This recent production by the San Francisco Opera of Boito's Mefistofele is a spirited and earthy rendition, enlivened by the flamboyant performance of Samuel Ramey in the lead. First popularized by Christopher Marlowe in 1588, and later immortalized by Goethe, the legend of Faust has been the basis for many stories, plays, operas, and films over the centuries. In this version, an angelic chorus opens the opera, and is interrupted by the arrival of Mefistofele, clad in red, sporting a cigarette, dancing a little jig. After a few words with the Almighty, in which Mefistofele complains that feeble Man is no longer worth the bother of tempting, a wager is struck between God and the devil over the soul of Faust. From the temptation of Act I, we watch as Faust (Dennis O'Neill) strikes his infamous bargain with the devil, pursues the hand of the virtuous Margherita (Gabriela Benackova) in Act II, falls from grace in Act III, and finally redeems himself in Act IV. Throughout, the costumes and sets are well suited to the story (though some may be surprised at the brief nudity in Act II's dance of the witches and warlocks, as well as the rather suggestive dances in the opening act's Easter Sunday parade). Visually and musically rich and true to the Faust legend, this colorful, large scale production of Boito's Mefistofele is highly recommended. (See A GIRL OF THE LIMBERLOST for availability.)
Mefistofele
(1989) 159 m. $39.95 ($49.95 w/public performance rights). Public Media/Home Vision. Vol. 5, Issue 10
Mefistofele
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