Hector Berlioz’s The Damnation of Faust

To hell and back: Berlioz’s huge, flamboyant take on the Faust legend simply has to be heard to be believed.

“I shall enchant your eyes and ears…” What would you trade for your wildest dreams? In medieval Germany, the young scholar Faust makes the deadliest possible bargain, but he has one hell of a time discovering the price. Half grand opera, half roof-raising choral-orchestral spectacular, The Damnation of Faust caused a scandal at its premiere in 1846.

And make no mistake: with its supernatural story and irresistible melodies, Berlioz’s “dramatic legend” remains one of nineteenth century music’s most deliciously sinful treats. Guest conductor Dinis Souza has a special flair with choral music; tonight, with an all-star cast and the massed voices of the BBC Symphony Chorus, he launches a series of Faust-inspired classics with a masterpiece in which the Devil really does have all the best tunes.

Programme

Hector Berlioz The Damnation of Faust

Performers

Dinis Sousa conductor
Julien Dran tenor (Faust)
Gaëlle Arquez mezzo-soprano (Marguerite)
Alexandre Duhamel baritone (Mephistopheles)
Thibault de Damas bass (Brander)
BBC Symphony Orchestra
BBC Symphony Chorus