Customer Reviews

Faust / Complete Opera / 2 Cds

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Of course the sound is 1928 mono but this is the only available recording that brings us closest to what Gounod had in mind when he composed this work. His Mephistopheles is supposed to be a suave charmer, not a roaring demon as the Russians and Bulgarians have made him on other recordings. (In fact, he even makes a slip in the first line of his "Calf of Gold Song," showing even the Devil is only human!) The Faust is sung by one of a dying breed: the French spinto tenor; and while the Marguerite may be pushed to her vocal limits in the Prison Scene, "She is Marguerite" as the movie ads say. So despite the technical flaws of this recording (RCA Victor was pretty sloppy back then in the quality of what they released), this is the most authentic Faust available. Note: the only deletion from the original set of 20 78 rpms is the opening music to Act II, which here begins with the mezzo aria directly. The entire ballet music, which could be deleted with little loss, is retained.

This delicious version of Faust is the most complete on records. Authenticity is one of the finest qualities of this typically French opera usually sung by non-French singers with poor diction and diverse styles. It is hard to imagine that such an homogeneous cast could be gathered today. The extraordinary Mephistophele of Marcel Journet has never been surpassed, and the only close comparison in this role is the great Ezio Pinza. This Mephistophele is not only very well sung but also extraordinarily acted. Vezzani's Faust is so personal that it is hard to compare him with other outstanding tenors who have recorded the role (Gedda, Kraus); however, there is no doubt to qualify him at first rank. Mireille Berthon's Margueritte is very good, but she has been surpassed by other sopranos like Victoria de los Angeles. Louis Musy and Marthe Coiffier are very good as Valentin and Siebel. The quality of sound is really good for the time of the recording. If you are a French opera lover, don't miss this gem!

I must warn prospective buyers of this recording, that there is, in fact, a better, cheaper version available! Naxos Historical has released a meticulously remastered 1940 Metropolitan Opera broadcast of Faust, starring none other than that incomparable basso cantante Ezio Pinza in the role of Mephistopheles. Also, Richard Crooks' elegant portrayal of Faust, and exact observance of all of Gounod's markings, makes this recording, in my opinion, undoubtedly the best on offer!