Verdi librettist Arrigo Boito sought recognition as a composer in his own right, but his only completed opera, Mefistofele, was a failure at its 1868 premiere, and he never finished another. Mefistofele serves up an episodic take on the Faust legend in which the Devil wagers with God that he can win the soul of a scholar. Although the Devil initially appears successful, the philosopher Faust hesitates after witnessing the plight of the lovely Margherita, who refuses to submit to Mefistofele's blandishments, and despite a romantic interlude with none other than Helen of Troy, Faust will eventually turn to Heaven and be saved. Although never a first-tier staple in the repertory, Mefistofele can still shine, as it does in this 2013 San Francisco Opera production featuring the lavish sets and costumes of Robert Carsen's 1988 version, revived by Laurie Feldman. The vocalism is splendid, with Ildar Abdrazakov masterful in the title role and Ramón Vargas and Patricia Racette equally fine as Faust and Margherita/Helen, while the San Francisco Opera Orchestra responds with vigor under the guidance of Nicola Luisotti. Mefistofele may never rival Gounod's Faust in popularity, but this release is a sterling showcase, comparable to the touchstone Samuel Ramey mounting (VL-1/91) in overall quality while representing a significant improvement in visual and sonic terms (as in the Ramey staging, this one also features some fleeting nudity in Act II). Presented in DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and PCM stereo on Blu-ray, this is highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
Mefistofele
(2013) 145 min. In Italian w/English subtitles. DVD: 2 discs, $39.99; Blu-ray: $39.99. EuroArts/Unitel Classica (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 30, Issue 1
Mefistofele
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