paris, and include a colourful Cabaret d'Enfer, a run-down tenement block and re-creations of a box from the Paris Opéra and the organ loft of Notre-Dame. The variety of settings mirrors the variety in Gounod's score, highlights of which include Méphistophélès's demonic aria 'Le veau d'or', Marguerite's dazzling coloratura Jewel Song, the Act IV Soldiers' Chorus and Act V's impassioned trio as Marguerite struggles to achieve salvation.

[RoyalBalletAndOpera]

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[iliasantonopoulos]

Faust was my first encounter with opera a few days ago. I was excited. But this performance is the one I watch again and again. Thank you!

[samcotten]

Always thought of Méphistophélès as a bigger voice, but Erwin Schrott has changed my mind! I LOVE him in this role! He’s spectacular!

[annamariabakosi]

Én a gúnyos "Ah!"-ot a zene elhalkulása után kiabálnám, h hatásosabb legyen... jó az énekes, jó a rendezés...BRAVO!

[detectiveassassin]

This aria DESPERATELY needs a metal cover.

[mikaela]

Seeing Erwin Schrott performing is on the top 5 of my bucket list

[teresagrabs]

I really wish I could find this production on DVD

[thiaratezza]

Please, do stream again! This is a masterpiece <3

[sebastianmelmoth]

One of the few times this aria was not sung like a buffa role... and actually gave me the serious creeps - as it should.

[orfeopecci]

Bravo, Erwin Schrott!!!! el mejor bajo de nuestro tiempo.

[lachicaarte]

I'm obsessed with Erwin's interpretation

[frenchpizza]

Wicked good Thanks to All. Keeping Classical Alive. Bella

[moniquesimonnet]

Quel punch ! Merci pour ce moment vivement Orange cet été pour vous retrouver en Don Giovanni

[ludwigvanbeethoven]

Look at how the Idol of the Golden Calf still holds its sway over humanity and Satan grinning gleefully joins in their dance

[maytegomez]

Where can I watch or buy this version?

[AllenJones-wp]

A virtuoso performance by Mr. Schrott, even if he sounds more baritonal than bassish. Great choreography and dancing too.

[Mousy]

just an everyday look for the costume then?

[morganicfruit]

We were forced to make an opera presentation for our music class.

[AGamerWhoplaygames]

it sound like the first hello neighbor intro.

[DarthWill]

As this is Victorian era garb, one would think that Méphistophélès was Adolfo Pirelli, da king of da barbers, da barber of kings. 😆😜