Opera Club: Gounod’s ‘Faust’
All are invited to watch Gounod’s “Faust” on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 1:30 p.m. in the Learning Center of Clubhouse 3. This timeless story of good versus evil, based on Goethe’s folkloric tale of the same title, was adapted in 1809 by the composer Charles Gounod into a musical drama that continues to convey a significant philosophical and theological message for people today.
Act 1 introduces Faust, an aging scientist who bemoans his life of acquiring knowledge and his yearning for a life of youth and pleasure, calling on Mephistopheles (the Devil) with whom he makes a pact sealed by blood, to guarantee the following: Mephistopheles (the Devil) will empower Faust with youth and pleasure in this life in exchange for following the Devil in the next life.
Act 2 depicts a village celebration for Valentin’s departure for war, entrusting his innocent sister Marguerite to the protection of a young man, Siebel. Faust also approaches Marguerite but she declines his attention while being somewhat intrigued by him.
In Act 3, Siebel brings Marguerite a bouquet of flowers. As Faust is strongly attracted to Marguerite, he talks to Mephistopheles who then delivers a box of jewels that elicits Marguerite’s full attention. As she enters her garden to sort out her overwhelming emotions, Faust appears again and with Mephistopheles’ obvious assistance in a highly romantic scene, seduces her.
Act 4 reveals Valentin back from the war, finding his sister, Marguerite both abandoned and pregnant. While Siebel urges Valentin to forgive her, he learns the identity of the perpetrator and challenges Faust to a duel. When Mephistopheles intervenes, Valentin is mortally wounded and curses his sister.
In Act 5, Marguerite is imprisoned and condemned to death for killing her newborn. As Faust appears, she rejects him and appeals to heaven. As she dies, we learn that she in fact has been saved leaving only Faust alone with Mephistopheles (the Devil).
The production is in French with English subtitles. People are encouraged to wear masks indoors. No dues or fees are collected. For more information, contact Margaret Gillon at 562-370-3844 or email Margaretgi@yahoo.com. —Sylvan von Burg
