Faust: A Lyric Drama in Five Acts

Name: Faust: A Lyric Drama in Five Acts
Author: Charles Gounod

By Charles Gounod

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About This Book

The libretto dramatizes a learned man's despair and his pact with a demonic tempter who offers youth and worldly delights. His ensuing relationship with an innocent woman, the social consequences, and his pursuit of transcendence are depicted across five acts of choral and solo numbers. The work juxtaposes public spectacle and private torment to explore temptation, guilt, and redemption, using arias, ensembles, and dramatic stagecraft. This edition presents both English and French texts and includes a selection of principal arias for performance.

About the Author

Charles Gounod

Charles Gounod was a prominent French composer, best known for his operas and sacred music. Born in 1818, he gained fame with his opera "Faust," which remains a staple of the operatic repertoire. Gounod's work is characterized by its lyrical melodies and rich harmonies, reflecting the Romantic style of his time. In addition to his operatic contributions, he wrote numerous sacred works, including the famous "Ave Maria." His autobiographical writings, such as "Charles Gounod / Autobiographical Reminiscences with Family Letters and Notes on Music," provide insight into his life and artistic journey, showcasing his influence on the development of French music.